Unifrog supports students to progress into the best opportunity for them after their education. They do this by providing a one-stop-shop where students can explore their interests, then find and apply for their best next-step after school.

Year 7 – Exploration and Self Awareness

In Year 7, the careers programme focuses on introducing students to the concept of future pathways through structured exploration and personal reflection. Students begin by considering their aspirations and identifying what makes different careers appealing, including skills, interests and wider themes such as creativity, travel and helping others.

Alongside this, students reflect on their own achievements and interests, making early connections between what they enjoy and potential career areas. Through guided use of Unifrog, students explore a wide range of careers and begin to understand that separate roles can share common skills and characteristics.

By the end of Year 7, students have developed a broader awareness of the world of work and a clearer understanding of how their interests and strengths may link to future opportunities.

Year 8 – Broadening Horizons and Understanding Pathways

In Year 8, students build on this foundation by developing a clearer understanding of how education pathways connect to careers. They revisit career aspirations with greater depth, analysing why certain roles appeal to them and identifying the skills and environments associated with different careers.

A key focus is developing knowledge of post sixteen pathways, including further education, apprenticeships, and employment. Students evaluate the advantages and limitations of each route, challenging misconceptions and developing a more informed perspective.

Students also develop confidence in using the Unifrog platform to search, filter and evaluate careers based on interests, skills, and progression opportunities.

By the end of Year 8, students understand that career decisions are not isolated but linked directly to education choices and future progression.

Year 9 – Decision Making and Preparing for Key Stage 4

Year 9 marks a critical transition from exploration into structured decision making. Students develop a more sophisticated understanding of careers as journeys shaped by education, experience and changing opportunities.

A significant focus is supporting students with Key Stage 4 options. Students are guided through a structured process to evaluate subjects based on interests, strengths, and future aspirations. They are also taught to critically assess various sources of advice, ensuring decisions are informed rather than influenced.

Students continue to explore careers through Unifrog, analysing roles in terms of skills, rewards and challenges, and making explicit links between subjects and future pathways.

By the end of Year 9, students are equipped to make confident and informed decisions about their Key Stage 4 subjects.

Year 10 – Real World Application and Work Experience

In Year 10, the programme shifts from knowledge and decision making into practical application. The central focus is preparing students for meaningful engagement with the workplace through work experience.

Students are taught how to research placements using the Unifrog Apprenticeships tool, identifying suitable employers, and understanding local labour market opportunities. They develop professional communication skills, including how to contact employers formally through email and telephone.

Students also explore different career models, recognising that careers can take multiple forms and pathways depending on individual priorities and circumstances.

Preparation for work experience includes clear expectations around conduct, communication, health and safety, and professional behaviour in real workplace scenarios.

By the end of Year 10, students have the confidence and practical skills required to engage effectively with the workplace, which they do in the last week of term, and reflect on their experiences.

Year 11 – Securing Destinations and Transition Readiness

In Year 11, the focus is on ensuring that every student leaves with a clear, realistic, and secure post sixteen destination.

Students evaluate post sixteen pathways in detail, comparing further education, apprenticeships and employment, and analysing the implications of each route. They use Unifrog to shortlist courses and providers, refining their choices based on entry requirements, location, and progression opportunities.

Students also deepen their understanding of how qualifications and pathways link to long term career goals, ensuring alignment between their decisions and future aspirations.

A strong emphasis is placed on maintaining alternative options, ensuring all students have a viable backup plan and reducing the risk of disengagement after Year 11.

By the end of Year 11, students are able to articulate, justify and secure their next steps with confidence, leaving school prepared for successful transition into further education, training or employment.