Careers Leader – Sophie Smith

Sophie.Smith@georgeeliotacademy.org.uk

As Careers Leader, I am responsible for designing, leading, and continuously developing the school’s careers education programme. My role involves coordinating a wide range of activities that enable pupils to explore career pathways, understand the world of work, and make meaningful connections between their learning and future aspirations.
I work closely with teaching staff, employers, training providers, and external agencies to ensure all pupils receive high-quality, impartial careers guidance. By embedding the Gatsby Benchmarks throughout our provision, I aim to equip every young person with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to make informed and ambitious decisions about their next steps.

Career Advisor – Ree Suchak

Ree.Suchak@georgeeliotacademy.org.uk 

As the Careers Advisor, I provide pupils with personalised, impartial advice and guidance to help them plan their future education, training, and career pathways. My role is centred on supporting each pupil in understanding their strengths, exploring a wide range of career options, and making informed decisions about subject choices, college courses, apprenticeships, and employment opportunities. 
I work collaboratively with staff, parents, carers, and employers to ensure that every pupil receives the support they need to realise their aspirations and feel confident in their next steps beyond school.

We greatly value the strong relationships we have with our local business community and recognise the important role employers play in preparing our pupils for life beyond school.
George Eliot Academy is committed to ensuring that their pupils have experience of the world of work and would welcome any support from local businesses. 

Please contact: sophie.smtih@georgeeliotacademy.org.uk 

Strengthening Partnerships with Employers and Industry Professionals

At George Eliot Academy, we are committed to preparing our pupils for the world of work by helping them make meaningful connections between their learning and future careers. To achieve this, we actively seek to strengthen our partnerships with local employers, businesses, and industry professionals.

Your expertise and insights can make a real difference to our pupils’ aspirations, understanding, and confidence. We would greatly value your support in any of the following areas:

• Sharing apprenticeship opportunities suitable for school leavers.
• Speaking at assemblies or classroom sessions about the value of STEM subjects and their relevance in your career.
• Delivering talks or workshops on how you apply subjects such as Maths, English, Science, or other relevant disciplines in your role.
• Participating in our Careers Fairs and Employer Encounters, showcasing your industry, career pathways, and opportunities.
• Supporting mock interviews or employability workshops, helping pupils build confidence, communication skills, and CV writing abilities.
• Offering workplace tours or site visits, giving pupils first-hand insight into your working environment and day-to-day operations.
• Engaging in mentoring sessions or small-group career talks for pupils with a particular interest in your sector.
• Collaborating on curriculum-linked projects, such as enterprise challenges or STEM-focused activities.
• Contributing to career videos or written case studies to highlight different roles and routes into your industry

If you have already supported our careers programme, thank you—we truly appreciate your involvement. We’d love to hear about your experience and how we can continue to improve. 

At George Eliot Academy, we are committed to helping our pupils discover and pursue exciting career opportunities within Warwickshire and the surrounding area. We want to work closely with employers to ensure that young people can see a future for themselves within local industries and businesses.

Many pupils choose to go to university and do not always return to the local area, which can result in the loss of valuable talent. By engaging with pupils early, or by sharing information about higher and degree apprenticeship opportunities, you can help us inspire young people to build their futures here in Warwickshire — and develop the next generation of skilled employees for your business.

Each year, we host our Careers Fair, which is open to both our pupils and the wider community. We are delighted to offer free exhibition stands for local employers who wish to promote their career pathways, apprenticeship programmes, and training opportunities. The fair usually takes place in October, and provides a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness of your organisation, meet enthusiastic young people, and help fill your future talent pipeline.

If you would like more information, please contact the careers leader: Sophie.Smith@georgeeliotacademy.org.uk 

At George Eliot Academy, we recognise that parents and carers play a vital role in supporting their child’s career choices and future aspirations. As the most influential people in a young person’s life, your guidance and encouragement can make a real difference in helping them make confident and informed decisions about their next steps.

We are here to support you as well as your child throughout this journey. We will invite you in for advisory meetings, include you in the Pathways process and organise parent information and support evenings to ensure you are informed and confident in supporting your child.

