Student Careers Page

At Frances Bardsley, you will be starting your career journey. From Year 7, you will be taking part in the progressive careers programme and taking the first steps on your career path. As you progress through the school years, you will take part in a broad curriculum, build up your skills and experiences, and develop self-awareness so that at times of transition you will be able to make confident decisions which are right for you. We want all students to be aiming high and be aspirational – and Miss Woods is always available to help you on your journey. The careers office is located in the Wellbeing Centre and is open at the following times:

Monday – Friday term time 8 am – 4 pm

As a student, you are entitled to:

Participation in the Frances Bardsley Academy Careers Programme

Learn through real work experience

Access to a range of different career activities including:

Guest speakers
Extra-curricular activities
Form time activities
Personal Development Days
Guidance; all students are entitled to appropriate guidance. All students can request an appointment with Miss Woods
Learning in a safe environment that challenges stereotypes
A series of different encounters with employers
Access to a range of careers related resources, including Unifrog
To find out about technical education qualifications and apprenticeship opportunities, and the different pathways available at post 16 and post 18
To hear from a range of local providers about the opportunities they offer, including technical education and apprenticeships
To understand how to make applications, CV’s and how interviews work
The opportunity to relate what you earn in lesson time to life and career paths beyond school

Of all the Year 11 students who have been interviewed, 100% of students said the careers events in school have been useful in helping them to make decisions about their future.

Opportunities will be given to you throughout your time at Frances Bardsley to evaluate the events and provide feedback and suggestions as to what can be improved.

Unifrog:

Students should regularly be accessing their Unifrog accounts. Unifrog is a comprehensive careers platform, which covers all aspects of University, apprenticeships, employability and much more. You can log in here https://www.unifrog.org/ (see Miss Woods for your login details).

Using Unifrog Guide

Useful websites:

There are lots of online sources of information which you may also find useful as well as using Unifrog.

List of useful websites

Who do we engage with?

At Frances Bardsley, we are lucky to have support from some brilliant employers and education providers, and you will get the chance to meet with some of these at events such as the careers fair, plus many more throughout your time at the school:

Careers in the curriculum:

Whilst you are in school, you will follow a broad curriculum. In all lessons, you will develop your skills, knowledge and understanding, and whilst not all subjects will be your favourite, they will all help you on your career journey

What do Frances Bardsley Students go on to do?

For more than 100 years, students have left Frances Bardsley and have gone on to do some amazing things. In recent years, students have left to work on conservation projects, to become midwives, doctors, veterinary surgeons, solicitors, complete degree apprenticeships with Barclays, and some have even set up their own companies. Students have also gone onto a wide range of Universities – such as Royal Holoway, Queen Mary, Nottingham and many more up and down the country.

What will you do? Where will you go? This is what former student Jade had to say about her time at Frances Bardsley:

‘I spent 8 years at FBA and left in 2020 to study Psychology at University of Essex. I really enjoyed my time at FBA, where I made some amazing memories with friends and received lots of support by teachers. My favourite memories were of the school’s birthday and sports days as it was so nice to get together and have fun. I am also pleased to have been a part of the sixth form where I felt the girls were all so supportive of each other. After I finish my undergraduate degree, I wish to complete a Doctorate in Counselling Psychology. My goal is to become a counselling psychologist and make a difference in society. To the girls at FBA, never stop believing in yourself, your hard work does pay off. I hope you go on to achieve great things in life.’