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Student Futures

A journey of inspiration, opportunity and discovery  

Overview 

The aim of our Student Futures programme is to prepare students for success and fulfilment in a world in which they will one day be leaders or role models. We are committed to meeting and surpassing the Gatsby Benchmarks, a framework adopted as national policy in career education provision. At the heart of our approach to Student Futures is a commitment to a coaching ethos. We hope to instil in our students an understanding both of the world and themselves, the curiosity to ask questions, the confidence to stand up for what they believe, and the discipline to hold themselves to account. It’s also imperative that we educate our students about the major challenges facing society and the workplace today from sustainability and climate change to technology and AI. Opportunities to develop this awareness are woven into the curriculum from the Lower First, and the Student Futures programme represents an integrated approach to classroom learning, enrichment talks and events, and other experiences that take students on a journey of opportunity and discovery. 

The vast majority of students from Whitgift go on to study at top universities. However we also recognise that in the changing economic climate some of our brightest and highest-achieving students  will choose to do degree apprenticeships, a relatively new pathway. Our strategy is to use digital platforms – currently Unifrog as the market leader – to enable individualised student research into university entry requirements, career options and psychometric testing.  Our EDI agenda is also embedded in our approach to Student Futures, both in terms of ensuring diversity in visiting speakers, challenging stereotypes, and promoting opportunities for marginalised groups of students. Finally, the Student Future team will continue to support students after they have left school through advice, support in future applications, references and networking events. 

Highlights