Work Experience Week 2026

This term, our Year 10 students took part in an exciting and highly successful Careers and Work Experience Week, with activities taking place both in school and at a wide range of external placements. The week was designed to give students meaningful insight into the world of work, develop employability skills, and raise aspirations.

A total of 130 students went out on external work experience placements across a diverse range of industries. Students spent the week with organisations including schools, art classes, medical settings, construction companies, Great Western Railway, Mars, food and hospitality businesses, barbers, and many more. These placements gave students the opportunity to experience real working environments and begin to understand the expectations and skills required in different careers.

Throughout the week, staff visited a number of placement sites to see how students were progressing. It was fantastic to see so many students thriving in professional environments, showing confidence, maturity, and enthusiasm. The feedback from employers was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising students for their strong work ethic, positive attitudes, and willingness to learn. In some cases, employers were so impressed that they even discussed future employment opportunities with students!

For those students who remained in school, a packed programme of careers-based activities ensured they had an equally enriching experience. The week included visits from Thames Valley Police, Windsor Forest Colleges Group, and Housing Solutions, who all provided valuable insight into their sectors and career pathways. A particular highlight was a talk from one of our former students, who returned to share his journey into medicine, offering inspiration and advice based on his own experiences.

In addition to these sessions, students also took part in an online work experience programme and engaged in a business enterprise project. Working in teams, they created their own companies and explored key business areas such as finance, branding, and marketing. This hands-on experience encouraged creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

Overall, the week provided an outstanding range of opportunities for all Year 10 students, whether on external placement or in school. We are incredibly proud of how they represented themselves and the school, and of the enthusiasm, resilience, and professionalism they demonstrated throughout the week.