At Desborough College, we want every young person to leave us with the ambition, knowledge, character and confidence to make a meaningful contribution to the world beyond our College. Our vocational education is therefore an important part of our commitment to Dream and Endeavour. We encourage students to dream ambitiously about their futures, to understand the breadth of opportunities available to them and to develop the skills, qualities and resilience required to turn aspiration into achievement. Through a carefully planned programme of careers education, information, advice and guidance, students are supported to understand themselves, explore the world of work, make informed decisions and navigate the important transitions in their education and future careers.
Our programme is enriched by a strong network of employers, alumni, universities, further education providers and training organisations. These partnerships enable our students to encounter a wide range of professions, pathways and experiences, helping them to understand the changing world of work and to challenge assumptions and stereotypes about particular careers. We are keen that students develop an understanding that there is no single route to success: academic study, vocational education, apprenticeships, higher education, and employment can each provide fulfilling and successful pathways. Our aim is to raise aspirations and inspire our students to become the professionals, entrepreneurs, and contributors who will lead by example in a changing world.
At the heart of our careers provision is the Gatsby Benchmarks of Good Career Guidance, which provide a clear framework for developing a comprehensive, ambitious and coherent careers programme. Our provision encompasses the following eight areas:
1. A Stable Careers Programme
Our careers programme is designed to develop progressively as students move through our College. From developing self-awareness and an understanding of the world of work in Key Stage 3, through to researching pathways, preparing applications, and making informed decisions about further and higher education, apprenticeships and employment in Key Stages 4 and 5, students receive age-appropriate guidance at every stage.
2. Learning from Career and Labour Market Information
Students are encouraged to develop an understanding of the opportunities and challenges within the modern labour market. Regular careers information, including MyPath videos during tutor time, introduces students to different occupations and sectors, with opportunities to explore local and regional labour market information. This information is also shared with staff so that teachers can make meaningful connections between curriculum learning, transferable skills and the changing demands of the workplace.
3. Addressing the Needs of Each Pupil
We recognise that every student has different talents, interests, ambitions and circumstances. Our use of Unifrog enables students to explore their interests, strengths and possible future pathways while maintaining a record of their careers journey. Individual guidance and targeted support are provided where appropriate, with particular attention given to students who may benefit from additional support in accessing careers opportunities and making successful transitions.
4. Linking Curriculum Learning to Careers
Careers education is most powerful when students understand the relevance of what they are learning. Across the curriculum, departments are encouraged to identify and develop opportunities to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and qualities that have relevance beyond the classroom. By making these connections explicit, we help students to appreciate the purpose and value of their studies and to understand how their education can open doors to future opportunities.
5. Encounters with Employers and Employees
Students benefit from meaningful encounters with people from a wide range of professions and sectors. We invite visiting speakers, who are professionals into our College, while alumni are invited to share their experiences and pathways with our students. Mock interviews and other activities provide opportunities for students to develop confidence, communication, and professional skills while gaining a more authentic understanding of the workplace.
6. Experiences of Workplaces
Experience of the workplace is an important part of preparing young people for their futures. Work experience and work-shadowing opportunities enable students to see how the knowledge and skills developed at school are applied in professional settings. These experiences encourage independence, broaden horizons and allow students to explore areas of interest while developing the professionalism, resilience and adaptability valued by employers.
7. Encounters with Further and Higher Education
We want our students to understand the full breadth of educational and training pathways available to them. Students encounter universities, sixth-form colleges, further education providers, apprenticeship organisations, and other training providers through visits, presentations, fairs and information events. We ensure that students are able to make informed choices about academic and technical routes and understand the range of opportunities available following Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5.
8. Personal Guidance
High-quality personal guidance enables students to reflect upon their individual strengths, aspirations and ambitions and to make informed decisions about their next steps. Independent careers interviews are provided at key points in a student's journey, alongside ongoing support from staff and our wider careers network. Our aim is for every student to leave Desborough with a clear sense of direction and the confidence to take their next steps.
Explore the sections below for more information.
Our programme is enriched by a strong network of employers, alumni, universities, further education providers and training organisations. These partnerships enable our students to encounter a wide range of professions, pathways and experiences, helping them to understand the changing world of work and to challenge assumptions and stereotypes about particular careers. We are keen that students develop an understanding that there is no single route to success: academic study, vocational education, apprenticeships, higher education, and employment can each provide fulfilling and successful pathways. Our aim is to raise aspirations and inspire our students to become the professionals, entrepreneurs, and contributors who will lead by example in a changing world.
At the heart of our careers provision is the Gatsby Benchmarks of Good Career Guidance, which provide a clear framework for developing a comprehensive, ambitious and coherent careers programme. Our provision encompasses the following eight areas:
1. A Stable Careers Programme
Our careers programme is designed to develop progressively as students move through our College. From developing self-awareness and an understanding of the world of work in Key Stage 3, through to researching pathways, preparing applications, and making informed decisions about further and higher education, apprenticeships and employment in Key Stages 4 and 5, students receive age-appropriate guidance at every stage.
