Whether students are applying to universities through UCAS, pursuing international higher education, seeking Degree Apprenticeships, entering vocational training or exploring elite sporting pathways, they receive tailored guidance throughout the process.
Careers education and employability development form a central part of the student experience in the Sixth Form. A comprehensive programme of guidance, enrichment and employer engagement helps students explore career pathways, understand labour market opportunities and make informed decisions about their future. Regular careers talks, delivered by Bolton School alumni and industry professionals, provide valuable insights into a broad range of professions and sectors. Students also benefit from specialist careers events, webinars, work experience guidance and internship opportunities. Recordings of many careers events are available through the School’s online resources, creating an extensive library of careers information which students can access at any time.
The School provides students with access to a wide range of online career resources, including Unifrog and Springpod. Through these tools, students can explore career pathways, research university courses, identify and record skills and experiences, access virtual work experience opportunities and attend industry-focused webinars. Subject insight courses from leading universities provide an introduction to undergraduate study and help students make informed decisions about future academic pathways.
Students are encouraged to reflect on their strengths, interests and ambitions, with expert support available at every stage of decision-making and application preparation. Many students choose to pursue multiple pathways simultaneously and the Futures team provides individualised guidance to help them manage these opportunities effectively. Families are also closely involved throughout the process, ensuring that parents and carers feel informed, supported and confident about the options available.
The Futures team remains available throughout the Sixth Form journey to provide personalised advice and guidance. The aim is not simply to support successful applications, but to ensure that every student leaves Bolton School with the confidence, skills and knowledge required to thrive in the next stage of their education, training or career.