Our aim is to develop students education and skills; to provide them with the tools to create successful futures in which they maximise their life opportunities.

At St Mary’s, we understand that high quality careers education and advice is a critical part of our role in enabling our students to prepare for life beyond their statutory education. It is our duty to prepare them for the workplace by providing them with a clear and accurate understanding of what the ‘world of work’ looks like. This includes exploring the pathways open to them and empowering them to choose the ones that they will find the most engaging and rewarding.

We have an expanding network of organisations whom we work with to provide quality advice, information, encounters and experience. These include:

CareerConnect – to provide ‘one to one’ career guidance

Corporate input – including collaboration with the BBC, Nestle, Aldi, Airbus,Home Office, Armed Services and the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.

Further education – including Wirral Met, Hugh Baird, LIPA and LMA.

Higher education – including Cambridge University, Oxford University, University of Liverpool, LJMU, Liverpool Hope, Edge Hill, University of Chester, Lancaster University, UCLAN, LIPA and LMA

UCAS – Application to university begins in the summer term of Year 12 using the web-based ‘Apply’ system. Students will also be given the opportunity to attend the ‘UCAS Discovery’ event which enables students to meet with representatives from universities across the UK. Support for this process is embedded into our daily Inspire programme and students not wishing to apply to university will follow a separate programme of support.

Careers Fair – This will take place annually in college and students will have the opportunity to meet with a range of employers, universities and FE providers. 

Work Experience – Students who wish to pursue an apprenticeship pathway after sixth form are updated regularly with apprenticeship opportunities, along with information via Google Classroom and careers bulletins. In addition, this year students can attend the ‘National Apprenticeship Show’ hosted at the Liverpool Arena, with fully funded travel available.

Interview preparation – Students can request the opportunity to practise their interview techniques prior ta attending interviews for university or employment. This can be arranged by speaking to a member of the Sixth Form Team. 

Apprenticeship Support – Students who wish to pursue an apprenticeship pathway after sixth form are updated regularly with apprenticeship opportunities, along with information via Google Classroom and careers bulletins. In addition, this year students can attend the ‘National Apprenticeship Show’ hosted at the Liverpool Arena, with fully funded travel available.