Futures & Careers
Lingfield College supports all Sixth Formers in making informed decisions about their futures. Our tailored careers programme is designed to give them the tools and information they need to make the best decision about their next steps. Throughout the school year, we offer a number of careers events, workshops, enrichment weeks and talks as well as access to dedicated resources and expert guidance, allowing students to explore all their options during their time in the Sixth Form.
Careers Advice
Given the speed at which the working landscape is re-shaping as businesses adopt digitalisation, new technology and ideas, career pathways are changing beyond recognition and new job markets are opening. The need for relevant and clear careers guidance to assist students in planning for their future has never been more important.
Lingfield College has a dedicated Careers Advisor, Maggie Mortleman, who has 20 years’ experience in the recruitment industry. She is available for one-to-one advice and support. Maggie also runs a series of careers workshops which include CV writing skills, applying for work experience placements, preparing for interviews and techniques for networking and research via online platforms like LinkedIn.
Our specialist careers team may also support on:
- Help with applications to universities overseas
- Taking up an apprenticeship opportunity
- Applying to read Medicine, Veterinary Science or Dentistry
- Completing an Oxbridge application
- Accessing TEFL courses
- Information and advice about gap years
Expert Guidance for UCAS Applications
Throughout the UCAS process, students are supported by an experienced team of form tutors. These tutors also prepare students' references, with input from subject teachers.
Students in the Sixth Form start their UCAS preparation in March of Year 12, attending a local UCAS Convention where they have the opportunity to speak to university representatives and other providers of post-18 education and training. Towards the end of Year 12, the students spend a day in school off-timetable, considering the start of their personal statement and university application. In support of this day, recent alumni return to discuss their own university applications and choices with current students.
Students have time during PSHE lessons in the Summer term of Year 12 to complete the start of their UCAS application, and work with tutors to begin preparing their personal statements. These are completed in the Autumn term, with those applying for Oxbridge, Veterinary Science, Medicine and Dentistry courses submitting their application well in advance of the deadlines.
Work Experience
Work experience takes place from Years 10 to 13. Students are encouraged to find their own placements, much as they will need to do as adults, and are offered additional support if needed. They also receive regular guidance from Inspiring Futures, a company that provides impartial and comprehensive advice on all aspects of careers and higher education. We also make use of our network of former alumni and parents who advise, mentor and provide work experience opportunities.
Lecture Series
Sixth Form Lunchtime Lectures are aimed at introducing pupils to different perspectives, new ideas, stories of achievement and experiences.
Previous lectures have covered work experience and graduate programmes, as well as apprenticeship schemes. Many companies are now offering higher-level opportunities which are becoming a particularly attractive option, given that they can include funded degrees, paid work experience and the opportunity of a job offer at the end.
Careers Library
The School has an up-to-date careers library, with books ranging from general information on UCAS applications, working abroad and planning gap years to more focused guides on how to become an airline pilot, MI5 intelligence officer or a games developer, courtesy of the how2become range of careers-based literature.
Careers Events
Our biennial careers fair in March is open to all students in the Sixth Form and includes delegates from a range of professions, as well as volunteering and gap year organisations and training and apprenticeship providers. Past delegates have included John Lewis, Surrey Police, Nestlé, The Lady Magazine, Atkins, Edge Hotel School, the NHS and Close Brothers along with Lingfield College alumni. This is an ideal opportunity for students to learn about the range of opportunities available to them after completing their studies with us.