Careers and Future Pathways

The Department’s Offer

We encourage the development of career management skills from Lower School onwards. These include learning about the world of work, making personalised plans, being proactive and flexible, seeking out challenges and building a supportive network. A robust careers education programme is delivered through curriculum PSHE lessons, careers events and experiences, and one-to-one appointments available throughout the academic year.

Work Experience

All Year 11s and Year 12s are expected to undertake work experience. This is a brilliant opportunity to explore potential career interests and gain much needed experience for UCAS or Degree Apprenticeship applications. Extensive support is provided for sourcing placements, writing CVs and attending interviews. We work closely with our wonderful parent and alumnae community to identify unique and valuable opportunities.

Employability Skills

Co-curricular activities and the Tormead Enrichment Programme help develop key employability skills and enhance and contextualise subject knowledge. These include 3D Printing Club, Astronomy Club, Creative Writing Club, Chemistry Club, Curator Magazine, Dissection Club, Drama Club, Forensics Society, GAIN Investment Fund Challenge, Language Club, MED:SEM, Musical Theatre Club, Special Effects Club, STEM competitions, Tormead Young Apprentice, the 10X Challenge; not to mention a huge range of music ensembles and sports clubs.

Pupils receive a comprehensive Careers programme

Tormead ISI Report 2024

Encounters with Employers

Professionals from the parent and alumnae community are invited in to share their career experiences and must-have tips for success. Our popular annual Networking Event, provides an opportunity for students to learn about different career paths and professions. Students are empowered to approach professionals in a safe, familiar environment, providing a taster of what it means to network and increasing their independence and confidence.

We have links with the National Theatre and other performing arts professionals who visit Tormead to impart advice and run workshops on how to successfully record self-tape auditions. In 2021 four Tormead students were successful at their National Theatre auditions.

Speakers are invited into Year 10 assemblies and Sixth Form Career Conversations to spark imagination about the range of possibilities for the future, break down stereotypes and contextualise learning by linking it to the world of work.

Encounters with Higher Education

Our links with the University of Surrey includes a visit to The Court of the Future in the Law School to watch mock trials and debate human rights. Students from the Vet School visit Tormead to impart their experience, knowledge, and expertise to budding Veterinary Science students. Each department organises subject specific talks through our Enrichment Programme.

Beyond Tormead

Our Director of Careers and Higher Education works with the Head of University Admissions to advise on course and university choice and writing personal statements. Our UCAS Days and Beyond Tormead events provide robust information and advice to students and parents through our links with degree apprenticeship providers, the University of Surrey, gap year providers and employers. Other informative talks and training are delivered to the Sixth Form during Sixth Sense sessions.

Oxbridge Application Support Programme

Students applying to Oxbridge receive a dedicated support programme from our Oxbridge Application Coordinators, beginning in Year 10. Tormead provides an intensive mock interview programme with the support of professionals and experienced Oxbridge alumnae.

Where next?

Senior

Extra-curricular