Careers
At Middlewich High School, our ambition is that every young person leaves us with the confidence, knowledge and experiences they need to take their next step — and the ambition to aim high for their future.
Careers education is not simply about choosing a job. It is about helping students understand themselves, recognise the opportunities available to them and make informed decisions about GCSEs, college, sixth form, apprenticeships, university and employment. We want our students to understand that there are many routes to success and to feel confident exploring opportunities both within our local area and beyond.
Our Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance programme is designed around the Gatsby Benchmarks and is embedded throughout school life. Dedicated Personal Development lessons give students time to explore careers, qualifications, pathways and the changing world of work, while subject teachers help students understand how the knowledge and skills they develop in lessons connect to real careers and future opportunities.
A key part of our programme is ensuring that students receive high-quality, impartial careers guidance. We work with Careers Connect, whose professional careers advisers provide independent advice and guidance to help students explore their options, challenge assumptions and make choices that reflect their interests, strengths and aspirations.
We also work closely with The Cheshire and Warrington Pledge, local employers, colleges, training providers and other partners so that students hear directly from people working and studying in a wide variety of sectors. Our careers programme is informed by local Labour Market Information, helping students understand where opportunities are growing across Middlewich, Winsford, Northwich, Cheshire and the wider region.
Throughout their time at Middlewich High School, students have opportunities to:
- explore a wide range of careers and understand the different routes into them;
- learn about A Levels, vocational courses, T Levels, apprenticeships, higher education and employment;
- meet employers, colleges, universities, training providers and apprenticeship organisations;
- develop the employability skills that employers value, including communication, teamwork, leadership, organisation, resilience and problem solving;
- experience workplaces and learn about the realities of different industries;
- use current Labour Market Information to understand local and national opportunities;
- receive impartial guidance from Careers Connect at important decision points; and
- complete a substantial Year 10 work experience placement, giving every student the opportunity to experience the workplace first-hand.
Our careers journey begins well before Year 11. In Key Stage 3, students begin to explore the world of work, encounter employers and workplaces and consider how their interests, subjects and skills could connect to future careers. As students progress through school, this becomes increasingly personalised, supporting important decisions about GCSE options and post-16 destinations.
By Year 11, our aim is that every student understands their options, has explored more than one possible pathway and is able to make an informed and ambitious decision about what comes next.
Your future starts here
GCSE results are important, but they are one step on a much bigger journey. Whether a student’s next destination is sixth form, college, an apprenticeship or another training route, we want them to leave Middlewich High School knowing that their future is full of possibilities — and knowing how to access them.
Local College & Sixth Form Options
Finishing Year 11 opens up lots of different pathways. You might choose A Levels, vocational or technical qualifications, T Levels, an apprenticeship or a combination of subjects.
There is no single route that is right for everybody. We strongly encourage students and parents/carers to visit more than one college before making a decision. We also expect all students to apply for at least 2 colleges – even if they have their heart set on one specifically! Options are important. Open events are a great opportunity to see the facilities, speak to teachers, compare courses and get a feel for where you could see yourself studying. College application forms need to be completed before December 2026.
