We believe that all students should have access to high-quality, impartial careers guidance throughout their time at The Lowry Academy. Through meaningful encounters with employers, further and higher education providers, and industry professionals, students are encouraged to raise their aspirations, challenge stereotypes and make informed choices about their next steps.
For further information about Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance at The Lowry Academy, please contact:
Miss Leah Ballantyne Careers Leader leah.ballantyne@lowryacademy.org.uk 0161 362 4236
Our careers programme is designed to provide students with a range of meaningful experiences that help them explore future pathways, develop employability skills and make informed decisions about their next steps.
Through our weekly KS3 form time careers programme, students are encouraged to reflect on their passions, interests, strengths and skills while exploring a wide range of career opportunities. These sessions help students develop self-awareness and make informed choices about their future, including GCSE options in Year 9. In KS4, students receive further support through mock interviews, CV writing workshops, careers events, college and university visits, and one-to-one careers guidance. This helps students make informed decisions about their post-16 pathways, including sixth forms, colleges, apprenticeships and training opportunities.
Throughout their time at Lowry Academy, students take part in a variety of careers-related activities, including:
Form time careers activities
Enrichment days
Mock interviews
College & University visits
Employer events
Inspirational guest speaker sessions
Presentations from colleges, apprenticeship providers and employers
Year 7
In Year 7, students begin exploring the world of careers by understanding what a career is and how education links to future opportunities. Through careers lessons, employer encounters and activities such as the Future Skills Questionnaire, students learn about their strengths, interests and employability skills while being introduced to a wide range of jobs and post-16 pathways.
Year 8
In Year 8, students are encouraged to think more deeply about their aspirations and how their learning connects to future careers. Students develop their employability skills, explore different education and career pathways, and engage with colleges, universities and other providers to broaden their understanding of the opportunities available to them.
Year 9
In Year 9, careers education supports students as they prepare to make informed GCSE option choices. Students build confidence in identifying and presenting their strengths and transferable skills, learn about the world of work, and explore academic and vocational routes through encounters with employers, STEM opportunities and careers-related experiences linked to their future aspirations.
Year 10
In Year 10, students begin to explore their future career ambitions in greater depth. Through careers lessons, employer engagement and work experience preparation, students reflect on their strengths, interests and aspirations while developing key employability skills. They learn about different workplace environments, career pathways and the skills needed to succeed in the modern world of work.
Year 11
In Year 11, the focus is on preparing students for their next steps after school. Students receive support with researching post-16 options, making informed decisions about their future pathway and completing college and sixth form applications before Christmas. Alongside this, students continue to develop their employability skills, explore apprenticeships and higher education routes, and gain the knowledge needed to confidently transition into post-16 education, training or employment.
At Lowry Academy, Unifrog is our main careers platform, helping students explore their future options and make informed decisions about their next steps.
Unifrog provides up-to-date information on careers, sixth forms, colleges, apprenticeships, universities and training opportunities, all in one place. Students can explore pathways linked to their interests and skills, compare different options and research future opportunities.
The platform also supports students with key application skills, including CV writing, personal statements and progression planning, helping them prepare for their chosen post-16 and post-18 pathways.
Student Login
Students can access Unifrog using their school Microsoft account through the Unifrog website. Once logged in, they can explore careers, research opportunities, record careers activities and build their personal profiles throughout their time at Lowry Academy.
Access Unifrog here: https://www.unifrog.org
At Lowry Academy, we are committed to supporting students and families as they make important decisions about future education, training and careers. We understand that choosing a post-16 pathway can sometimes feel overwhelming, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Through our careers programme, students are supported in exploring a range of opportunities, including sixth forms, colleges, apprenticeships, universities and employment pathways. Students also have access to Unifrog, our careers platform, which provides information and guidance to support future decision-making.
All Year 11 students are prioritised for a one-to-one careers guidance interview between September and January. Careers guidance appointments are also available for students in Years 8-10 throughout the academic year.
There are many websites out there with advice, guidance and information on careers and further education.
We work closely with employers, colleges, universities, apprenticeship providers and training organisations to provide meaningful encounters that give students valuable insights into different industries and career sectors.
If you would like to support our careers programme by speaking to students, offering workplace experiences, or sharing information about opportunities within your sector, please contact:
Leah Ballantyne, Careers Leader, at leah.ballantyne@lowryacademy.org.uk or 0161 362 4236.
Our alumni are an important part of the Lowry community and continue to inspire current students through their success stories, experiences and achievements. Whether you have progressed to university, an apprenticeship, further education or employment, we would love to hear about your journey.
We are proud of where our students go next, and we look forward to celebrating your success.
Join our Alumni Network today by completing the form below.
Alumni – Fill in form
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