Careers
Careers Information
For further information regarding the school’s careers education programme, please contact:
Miss Emily Wishart (Careers Lead) ewishart@castle.bep.ac
Mrs Julia Lanfranchi (Careers Advisor) jjlanfranchi@castle.bep.ac
Mr Darryl Simpson (SLT Careers Lead) office@castle.bep.ac
Mrs Lanfranchi meets with students on a one-to-one basis to provide advice, guidance and information regarding their next steps and career aspirations. All students are seen in Year 10/11 for an individual interview and students are offered guidance if required when selecting their GCSE options. Parents are welcome to attend their child’s careers interview but would need to contact Mrs Lanfranchi to arrange a convenient time.
For students who are considering pursuing the apprenticeship route, Mrs Lanfranchi is happy to help with applications or to arrange a mock interview.
If you are an employer or provider and wish to work with us, please email ewishart@castle.bep.ac
Careers Education Plan
Click here to view our Careers Plan.
Procedure for Year 11 College Applications - 2025/26
Click here to view information around college applications.
Careers Events and Activities
Click here to view information around college open events
Click here to download the Careers Bulletin.
Post-16 Pathways
Click here to download information on post-16 pathways.
Businesses wishing to engage with The Castle School
Please click here to view our Careers Provider Access Policy.
Careers Resources
Career Pilot is a free site that helps young people plan their future study and work. It is a great resource for young people, their parents/carers and also teachers and tutors, who are advising students about the full range of options.
The National Careers Service provides information, advice and guidance across England to help you make decisions on learning, training and work. The service offers confidential and impartial advice and is supported by qualified careers advisers.
For information on Apprenticeships, what they involve and how you can find one, follow this link to the Gov.uk website.
The percentage of students staying in education or going into employment after key stage 4 (pupil destinations) can be found by following this link.
The Castle School evaluates the students' destination data and sustained destination results to assess impact of the careers programme. Student feedback on careers education engagement opportunities with businesses, colleges, universities and training providers are regularly sought and evaluated for continued development of the programme.
Careerometer
Useful Links
Skill Up Somerset is an Apprenticeship and Skills Advisory Service
Skill Up Somerset supports the businesses and people of Somerset with their Apprenticeship and Skills journey. We offer free, impartial advice and guidance. Perhaps you are aware of an employer who may be interested in taking you on as an apprentice or trainee and they would like to find out about what is involved, or you would like support after leaving school in finding the right Apprenticeship, then please contact Skill Up Somerset. The website provides lots more information and details on how to contact an adviser.
Skill Up – Somerset – APPRENTICESHIP & SKILLS ADVISORY SERVICE (skillupsomerset.org.uk)
Get the Jump: explore your education and training choices | National Careers Service
Business
The Castle School Working with Local Employers
Employers have a vital part to play in preparing young people for future careers and to help them acquire general life skills and we hope that our young people may one day be part of your future workforce.
We would like to invite you to join our group of local businesses to help inspire our students. This is how some of our employers have engaged with the school.
Career talks to students in Years 9, 10 and 11
Career talks (8.50am – 9.10am) to students interested in the specific industry. These are held on an ad hoc basis.
Employer visits
These take place in June. The purpose of these visits is to give our Year 9 students an insight into the world of work. The visits last normally between two to three hours over one or two mornings. They involve a talk, a tour of the business and possibly work shadowing. Students are accompanied by a member of staff. The number of students ranges from 4 to 15.
Linking careers to the curriculum
This is a great way for students to understand the relevance of the subject. Some employers have delivered a one-hour session to students. The timings of these are discussed with the subject teachers.
Please contact:
Miss Emily Wishart, Careers Lead, ewishart@castle.bep.ac
We look forward to hearing from you.