Careers

 

Careers at The Hinckley School

Our Careers team

At The Hinckley School, we are committed to delivering a high-quality, impartial careers programme that supports all students in making informed decisions about their future pathways, ensuring that students are aware of the full range of progression routes, including A Levels, technical and vocational pathways, and apprenticeships, enabling them to make informed and aspirational choices.

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Our careers provision is led by a dedicated team:

Lucy Sturgess – Leader of STEM and Careers

Mrs Sturgess leads the strategic development of careers education across the school. We are working to ensure that our careers programme is fully embedded within the curriculum, aligns with the Gatsby Benchmarks, and supports students in developing essential skills for their future. Mrs Sturgess works closely with staff, employers, and external providers to create meaningful encounters and experiences that inspire and inform students about the world of work.

Email: lsturgess@thehinckleyschool.co.uk

Helen Thompson – Careers Advisor

Mrs Thompson is our qualified Careers Advisor who provides impartial, personalised guidance to students at key transition points. Her role includes:

• Delivering one-to-one and small group careers guidance interviews for students in Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5
• Supporting students with post 16 and post 18 choices, including sixth form, college, apprenticeships, and university pathways
• Helping students to identify their strengths, interests, and career aspirations
• Offering advice on subject choices, progression routes, and labour market information
• Supporting students with applications, personal statements, and interview preparation
• Working with vulnerable students to ensure equality of access to careers provision

Mrs Thompson works closely with staff and families to ensure students receive consistent and informed guidance throughout their time at school, and actively liaises with employers and businesses within the local community to support key careers events. These include the annual Careers Fair, run in conjunction with Sixth Form Open Evening, Year 10 mock interviews, Year 10 and Year 12 work experience, and organising visits from colleges, apprenticeship providers, and representatives from a range of sectors to deliver assemblies and talks.

Email: hthompson@thehinckleyschool.co.uk

Careers Link Governor (to be confirmed)

The Careers Link Governor provides strategic oversight of the careers programme. They support the school in ensuring that careers education meets statutory requirements and reflects best practice, including the Gatsby Benchmarks. The governor works with school leaders to review provision, monitor impact, and ensure continuous improvement.

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The Gatsby Benchmarks

Our careers programme at The Hinckley School is guided by the Gatsby Benchmarks, which define best practice for careers education in schools and colleges. These benchmarks ensure that all students receive a structured, high-quality careers experience.

The Eight Gatsby Benchmarks

1. A Stable Careers Programme
2. Learning from Career and Labour Market Information
3. Addressing the Needs of Each Pupil
4. Linking Curriculum Learning to Careers
5. Encounters with Employers and Employees
6. Experiences of Workplaces
7. Encounters with Further and Higher Education
8. Personal Guidance