How parents and carers can support

Employer Talks

Every Friday morning during tutor time (8.30–9am), we welcome a local employer to speak to interested students in Years 9 to 13. These sessions give students a valuable opportunity to learn first-hand about different careers, pathways into specific industries, and the day-to-day realities of various job roles.

 

From hearing about personal career journeys to exploring routes into employment, training or further education, these informal talks help broaden students’ horizons and support them in making informed decisions about their futures.

We warmly welcome and encourage parents and carers of BFS students to volunteer to deliver one of these talks.

 

 

 

Careers Day & Mock Interviews

Each July, students in Years 10 and 12 take part in a dedicated Careers Day, during which their normal lessons are replaced by a range of careers-focused activities delivered by visiting speakers and volunteers. Students engage in a carousel of interactive workshops led by representatives from a variety of local employers and professions.

 

As part of the day, Year 10 students also take part in a mock interview, conducted by volunteers from the local community. We warmly invite parents and carers of BFS students to support this event by acting as mock interviewers and/or by leading one of the careers workshops. Their involvement plays a vital role in helping our students build confidence, broaden their understanding of career pathways, and prepare for future recruitment processes.

 

 

Work Experience Placements

Students in Year 10 and Year 12 take part in a three‑day work experience placement each July. These placements give students the chance to explore a workplace, gain insight into different career pathways, and develop key employability skills that support their future progression.

 

Finding meaningful and suitably varied placements for every student can be challenging. Demand for opportunities is high, and not all industries are able to offer short-term placements. This means that support from our parent and carer community is essential in helping us provide a wide range of valuable, relevant experiences for all students.

 

We therefore warmly encourage parents and carers of BFS students to support our work experience programme by offering a placement within their workplace. Even a single placement can make a significant difference to a young person’s confidence, understanding of the workplace, and readiness for future recruitment.