Careers

Careers

Within the School's nurturing environment I was provided with countless opportunities and support to pursue the career of my choice.
Callum Singh Grewal, Junior doctor (OW 2016)

Our commitment to best prepare our students for their future remains a top priority.

At Wolverhampton Grammar School our Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) plays a significant part in ensuring that our young people have high aspirations as well as the tools, knowledge and employability skills required to achieve above and beyond their potential in both their academic and professional life. 

Our CEIAG programme meets all Gatsby Benchmarks, and fulfils the CDI criteria for career development. We are also proud to be working towards the Quality in Careers Standard this year.

Our students attend university visits, degree apprenticeships workshops as well as undertaking a rigorous Higher Education programme delivered by our Head of Sixth Form to support their transition into post-18 life. 

Miss Kailey, Head of Careers continues to develop contacts with  employers and engagements using our established network of Old Wulfrunians (former pupils). These, along with our annual work experience programme, provides our students with up-to-date knowledge of opportunities in the employment world. 

Higher Education Options 

There are many reasons to consider university. Not only can a degree offer a higher lifetime earnings potential and a greater choice of more rewarding career paths, but the university experience often provides unparalleled opportunities for personal growth and independence. Every year, between 80-90% of our Upper Sixth students decide that university is the right next step for them, so WGS provides an extensive programme of education, information and guidance relating to Higher Education throughout the Sixth Form journey. All students have access to qualified, one-to-one advice throughout the application process and beyond. 

Universities all have their own set of specialisms and each offers a unique learning environment. Our students are coached to weigh up their own needs, priorities and preferences so that they are making fully informed decisions about where to continue their education and choose the 'best' university for their needs. Every year we are pleased and proud to see the vast majority of our applicants are successful in gaining places at their preferred choice of institutions. Those who decide that university is not the right destination for them are fully supported in their pursuit of alternatives, be it an apprenticeship, volunteering or acquiring work experience. 

A bespoke Careers and HE programme

All senior students benefit from a bespoke Careers and Higher Education programme, which, when followed over 7 years, ensures that all WGS students have completed an entire careers education learning journey. We also introduce our Year 6 pupils to the department as part of their senior school induction day.

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“Through our Careers Education we nurture purpose, passion, potential and professionalism in all our students.”

Asha Kailey, Head of Careers

Careers Information

upper sixth
  • Futures programme – teaching employability skills
  • Mock MMI – mini medical interview preparation for students aspiring to study medicine at university
  • Pudding lectures – public speaking initiative to develop self-confidence and presentation skills
  • Careers Fairs - hosted by WGS
  • Degree Apprenticeships – insight offered by guest speakers from universities invited to speak at WGS
  • OW Engagements – working with our alumni who offer mentorship and share career and higher education experiences
Lower Sixth
  • UCAS Interviews (Preparation for UCAS applications)
  • Work Experience
  • Workplace visits e.g. Sky Studios, Mercedes, Tecman IT Solutions
  • Early applicant programme for Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary sciences – students for these fields are prepared one year in advance to give the best opportunity for a successful university offer
  • Futures programme – teaching employability skills 
  • Pudding lectures -– public speaking initiative to develop self-confidence and presentation skills
  • University visits
  • Careers Fairs hosted by WGS
  • Visit to the UCAS Fair
  • Degree Apprenticeships – insight offered by guest speakers from universities invited to speak at WGS
  • OW Engagements – working with our alumni who offer mentorship and share career and higher education experiences
Year 11
  • 1:1 Careers Advice and Guidance (Preparation for Post-16)
  • Sixth Form Subject Options Evening
  • Careers Fairs hosted at WGS
  • Degree Apprenticeships – insight offered by guest speakers from universities invited to speak at WGS
  • OW Engagements – working with our alumni who offer mentorship and share career and higher education experiences
year 10
  • A taste of Sixth Form Day
  • Preparation for Oxbridge Programme – early insight into Oxbridge life and requirements needed for a successful application
  • Sixth Form Open Evening 
  • Careers Fairs hosted at WGS
  • Degree Apprenticeships – insight offered by guest speakers from universities invited to speak at WGS
  • OW Engagements – working with our alumni who offer mentorship and share career and higher education experiences
Year 9
  • 1:1 Careers Advice and Guidance (Preparation for Year 9 Options)
  • University visits
  • Workplace visits e.g. Sky Studios, Mercedes, Tecman IT Solutions
  • Talk the Talk Challenge – public speaking competition which all students participate in
  • Careers Fairs hosted by WGS
year 8
  • Enterprise Day – all students create a solution to a real business problem in a Dragon’s Den style format
  • Green Careers – looking at careers in the sustainability sector
  • Workplace visits e.g. Sky studios, Mercedes, Tecman IT Solutions
  • Politics Day
year 7
  • Introduction to Careers Education at WGS
  • My dream job role
  • Vision Boards – how students envisage their future, including career choices
“The range of careers lessons equipped me for life beyond Sixth Form, helping me to evaluate my options and the best career path for me. This has enabled me to study subjects I love, whilst feeling confident that they will help in pursuing my chosen career.”

Luke, UPPER Sixth Student

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Following another stellar set of A Level results, our 2023 Leavers have secured places at 27 different universities across the country, including 20% of students gaining their first choice offer from one of the prestigious Russell Group universities.

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