Choosing what comes after school rarely involves having all the answers early. At Oundle, we focus on helping pupils make thoughtful decisions through honest reflection, careful research and realistic planning.
Careers and higher education guidance runs steadily through School life, becoming more focused as pupils mature and their interests take shape. In the Sixth Form, this brings together academic decision-making and practical preparation, supported by regular conversations with pupils and parents.
The aim is not to push pupils towards particular outcomes, but to help them make well-judged decisions grounded in good information and honest reflection.
Self-knowledge
We encourage pupils to begin with an honest assessment of what they enjoy, where their strengths lie and how they are currently performing.
Playing to strengths matters. Pupils who choose subjects they enjoy and are good at tend to work more confidently and consistently, creating a positive cycle that supports strong outcomes.
Replace assumptions with information
Many pupils begin with ideas shaped by course titles, reputation or what simply sounds appealing.
We help them look more closely at what courses actually involve, reading detailed course content and understanding how subjects are taught and assessed. This allows pupils to make choices based on substance rather than assumption.
Keep an open mind
Lower Sixth pupils are encouraged to explore broadly at first and narrow their focus gradually.
This allows interests to develop naturally and helps prevent an early decision from subconsciously closing a door that might ultimately be the right one.
Understand how to achieve the goal
Once pupils have chosen a degree course and begun targeting specific universities, they need to understand what those universities are looking for.
Super-curricular engagement is key in the UK university sector and pupils are encouraged to explore their chosen subjects beyond the examined curriculum.
Academic and commercial skills
With the exception of a small number of vocational routes, a degree is not job training. It is about learning how to think, analyse and engage critically.
Pupils are encouraged to choose subjects they will enjoy and do well in, while using work experience, internships and wider opportunities to build their commercial profile.
Control the controllables
Any transition point can be a source of anxiety. We support pupils to explore the options ahead of them and to develop transferable skills throughout School.
However, there is also merit in pupils doing the current task as well as possible, whether that is GCSEs, A levels or a degree, and taking that success and enthusiasm forward without becoming too distracted by choices that may be two or three steps ahead.
A 16-year-old’s idea of their dream career may well have changed by the time they are 20. Good guidance is about helping pupils make thoughtful decisions at each stage, while giving them the confidence and flexibility to adapt as their interests and ambitions develop.
