Careers Guidance and Post 16
At Holbrook Academy, we recognise the importance of supporting students as they make decisions about their next steps after Year 11. Post-16 education and training is a key stage in a young person’s journey, and we are committed to ensuring that all students and their families have access to the information, advice, and guidance they need.
Few of us know what we want to do with the rest of our lives when we are at school, but, beginning to think broadly about careers helps students make more informed choices about GCSE and Post-16 options.
Without creating undue pressure, we are keen that students do invest some time and effort researching the options.
Holbrook Academy’s Careers Lead is Mr Simon Rogers – simon.rogers@holbrookacademy.org
Post 16
Open events are held at local colleges and sixth forms in the Autumn term of Year 11, which we would encourage you to attend.
Information for students applying for Post 16 courses for September 2026 can be found here
Information about the different types of Post 16 qualifications can be found here –
www.ucas.com/further-education/post-16-qualifications/post-16-qualifications-you-can-take
The Uni Guide provide information on how to choose A level subjects that will keep your options open:
https://www.theuniguide.co.uk/advice/a-level-choices
Students have received the following booklet – Options after Year 11 : A Guide for Parents and Carers
Please check the websites below for further details.
Sixth Form Colleges:
Suffolk One – www.suffolkone.ac.uk
Colchester Sixth Form College – www.colchsfc.ac.uk
Northgate High School Sixth Form – www.northgatesixthform.co.uk
Copleston High School Sixth Form – www.copleston.suffolk.sch.uk/sixth-form
Kesgrave High School Sixth Form – www.kesgrave.suffolk.sch.uk/sixth-form
Further Education Colleges:
Suffolk New College – www.suffolk.ac.uk
Colchester Institute – www.colchester.ac.uk
West Suffolk College – www.wsc.ac.uk
Suffolk Rural – www.suffolk.ac.uk/course-categories/suffolk-rural
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships Suffolk – search for local apprenticeship vacancies: www.apprenticeshipssuffolk.org
“Get In Go Far”: www.getingofar.gov.uk
National Apprenticeships Service – register and apply for vacancies: www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
Sixth Forms & Colleges
Students at Holbrook Academy go on to a range of schools and sixth-form colleges.
The three main current destinations are Suffolk One Sixth-Form College, Suffolk New College and Northgate Sixth Form.
Holbrook Academy Careers Programme for Years 7-11:
The Careers Programme is shown at Appendix 3 of the Careers Policy - Careers Policy
In addition, the 3 Year Strategic Plan for Careers at Holbrook Academy can be found here.
All the information for students can be found in the Careers Zone folder on the shared Google drive. The Careers Zone covers careers in different areas, information from local colleges, virtual tours, work experience and apprenticeships and interesting video clips. Information is updated regularly.
Information on the Norfolk and Suffolk Economic Strategy can be found here –
Norfolk and Suffolk Economic Strategy
Useful Careers Websites
The following links are good starting points to help you to think about future career opportunities both locally and nationally:
Information about Jobs, Careers and Employers
Information about Higher Education
Information about Apprenticeships