Here are some ways you can get involved and support your child’s career development:

• Talk regularly about future plans, interests, and strengths.
• Encourage exploration of different careers using trusted websites
• Attend careers events at school, such as information evenings, the Apprenticeship and Careers Fair, and employer presentations.
• Discuss subject choices and how they link to future career options.
• Support applications for work experience, apprenticeships, or part-time jobs to help build real-world skills.

Below are a range of internal and external guides that will provide you with necessary information on our careers programme offering but also on the range of pathways post 16.

Parental guidance on careers

Parental Guidance  
A parents' toolkit for career conversations

Unifrog 

At George Eliot Academy, we use Unifrog as our main online careers and destinations platform. It helps pupils explore their interests, research career pathways, and record the skills and experiences that will support their future applications. Parents and carers can play a vital role in supporting this process from home.

Below is a step-by-step guide on how you can use Unifrog to help your child plan their next steps.

Logging in

• Pupils can access Unifrog via www.unifrog.org using their school email address.
• They should already have login details — if not, please contact Sophie Smith at Sophie.smith@georgeeliotacademy.org.uk.
• Parents can also create their own login using a special sign-up code provided by the school. This gives you access to the same resources your child sees.

Explore careers and pathways 

• Click on the ‘Careers Library’ to explore hundreds of job profiles, each with information about salary, skills needed, and routes into the role.
• Use the ‘Subjects Library’ to see how school subjects connect to real-world careers.
• Browse the ‘Careers Quiz’ to help your child match their interests and strengths to potential jobs.

Research education and training routes 

• Use Unifrog to compare college courses, sixth forms, apprenticeships, and university degrees all in one place.
• Each option includes entry requirements, location, and application guidance.
• Pupils can shortlist their favourite courses or apprenticeships to review later.

Build skills and confidence 

• Encourage your child to complete the ‘Competencies’ section, where they can reflect on skills such as teamwork, leadership, and communication.
• Help them record extracurricular activities, volunteering, or part-time work under ‘Activities’ — this information can be used in CVs and applications later.

Support with applications 

• When the time comes to apply for post-16 options, Unifrog helps pupils write personal statements, apprenticeship applications, and CVs.
• Parents can review their child’s drafts and offer feedback or encouragement.
• The platform also provides tips and guides to help pupils present themselves professionally.

Talk about careers together 

• Ask your child to show you what they’ve been researching on Unifrog — it’s a great conversation starter!
• Explore career options together and discuss the skills, qualifications, and pathways they might need.
• Encourage them to keep their profile up to date as they gain new experiences and achievements.

Need Help?

If you have any questions about using Unifrog or supporting your child’s careers journey, please contact: Sophie Smith – Careers leader – Sophie.smith@georgeeliotacademy.org.uk 

Apprenticeship Guides

A-Z of apprenticeships (September 25) 
Step-by-step guide to applying 

T Level Guide 

T Levels - parents guide 

Other Guides 

Barclays Life Skills 

Families

If your child has been involved in any of our careers activities then we would love to have your feedback, so that we can continually improve our programme.  Please email your feedback to sophie.smith@georgeeliotacademy.org.uk

Local Post 16 providers

•    St Thomas More   https://www.st-thomas-more.net/ 
•    E-tone Sixth Form https://www.etonecollege.co.uk/sixth-form/ 
•    Higham Lane Sixth Form https://www.highamlaneschool.co.uk/sixthform 
•    Nicolas Chamberlain Sixth Form https://nicholaschamberlaine-gst.org/about-sixth-form/ 
•    North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College https://www.nwslc.ac.uk/ 
•    King Edward VI https://ke6n.ac.uk/ 
•    Moreton Morrell https://wcg.ac.uk/moretonmorrell 

The local labour market is all about the jobs, industries, and skills that are in demand in our local area. It shows which sectors are growing, what employers are looking for, and what qualifications or training can lead to future opportunities.

By understanding the local labour market, our pupils can make more informed decisions about their subjects, work experience, and next steps after school. We regularly share up-to-date information and insights from local employers and training providers to help pupils connect their learning in school to real careers in our community.

