Careers Leader: Mr M Smith
thegrammarschool@twgsboys.kent.sch.uk
At Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys, we are committed to preparing every student for a successful and fulfilling future beyond school. Our vision for careers education is centred around developing well-rounded individuals who are equipped with a broad base of knowledge, skills and experiences to thrive in an ever-evolving world.
We believe that excellence is not only about academic achievement but also about nurturing curiosity, critical thinking, creativity and resilience. Our careers programme fosters a holistic approach to personal and professional development, empowering students to explore diverse pathways, whether they are pursuing higher education, entering the workforce or engaging in vocational training.
We aim to provide our students with the tools to:
Develop a strong sense of self-awareness, confidence and ambition in shaping their future careers.
Cultivate a diverse skill set, blending academic knowledge with practical, transferable skills such as communication, teamwork and problem-solving.
Build an understanding of various career options and industries, and how their individual strengths and interests can align with future opportunities.
Experience real-world learning through internships, work placements and collaboration with industry professionals, ensuring they are prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Embrace lifelong learning and adaptability, empowering them to succeed in a dynamic global economy.
Our vision is for students to leave Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys not only with qualifications but also with the confidence and competence to navigate their future, making informed choices that reflect their passions and aspirations, and contributing meaningfully to society.
At Key Stage 3, students are involved in understanding and developing enterprising skills in the 21st century, investigating the local economy and LMI, challenging workplace stereotypes, investigating qualifications and making appropriate choices for GCSE. Assemblies and a parent and student information evening on choosing GCSE options are also provided. Drop-down days are also used to deliver content, including an enterprise day for Year 9 involving the creation of a new product, which is then presented in a ‘Dragon’s Den’ format.
At Key Stage 4, students continue research into careers and pathways into the Sixth Form and higher education. They develop skills in CV and application form writing, learn how to create a career plan, and understand the qualifications framework beyond GCSE. In Year 11 they start to learn about developing workplace relationships, including the importance of rapport and effective emotional intelligence. Year 10 complete a week’s work experience during RED Week, with all students who can’t self-arrange guaranteed a place with a local business. This is supported by the strong and ongoing relationship between the school and EBP Kent.
At Key Stage 5, a series of careers lectures are delivered by universities and employers. Some of these lectures, together with form time, are devoted to the topic of UCAS applications and interview skills. There are also UCAS evenings, student finance evenings and apprenticeship events.
In addition, Year 12 has a week of self-arranged work experience, where students develop skills in writing prospective applications and developing initial relationships. There is a strong tradition of success in the national Young Enterprise competition.
The school works in partnership with The Skinners’ School and Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School on a biannual careers fair on rotation between the schools, with TWGSB focusing on the organisation of firms in Engineering, Project Management, Quantity Surveying, Architecture, Business, Accountancy, Insurance, Banking and Finance and IT. Click here for more information.