The Careers Leader at King's is Head of Sixth Form/Assistant Headteacher, Mrs Abi Coles. She can be reached via admin@kingsschoolhove.org.uk or on 01273 840004.
The vision for our Career programme at King’s is to develop knowledge, skills and character in our students so that they can flourish to make aspirational decisions in their own career journey.
We want the students to develop employability skills and knowledge of available pathways to enable them to make informed decisions following Year 9, Year 11 or Year 13.
King’s career programme incorporates both formal careers education, information, advice and guidance activities, as well as other opportunities linked to each of the students’ subjects, whether this is delivered through bespoke lessons, external speakers, educational visits or developing our staff’s knowledge of the careers and opportunities linked to their subject areas. We use Unifrog as our career platform.
We believe that the whole school staff has a responsibility for the ‘careers education’ of its students and, therefore, it is important that all staff maintain an up-to-date knowledge of the opportunities that relate to their subjects, encourage students to explore ideas and are happy to provide additional information to students, or to refer them to other resources/colleagues with a more specific knowledge.
We evaluate our career programme by using the future skill questionnaire on compass plus with our students. We also use destination data and regular feedback from pupils, parents, teachers and employers to measure the impact of the careers programme.
King's Career Programme 2025-26
Careers and Employability Policy
Provider Access Policy
An updated version of the Gatsby Benchmarks was published in late 2024 as part of Gatsby’s report Good Career Guidance: The Next 10 Years.
Good Career Guidance | Education | Gatsby
Pathways
We use Unifrog as it is a complete destinations platform that allows students to search for opportunities and make applications for their next steps. Click here to sign in using your school email and password.
There you will be able to research all kinds of information on a vast range of further education opportunities and careers. You will even be able to watch videos about how to pursue different careers.
There is plenty to consider when deciding your next step post 16. The main thing to point out is that everyone needs to be in learning until 18. This does not mean staying in school, you can opt to study or train in any of the following ways:
- Studying full time in school, college or with any training provider
- Working or volunteering, combined with a part-time education or training
- Apprenticeship, traineeship or study programme
Department for Education Post-16 Choices Animation
Further Education
You have three options for further education study in the UK:
School Sixth Form: This will be familiar as they operate within the secondary School and are integrated into the school structure. They offer primarily A Levels and BTEC qualifications. At King’s the sixth form is growing but you will still be in small classes.
Sixth Form College: There are a number of highly regarded sixth form colleges in Brighton and Hove. These function in a similar way to school sixth forms, but they are not connected to any school. They will offer a wide range of A Level and BTEC qualifications and some vocational training. Class sizes will vary according to subject.
Further Education Colleges (FE): These are again separate to schools and offer a wider range of traditional A Level, BTEC, T Levels and other vocational courses such as NVQ's (National Vocational Qualifications). They will often offer foundation courses and opportunities to resit GCSE's alongside post 16 study.
apprenticeships
Amazing
Apprenticeships - Understanding Apprenticeships
Amazing Apprenticeships - Meet the Employer
T-Levels
T Levels are a high-quality alternative to A Levels and BTEC courses. Equivalent to three A Levels, they focus on industry-specific training to help students gain the vocational skills needed for higher education, employment, or apprenticeships.
The programme runs over two years, with students spending 80% of their time in the classroom and 20% on a meaningful industry placement lasting a minimum of 45 days. This hands-on experience allows students to apply their learning in real-world settings while giving employers early access to emerging talent.
What do I need to study T Levels?
These can vary depending on the provider and the specific T Level course, but generally, you’ll need:
GCSEs at grade 4 or above (especially in English and maths)
Some courses may also require science or other relevant subjects, depending on the sector (e.g. engineering or health).
Where could this lead?
T Levels do qualify you to go to university or you may prefer to go into the workplace with your work experience gained on the course.
Where could this lead?
T Levels do qualify you to go to university or you may prefer to go into the workplace with your work experience gained on the course.