Careers Inspiration > West Midlands > West Midlands Job Market > Coventry and Warwickshire

Policies

Policies aligned to Careers Education including our brand new employer access policy which enables direct contact between employers and school. 

• Careers Policy
• George Eliot Academy- Provider access policy

Our Year 7 careers programme lays the foundation for pupils to start exploring their strengths, interests, and aspirations, helping them make informed decisions as they progress through the academy.

Through dedicated careers lessons and tutor-time activities, pupils begin to understand the rapidly changing world of work and the importance of developing key employability and transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.

Pupils are introduced to a wide range of job roles, encouraged to challenge career stereotypes, and learn about positive workplace behaviours. They also explore labour market information (LMI), gaining a realistic insight into local and national opportunities.

Throughout the year, pupils have the chance to meet employers, training providers, and representatives from further education during assemblies and other enrichment activities. These encounters help broaden their understanding of the diverse and exciting pathways available to them in the future.

In Year 8, pupils build on the foundations laid in Year 7 by deepening their understanding of the world of work and the wide range of pathways available to them. The focus shifts towards making stronger connections between what they enjoy learning in school and how those interests might shape their future careers.

Through our character education programme and tutor-time careers activities, pupils continue to develop essential employability and transferable skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. They also begin to explore a broader range of industries and job sectors, developing an awareness of the many routes to success — including university, college, apprenticeships, and vocational qualifications.

Pupils are encouraged to reflect on their personal strengths, values, and aspirations. Using the Unifrog platform, they start to record their skills, build profiles, and explore potential career pathways. This ongoing self-awareness helps prepare them for the important subject choices they will make in Year 9.

Throughout the year, pupils benefit from encounters with guest speakers, employers, and training providers during assemblies and enrichment events. These meaningful interactions help them see the relevance of their learning and inspire them to consider a wide range of possibilities for their future.

In Year 9, pupils begin to make more focused decisions about their future, building on the self-awareness, employability skills, and career exploration developed in Years 7 and 8. This is a crucial year, as pupils choose their GCSE options — decisions that can shape their future education and career pathways.

To support this process, every pupil has a meaningful careers conversation with a qualified Level 6 independent careers adviser. In small groups, pupils complete a careers quiz, discuss their interests, explore Labour Market Information (LMI), and begin to link their personal skills and preferences to potential career pathways.

As part of our Pathways programme, all pupils also take part in a dedicated 1:1 meeting with a member of the Senior Leadership Team. These personalised discussions help pupils consider their subject choices alongside their long-term ambitions, ensuring they make informed, confident decisions that align with their strengths, aspirations, and post-16 plans.

The Year 9 PSHCE and tutor-time careers programme reinforces this by exploring the relevance of curriculum subjects to different careers, the importance of key employability skills, and the variety of routes available after Year 11 — including A-levels, apprenticeships, T-levels, and vocational qualifications.

Throughout the year, pupils continue to engage with the world of work through assemblies, guest speakers, workshops, and visits from employers, colleges, and universities. We also aim to include a university visit in either Year 9 or Year 10, giving pupils first-hand insight into higher education and raising aspirations for the future.

In Year 10, pupils continue to build on the self-awareness, aspirations, and employability skills developed in previous years. The focus now shifts to preparation for post-16 choices, with greater emphasis on goal setting, decision-making, and exploring the full range of options available after Year 11.

Through our Key Stage 4 PSHCE careers programme, delivered in tutor time, pupils take part in engaging activities, discussions, and presentations designed to deepen their understanding of the world of work and further education. Around the academy, subject-specific careers displays help pupils make connections between curriculum learning, local apprenticeship opportunities, and real-life success stories from former George Eliot pupils.