2. Learning from Career and Labour Market Information
Students are encouraged to develop an understanding of the opportunities and challenges within the modern labour market. Regular careers information, including MyPath videos during tutor time, introduces students to different occupations and sectors, with opportunities to explore local and regional labour market information. This information is also shared with staff so that teachers can make meaningful connections between curriculum learning, transferable skills and the changing demands of the workplace.
3. Addressing the Needs of Each Pupil
We recognise that every student has different talents, interests, ambitions and circumstances. Our use of Unifrog enables students to explore their interests, strengths and possible future pathways while maintaining a record of their careers journey. Individual guidance and targeted support are provided where appropriate, with particular attention given to students who may benefit from additional support in accessing careers opportunities and making successful transitions.
4. Linking Curriculum Learning to Careers
Careers education is most powerful when students understand the relevance of what they are learning. Across the curriculum, departments are encouraged to identify and develop opportunities to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and qualities that have relevance beyond the classroom. By making these connections explicit, we help students to appreciate the purpose and value of their studies and to understand how their education can open doors to future opportunities.
5. Encounters with Employers and Employees
Students benefit from meaningful encounters with people from a wide range of professions and sectors. We invite visiting speakers, who are professionals into our College, while alumni are invited to share their experiences and pathways with our students. Mock interviews and other activities provide opportunities for students to develop confidence, communication, and professional skills while gaining a more authentic understanding of the workplace.
6. Experiences of Workplaces
Experience of the workplace is an important part of preparing young people for their futures. Work experience and work-shadowing opportunities enable students to see how the knowledge and skills developed at school are applied in professional settings. These experiences encourage independence, broaden horizons and allow students to explore areas of interest while developing the professionalism, resilience and adaptability valued by employers.
7. Encounters with Further and Higher Education
We want our students to understand the full breadth of educational and training pathways available to them. Students encounter universities, sixth-form colleges, further education providers, apprenticeship organisations, and other training providers through visits, presentations, fairs and information events. We ensure that students are able to make informed choices about academic and technical routes and understand the range of opportunities available following Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5.
8. Personal Guidance
High-quality personal guidance enables students to reflect upon their individual strengths, aspirations and ambitions and to make informed decisions about their next steps. Independent careers interviews are provided at key points in a student's journey, alongside ongoing support from staff and our wider careers network. Our aim is for every student to leave Desborough with a clear sense of direction and the confidence to take their next steps.
Explore the sections below for more information.
Key Stage 3
Our Key Stage 3 careers programme introduces students to the breadth of the working world and encourages them to begin thinking carefully about their interests, strengths and aspirations. At this stage, the emphasis is on helping students to understand the relationship between their education and future opportunities, while encouraging them to remain curious about the many different routes their futures might take.
Students encounter universities, major employers and professionals from a range of sectors, alongside opportunities to explore the value of STEM subjects and the skills they develop. Our programme has included contributions from organisations such as the University of Reading, the NHS and Mace, helping students to see how the knowledge and skills developed through their studies can be applied in a wide variety of professional environments. Through these experiences, we encourage students to dream ambitiously while developing the habits of curiosity, confidence and endeavour that will support them throughout their education.
The impact of our careers programme is evaluated regularly through feedback from students, parents and carers, staff, employers, and other providers. This evidence is used to refine and strengthen the programme so that it continues to respond to the aspirations and needs of our students and to the changing world of work.
Students encounter universities, major employers and professionals from a range of sectors, alongside opportunities to explore the value of STEM subjects and the skills they develop. Our programme has included contributions from organisations such as the University of Reading, the NHS and Mace, helping students to see how the knowledge and skills developed through their studies can be applied in a wide variety of professional environments. Through these experiences, we encourage students to dream ambitiously while developing the habits of curiosity, confidence and endeavour that will support them throughout their education.
The impact of our careers programme is evaluated regularly through feedback from students, parents and carers, staff, employers, and other providers. This evidence is used to refine and strengthen the programme so that it continues to respond to the aspirations and needs of our students and to the changing world of work.
Key Stage 4
In Key Stage 4, our careers programme becomes increasingly focused on the important decisions students will make about their future. Students are supported to explore post-16 pathways and develop the practical skills required to progress successfully, including writing applications and personal statements, preparing CVs, developing interview skills and understanding the expectations of the workplace.
Students benefit from encounters with employers and professionals from a range of sectors, alongside opportunities to engage with further education providers, universities and apprenticeship organisations. Work experience and work-shadowing provide valuable opportunities to experience the workplace at first hand, while encounters with organisations such as the Armed Forces, Police Service and National Apprenticeship Service broaden students' understanding of the different routes available to them. We also encourage students to consider opportunities such as the National Citizen Service, supporting the development of confidence, independence, citizenship and leadership.
