At Sidcot School, we believe that education is about more than just the years spent within the classroom. We recognise that true success is long-term, holistic, and global, and we know that in today’s fast-evolving world, career pathways are rarely linear. To reflect this reality, it is with great excitement that we announce the expansion of our former Careers Department, now the Futures Department.
Alison Pike, our Head of Futures, explains the vision behind the change:
“Our goal is to develop ambitious, adaptable young people who can excel at leading universities, launch their own ventures or embrace opportunities worldwide. This evolution takes us from transactions to true transformation, supporting pupils as they build futures defined by confidence, resilience and purpose.”
What is ‘Futures’?
The Futures Department is designed to support students throughout their entire journey at Sidcot and beyond. Our philosophy is rooted in the understanding that modern pathways are diverse, offering support in areas including:
- Subject choice decisions: Providing expert guidance to help students make informed academic choices.
- Global opportunities: Coaching for Higher Education applications worldwide.
- Diverse pathways: Providing options for all students, including apprenticeships, industry placements, and entrepreneurship.
- Living Adventurously: Support for meaningful Gap Years.
A Lifelong Commitment
In our development from ‘Careers’ to ‘Futures’, we are proud to share that our commitment to Sidcot students now officially extends beyond their time at School. Students can access support from the Futures team until they are 25 years old, providing a vital safety net as they navigate the early years of adulthood, university life, or their first professional roles. Beyond that age, our alumni remain part of the vibrant Sidcotians Connect network, ensuring they have a lifelong community of mentors and professional contacts to support them throughout their careers.
A Journey That Starts Early
The Futures philosophy is woven into the very fabric of our school. From the Junior School, where curiosity is sparked, to Sixth Form, where students take action to create their next adventure, we are constantly expanding horizons. Whether our students dream of medicine, the arts, agriculture, or launching their own business, the Futures Department is here to ensure they have the tools, guidance, and confidence to build a life of their own design.
James Jones, Head of Sidcot School, comments:
“We aim to empower students to realise their ambitions, equipping them to be forward-thinking and confident in a fast-evolving world. Through our Futures Department, we prepare them not only for success at university but for purposeful, fulfilling lives beyond it.”
Want to learn more about how we support our students' ambitions? Visit our new Futures page to explore how we are preparing our students for their next adventure!