To find out more visit: www.tlevels.gov.uk/
What are T Levels - Information Video
USEFUL LINKS
Find an apprenticeship - GOV.UK
Student finance login - GOV.UK
The 10 Best CV builders in the UK | Reviewed and rated
Coursefindr - University Degrees, Masters, Online Courses and Advice
Complete University Guide - University Rankings, Guides and Courses
Student Guides | MoneySavingExpert
Student Cooking | Studential.com
Free support to start a business | Enterprise programme
Working for MOD - Ministry of Defence - GOV.UK
Managing your money | MoneyHelper
Free and impartial help with money, backed by the government | MoneyHelper
Labour Market Information
We use Unifrog to help you be aware of the labour market in the UK.
Links to help you find out about our local labour market information in Brighton and Hove:
Overview - Labour market - Eurostat
Employment and social analysis - European Commission
Working abroad | Prospects.ac.uk
Study abroad | Prospects.ac.uk
Parents and Carers
We use Unifrog as our career platform at King’s. In addition to guided lessons as part of our careers programme, students can also login at any time and complete tasks independently. You can find out more about 'Unifrog' by watching this video. To help support engagement with your child, we are giving you the chance to set up your own parent account that you can use to see what it is like to use 'Unifrog'. Although GDPR rules prevent 'Unifrog' giving you direct access to your child's account, the parent account lets you see and use all the tools your child has access to. Simply click this link and use the sign-up code KSHOparents then complete the rest of the details to set up your account. It says, 'student account sign up code' but we have agreed with 'Unifrog' this special parental option for you.
Your role in shaping your child's future career plans is both powerful and essential. As a parent, you are your child's first mentor, guiding them through key decisions with support, encouragement, and understanding. By creating an open environment where they feel safe exploring their interests and expressing their dreams, you help them build confidence in their abilities. Offering exposure to a variety of careers, sharing your own experiences, and helping them develop important life and decision-making skills can lay a strong foundation for their future success. Your involvement—through listening, asking questions, and encouraging exploration—plays a vital part in helping them discover their passions and plan a path that aligns with their strengths and values.
Useful links to help you with your role.
What Next - in West Sussex, Brighton & Hove
West Sussex, Brighton and Hove Careers Hub - Careers Resources Board
Careermag for Parents | Careermap
Articles | The Parents' Guide to
A Parent's Guide To Apprenticeships | Success At School
SEND Links
Post 16 Options - A guide for Parents Families & Carers of Young People with SEND
Exceptional Individuals | Neurodiverse Recruitment & Employee Support
Ambitious about Autism | National charity for autistic children and young people
Mind in Brighton and Hove, promoting good mental health in our city and across Sussex.
(IPSEA) Independent Provider of Special Education Advice
Dyslexia - British Dyslexia Association
Employers, Post-16 and Alumni
We welcome employers, post-16 and post-18 education providers, and parents to take an active role in our careers programme—supporting and inspiring the next generation of talent. Your real-world experience is vital in helping students understand the wide range of opportunities available beyond the classroom.
By contributing your time and knowledge—through guest talks, workshops, mentoring, or hosting workplace visits—you can make a lasting impact on young people as they explore their career options and build the skills they need for the future.
Together, we can bridge the gap between education and the world of work, empowering students with the guidance and confidence to make informed choices. Be part of shaping the workforce of tomorrow, today.
We warmly encourage our alumni to take part in our careers programme and help inspire the next generation of students. As former pupils, your stories and achievements offer powerful, relatable insights for those just beginning to consider their future.
Whether you're at the start of your career or have years of experience, your perspective can help students see the wide range of possibilities open to them. By sharing your journey, offering advice, or supporting events such as career talks and mentoring sessions, you can make a meaningful difference—while reconnecting with the school community.
Your involvement has the power to shape students' aspirations, boost their confidence, and guide them as they take their next steps.
Please complete the following form and we will be in contact soon.
Career Engagement Form
Follow us on Linked in - We'd love for our Alumni students to stay in touch.