As students approach the end of Key Stage 4, our focus is on ensuring that each young person has the information, guidance and confidence to make an informed choice about their next steps and to approach those choices with ambition.
Students benefit from encounters with employers and professionals from a range of sectors, alongside opportunities to engage with further education providers, universities and apprenticeship organisations. Work experience and work-shadowing provide valuable opportunities to experience the workplace at first hand, while encounters with organisations such as the Armed Forces, Police Service and National Apprenticeship Service broaden students' understanding of the different routes available to them. We also encourage students to consider opportunities such as the National Citizen Service, supporting the development of confidence, independence, citizenship and leadership.
As students approach the end of Key Stage 4, our focus is on ensuring that each young person has the information, guidance and confidence to make an informed choice about their next steps and to approach those choices with ambition.
Key Stage 5
For students who continue into our Sixth Form, careers education becomes increasingly personalised and closely connected to their individual aspirations. Whether a student intends to progress to university, pursue an apprenticeship, enter employment, or follow another pathway, our aim is to ensure that they are ambitious, well prepared, and equipped to thrive beyond Desborough.
Our Sixth Form programme recognises that success in the modern workplace requires more than strong academic qualifications. Students develop the professional qualities that enable them to make a positive contribution in university, employment and wider society, including communication, collaboration, leadership, adaptability, self-management and resilience. Through professional studies, mock interviews, work experience, guidance on applications and opportunities to hear from employers and alumni, students develop a mature understanding of the expectations of the world beyond school.
For those aspiring to competitive university courses, including Oxbridge and other leading institutions, we provide appropriate guidance and preparation. For students considering apprenticeships, employment or other technical and vocational pathways, we provide equally purposeful support. Our ambition is that every student leaves the Sixth Form with the confidence, character and capability to take their next steps and to continue to Dream and Endeavour long after they have left our College.
The impact of our careers programme is evaluated regularly through feedback from students, parents and carers, staff, employers and other providers. This enables us to review the effectiveness of our provision and ensure that it continues to develop in response to the changing needs of our students and the wider world.
Our Sixth Form programme recognises that success in the modern workplace requires more than strong academic qualifications. Students develop the professional qualities that enable them to make a positive contribution in university, employment and wider society, including communication, collaboration, leadership, adaptability, self-management and resilience. Through professional studies, mock interviews, work experience, guidance on applications and opportunities to hear from employers and alumni, students develop a mature understanding of the expectations of the world beyond school.
For those aspiring to competitive university courses, including Oxbridge and other leading institutions, we provide appropriate guidance and preparation. For students considering apprenticeships, employment or other technical and vocational pathways, we provide equally purposeful support. Our ambition is that every student leaves the Sixth Form with the confidence, character and capability to take their next steps and to continue to Dream and Endeavour long after they have left our College.
The impact of our careers programme is evaluated regularly through feedback from students, parents and carers, staff, employers and other providers. This enables us to review the effectiveness of our provision and ensure that it continues to develop in response to the changing needs of our students and the wider world.
Provider Access Policy Statement
At Desborough College, we believe that students should have access to a broad and balanced understanding of the pathways available to them after leaving the College. This includes opportunities to learn about technical education, apprenticeships, further education, higher education, and employment, enabling every student to make informed decisions about their future.
We welcome appropriate engagement with universities, colleges, apprenticeship providers, employers and training organisations and provide opportunities for students to hear directly from those who can offer insight into different pathways. These encounters may take place through assemblies, presentations, careers events, options activities, group discussions, workshops, visits, and taster experiences.
The College can make appropriate facilities available for provider engagement, including the main hall, library, classrooms and interview rooms, together with audio-visual and other specialist equipment where required. Arrangements are agreed in advance with the Careers Lead and are subject to the College's safeguarding requirements and relevant policies. We seek to ensure that provider engagement is purposeful, accessible and in the best interests of our students, while offering a broad range of opportunities to help every young person make confident and informed choices about their future.
For further information about provider access or our careers programme, please contact the Careers Lead.
Careers Lead for 2026-27: Hannah Gerber, Assistant Headteacher.
We welcome appropriate engagement with universities, colleges, apprenticeship providers, employers and training organisations and provide opportunities for students to hear directly from those who can offer insight into different pathways. These encounters may take place through assemblies, presentations, careers events, options activities, group discussions, workshops, visits, and taster experiences.
The College can make appropriate facilities available for provider engagement, including the main hall, library, classrooms and interview rooms, together with audio-visual and other specialist equipment where required. Arrangements are agreed in advance with the Careers Lead and are subject to the College's safeguarding requirements and relevant policies. We seek to ensure that provider engagement is purposeful, accessible and in the best interests of our students, while offering a broad range of opportunities to help every young person make confident and informed choices about their future.
For further information about provider access or our careers programme, please contact the Careers Lead.
Careers Lead for 2026-27: Hannah Gerber, Assistant Headteacher.
