The Pangbourne Standard – our framework for helping every pupil make the most of their time at Pangbourne, develop the skills and qualities they need for the future, and take ownership of their personal growth.
Careers at Pangbourne: Built for the future
Our students are entering a world that will look very different from the world many of their teachers and parents entered. We want to ensure our students are fully prepared for this world. So we do not simply point them towards a destination; we build the qualities most in demand and least likely to be automated: initiative, resilience, teamwork, poise under pressure and the confidence to lead. Most importantly, we give them the confidence to forge their own path.
From Year 7 through to the Upper Sixth, every pupil follows a structured careers programme built into our weekly tutor programme and The Pangbourne Standard. The skills they develop on the river, on the High Ropes, in classrooms and in leadership roles become the evidence that universities and employers most value.
Years 7 - 9. Discover
Students explore their interests, learn the language of skills and hear from alumni and professionals about the world of work. During Year 9 they choose their GCSE options with their future in mind.
Year 10 - 11. Explore
During the busy two years of GCSEs, students find time to complete virtual work experience, visit universities and spend time in real workplaces. Every student has at least one individual guidance interview and explores the future options of A Levels, BTECs, University and Apprenticeships.
Sixth Form. Launch
The Lower Sixth year is where our careers programme starts to bear fruit. Students research UK and overseas universities, degree apprenticeships and employment. They build their personal statements and finalise their next steps. Throughout this time we guide them through applications, interviews and assessments.
Every student receives:
- personal guidance at every key decision point
- encounters with employers
- a digital record of everything they've achieved, ready for applications.
This summer, 90% of our students secured their first choice destination, with 60% securing a Russell Group University.
| Year | Core focus | Key experiences and encounters | Skills developed through the Pangbourne Standard | Gatsby Benchmarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 |
| Careers library and Interests profile; alumni or parent speaker | Aiming high, Staying positive, Teamwork | 2, 4, 5 |
| 8 |
| University visit; employer speaker | Teamwork, Aiming high | 2, 4, 5, 7 |
| 9 |
| Options guidance conversation; first Post-16 intentions | Teamwork, Staying positive, Aiming high, Independence | 2, 4, 5, 8 |
| 10 |
| 5 days' virtual work experience; two university visits; full CV | Teamwork, Listening, Staying positive, Aiming high, Speaking | 2, 5, 6, 7 |
| 11 |
| Sixth Form Taster Day; personal guidance interview; work experience week (28 June) | Aiming high, Leadership, Listening | 2, 5, 6, 7, 8 |
| L6 |
| Personal guidance interview; UK, overseas and apprenticeship research; open days | Leadership, Aiming high, Staying positive | 2, 4, 5, 7, 8 |
| U6 |
| Mock interviews; UCAS and apprenticeship applications; results and Clearing support | Teamwork, Aiming high, Problem solving, Staying positive | 5, 7, 8 |
