Progression and Futures

At Croydon High, our Progression and Futures programme is designed to prepare pupils not only for their next steps but for a rapidly changing world of work. Led by Head of Progression and Futures, Ms Nicola Kreinczes, we equip pupils with the skills, confidence and adaptability they need to thrive.

Grounded in our school values, the programme is:

• Aspirational – opening doors to traditional pathways and emerging industries, inspiring pupils to believe that anything is possible.
• Empowering – developing employability skills, resilience and self-awareness so that each pupil feels equipped to take ownership of her future.
• Proud – celebrating every achievement, while drawing on the experiences of our alumnae network to motivate and guide.
• Kind – ensuring every pupil has access to inclusive opportunities that reflect diverse ambitions and pathways.

Through a carefully designed programme of Careers education, encounters with employers and alumnae, and access to a wide range of resources, we ensure each pupil leaves Croydon High ready to define her direction and succeed in life beyond school.

Progression and Futures Delivery

We guide pupils in making informed decisions and support them in pursuing their ambitions, especially at key transition points such as choosing GCSEs, A Levels and higher education pathways. Careers education is delivered through PSHE lessons and form times, with Year 11 pupils receiving dedicated lessons in the Autumn Term and Lower Sixth pupils receiving additional support during their Pathways lessons.

Pupils who would like further guidance are also able to arrange a meeting with Ms Kreinczes to discuss their individual options.

Key Stage 3 – Curious Pathfinders

Pupils begin to explore the world of possibilities and develop a sense of who they are and what a career could mean for them.

• Year 7 – Pupils focus on identifying potential and considering what excites and motivates them, laying the foundation for future choices.
• Year 8 – Pupils explore their interests and values, with lessons covering equality in the workplace, CV writing, and personal aspirations.
• Year 9 – The emphasis shifts towards decision-making and preparing for future pathways, including structured support for GCSE option choices, identifying personal skills, and linking these to potential careers.

Key Stage 4 – Passion to Profession

Pupils focus on understanding themselves and the world of work, building the knowledge and skills needed to make informed choices for their post-16 pathways.

• Year 10 – Pupils explore topics such as hybrid working, the labour market, and personal finances and budgeting, helping them develop an awareness of the skills and considerations relevant to their future careers.
• Year 11 – Pupils undertake psychometric testing to explore their career preferences and working styles, supporting self-understanding and informed decision-making. They evaluate post-16 options, including A Levels, degrees, and apprenticeships, and consider the impact of employability skills and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence on their future pathways. Year 11 pupils benefit from dedicated lessons in the Autumn Term as part of their Exploring Electives, allowing focused time to reflect on choices and plan confidently for the next stage of their education.

Key Stage 5 – Pathways

In the Sixth Form, pupils focus on preparing for life beyond Croydon High, with dedicated support to help them define their direction and take confident steps towards their chosen futures.

• Lower Sixth – Pupils are supported by a Pathways Mentor who guides them through the process of exploring universities, degrees and apprenticeship routes, and provides ongoing support throughout applications. Pupils also focus on developing career readiness, gaining insights into the graduate recruitment market, and building the skills required for future job applications.
• Upper Sixth – Pupils receive support with finalising and submitting applications, alongside targeted preparation for interviews, admission tests and results day. Practical guidance is also provided on student finance, ensuring pupils feel equipped for the transition to higher education, training or employment.

You can find more detailed information about our dedicated Sixth Form provision in the Progression & Futures Sixth Form Information Booklet.

Inspiration and Insight

At Croydon High, pupils gain first-hand experience of the world of work through initiatives such as our Careers Day, Her Path: Her Future, where they meet employers from a wide range of industries. Guest speakers from across the professional spectrum share their experiences and insights, inspiring pupils and helping them consider the possibilities for their own future careers. In the Sixth Form, pupils also take part in the Future Forward: Next Steps Series, featuring inspirational speakers who deliver talks and run workshops to help pupils explore opportunities and develop skills for their next steps.

Pupils are further supported by connections with our alumnae through the Ivy Link Network, learning from the diverse journeys of former pupils and drawing inspiration for their own pathways. Being part of the GDST network also provides access to a wealth of resources, events, and connections across the wider community, broadening pupils’ horizons and helping them make informed decisions through the CareerStart Programme.

University visits give pupils the chance to experience higher education environments first-hand, exploring courses, campus life, and future study options. Alongside this, online platforms such as Unifrog and other supercurricular resources allow pupils to research careers and higher education pathways, develop relevant skills, and plan confidently for the next steps in their journey.