Halliford School Commended for Student Careers

We are delighted to announce that Halliford School has been commended as the Independent School of the Year for Student Careers.

Halliford School’s careers and post-school support programme is distinctive because it is highly personalised, fully integrated into school life, and strongly connected to real-world experiences and future pathways. At its core is our commitment to knowing each student as an individual, providing tailored guidance through one-to-one interviews and ongoing support, ensuring that every student receives advice suited to their strengths and aspirations. Careers education is embedded throughout the curriculum and delivered via PSHE lessons, UCAS preparation, and tools such as Unifrog, helping students make informed decisions over time rather than at a single point. The programme also provides extensive exposure to the world of work through careers fairs, guest speakers, and work experience opportunities, giving students valuable insights into a wide range of industries. Initiatives such as our Exceptional Performers Programme further set Halliford apart by preparing students for competitive university courses and evolving job markets through workshops and expert input. Combined with strong alumni engagement and excellent university outcomes, this holistic approach ensures students leave confident, ambitious, and well-prepared for life beyond school.

In 2025–26, our careers programme has been carefully shaped around the needs of our students, ensuring it is both accessible and highly engaging at every stage of their journey. Initiatives such as Careers and Croissants have created informal, approachable opportunities for students to explore different pathways and ask questions in a relaxed setting, while Interview Skills Week has provided practical, hands-on preparation for real recruitment processes. Our University and Careers Fair, open to local state schools, has broadened horizons and fostered a sense of community, giving students exposure to a wide range of providers and professions. We have been particularly proud of our diverse programme of enrichment speakers, offering insight into varied and evolving career routes. Meanwhile, structured Careers Tutor Time activities for Years 7–11, along with a dedicated Super-Curricular Booklet and PSHE programme for Sixth Form, ensure progression and continuity. Together, these initiatives have delivered a meaningful, inclusive, and aspirational experience for all students.

Our careers and post-school support programme has made a tangible difference by equipping students with the confidence, skills, and knowledge needed to succeed in a fast-moving, ever-changing world. Through our Interview Skills Week and Careers and Croissants initiatives led by our Head of Futures, students develop strong communication, networking, and self-presentation skills in authentic settings. Engagement with employers, universities, and inspiring speakers broadens their understanding of emerging industries and diverse career pathways, enabling them to think ambitiously and adapt to change. The structured programme from Year 7 through to Sixth Form builds decision-making skills, independence, and self-awareness. Crucially, our approach leads to high success in university placements, with 96% of students securing their first choice, reflecting the strength of our preparation and guidance. Our support is carefully tailored to help students find the right course and institution for them, not simply the most prestigious, ensuring positive, well-informed destinations. As a result, students leave Halliford resilient, adaptable, and confident in shaping their own futures.