Careers success with Year 11 mock interviews and Year 10 employer sessions
On Monday, December 4th, we hosted an inspiring careers-focused day, providing valuable opportunities for both Year 10 and 11 students to help them prepare for their future pathways.
The morning saw all 188 Year 11 students participate in mock interviews with 22 local businesspeople from a range of sectors, including the Armed Forces, Police, Engineering (BAE & EDF), Ecology/Agriculture (National Trust), Hospitality (Gilpin Arms), Finance (FMB), Education/Apprenticeship Providers (Kendal College, L&M, Gen2), and Local Government.
These interviews allowed students to practice their interview skills and hold meaningful conversations about their career aspirations. Head of Careers, Mr Blyth, highlighted the importance of the experience:
“Mock interviews give students a chance to practice their interview skills but, just as importantly, to talk to someone not from school or their parents about their career aspirations in a neutral and non-judgemental environment. Students often find this part of the process of most value.”
The employer feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with one commenting, “Excellent responses to questions about aspiration and reasons. Brilliant questions for the interviewer.”
Students valued the experience, with 95% saying it was very valuable and 100% reporting they enjoyed it. Feedback included: “When you need time to think of an answer, ask the interviewer to rephrase the question,” and “I need to have an example of leadership ready.”
In the afternoon, over 160 Year 10 students met with representatives from 12 organisations. These twenty-minute sessions gave students insight into career routes, entry points, and the realities of different industries. Students spent an hour developing preliminary CVs and reflecting on their employability skills alongside these discussions.
The day forms a key part of our progressive careers programme. While younger students explore gender equality and local labour market trends, Years 9 and 10 focus on broadening their understanding of career opportunities. By Year 11, students are supported in refining their ideas and selecting post-16 routes, whether Sixth Form, college, or apprenticeships.
Mr Blyth reflected on the day: “The mock interviews and employer sessions are invaluable in helping our students prepare for life beyond school. The professionalism shown by our Year 11s and the curiosity demonstrated by our Year 10s were exceptional. Days like this really bring careers education to life.”
We thank all the local employers and organisations who made this day so successful. Their involvement will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on our students’ confidence and aspirations.