All Year 10 pupils have full access to Unifrog, our online careers platform, which they can use during tutor time or independently. Pupils are encouraged to:

• Explore a wide range of career pathways and subject areas
• Research universities, sixth forms, colleges, and apprenticeships
• Compare post-16 options
• Record their skills, experiences, and achievements in preparation for applications

In the summer term, every pupil begins a 1:1 careers guidance meeting with our Level 6 qualified independent Careers Adviser. These personalised, meaningful conversations help pupils clarify their ambitions, explore suitable pathways, and begin setting realistic, achievable goals for their future.

All Year 10 pupils are also invited to attend our annual Careers Fair, where they meet local and national employers, training providers, apprentices, colleges, and universities. This event provides valuable networking opportunities and helps pupils understand the diverse options available beyond GCSEs.

Throughout the year, our character education lessons continue to focus on developing essential employability skills. Pupils learn how to articulate their strengths, evidence their experiences, and build a strong personal profile. They create their first CV and take part in mock interview workshops led by local employers, gaining practical experience and feedback to improve their confidence and professionalism.

We use pupil data and interests gathered throughout Years 9 to 11 to match individuals to targeted workshops, talks, and experiences — ensuring every pupil has access to meaningful encounters that align with their career aspirations.

Where possible, pupils in Years 9 and 10 also take part in a university visit, helping to raise aspirations and provide a tangible insight into higher education as a realistic and inspiring pathway.

In Year 11, the focus shifts to supporting pupils in making informed, confident decisions about their next steps after GCSEs. Building on the self-awareness, skills, and guidance developed from Years 7 to 10, pupils are now encouraged to take ownership of their future and take action towards their post-16 goals.

Every pupil takes part in a 1:1 careers guidance interview with a Level 6 qualified Careers Adviser. These personalised conversations help pupils explore their ambitions, assess suitable pathways, and connect with relevant opportunities — from sixth forms and colleges to apprenticeships and training programmes. Additional guidance sessions are offered to pupils who may benefit from further support.

To ensure families are well informed, pupils and parents receive up-to-date information about local colleges, sixth forms, training providers, and apprenticeship opportunities through our half-termly Careers Newsletter. This includes open day details and key deadlines, enabling families to plan visits and make well-informed choices — including suitable backup plans.

Throughout the year, pupils engage in a wide range of careers-focused assemblies and presentations, delivered by local providers, employers, and universities. All pupils also take part in the Fantastic Five Challenge, where they meet regularly with their teacher champions to review academic progress, set personal goals, and discuss aspirations for the future.

We continue to embed careers within the curriculum, helping pupils connect subject learning to real-world applications. Around the academy, subject-specific careers displays highlight career routes linked to different areas of study, reinforcing the relevance of their GCSE subjects to future opportunities.

All Year 11 pupils have full access to Unifrog, our online careers platform, which supports their research and planning. Pupils use Unifrog to:

• Explore a wide range of career pathways and job sectors
• Research universities, courses, sixth forms, and apprenticeships
• Compare providers and qualifications
• Build a personal profile, record achievements, and draft applications

To further support the transition to post-16 education or training, our Careers Adviser runs Application Clinics throughout the year. These targeted sessions guide pupils through each stage of the application process — including writing personal statements, understanding course entry requirements, and submitting high-quality applications. The clinics are designed to ensure that every pupil feels prepared, confident, and supported in their next steps.

Finally, all Year 11 pupils are invited to attend our annual Careers Fair, held at George Eliot Academy. Here, they can meet employers, apprenticeship providers, sixth forms, colleges, and universities — gaining valuable insights, asking questions, and making connections that will help shape their journey beyond Year 11.

We believe that every subject plays a vital role in preparing our pupils for their future. Careers education is not just taught in PSHE or tutor time — it is embedded across the curriculum. Each department has made three Careers Pledges which outline how they will connect their subject learning to real-world career opportunities and skills.

These pledges help pupils to:

• Understand how their classroom learning links to future job roles and industries.
• Recognise the skills they are developing and how these are valued by employers.
• Be inspired by examples of how former pupils and professionals use each subject in their careers.

Through our departmental Careers Pledges, every pupil can see how their learning supports future aspirations and opportunities — whether they choose to continue their studies, enter an apprenticeship, or move directly into employment.

 Careers Newsletter November 2025