Careers Education and Post 16 Transition

Careers Guidance at Queensmill School

At Queensmill School, we are committed to providing a comprehensive and inclusive careers education program tailored to meet the needs of our students. Our careers programme is designed to provide our students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to make decisions about their future pathways.

Our Approach to Careers Education

We recognise that career development is a journey, and we support our students through each stage with structured, accessible, and meaningful learning opportunities. Our careers programme includes:

  • Personalised career planning – Identifying strengths, interests, and aspirations.
  • Work experience opportunities – Both in-school and within the local community, to help students develop key employability skills.
  • Exposure to businesses – Through workshops, industry talks, and mentorship programmes.
  • Further education support – Including visits to colleges and an on-site FE/College fair.
  • Skill development – Focused on communication, social interaction, and workplace skills to enhance independence and employability.

Key Stage 3 – Years 7, 8, and 9

At this stage, we introduce students to the world of work and career possibilities. Through interactive activities, role-playing, and structured learning, students explore different industries and begin to identify their personal interests and strengths. Social and communication skills are also developed through group work.

Key Stage 4 – Years 10 and 11

Students receive more targeted support, including personalised career planning and real-world work experience opportunities. All KS4 students participate in either school-based work experience or, where appropriate, community-based placements. They also gain exposure to various careers through workshops, careers talks, and our annual on-site FE/College fair.

Key Stage 5 – Years 12, 13, and 14

Our post-16 careers programme focuses on preparing students for their next steps. This includes:

  • Mentorship opportunities with local businesses.
  • Work experience in both school and community settings.
  • Continued exposure to different industries through talks and workshops.
  • Organised college visits and transition planning for further education.

Supporting Transitions

We understand the importance of smooth transitions and work closely with students and families to ensure they are well-informed and prepared for the next stage of their journey. Our dedicated team provides guidance on college applications, supported employment, and independent living skills to help students achieve their goals.

Careers Leader – Aurora Garcia – [email protected]02087408112

Transitions Leader – Jorge Hernando – [email protected]02087408112/02037457044


Preparing pupils for transition from school is a key priority at Ormiston Queensmill Academy. We understand that this is a major milestone in a young person’s life, and while it can be exciting, it can also bring feelings of worry or confusion for both pupils and their families.

The Education and Health Care Plan Review plays a key role in planning for transition. From Year 10 onwards, every pupil at Ormiston Queensmill Academy has a Moving Into Adulthood Plan. This is reviewed and updated each year during the EHCP review meeting. The plan outlines the steps needed to ensure a successful transition into Post-19 education and beyond. It is created collaboratively with input from the young person, their parents or carers, and relevant professionals.

We have extensive experience in supporting young people and their families during this important time. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our Transition Lead, Jorge Hernando Garijo.

At Ormiston Queensmill Academy, we support students up to Year 14 (up to the age of 19). Our students typically transition into further education settings when they leave us. We have well-established links with a range of local colleges to ensure that transitions are smooth, appropriate, and tailored to each young person’s needs and aspirations.

In the UK, young people must remain in full-time education or training until the age of 18. For those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), education and training opportunities can continue up to the age of 25.

We work closely with families, local authorities, and partner colleges to ensure that every student has a meaningful, achievable, and supported pathway into adulthood.

At Ormiston Queensmill, we are committed to supporting students and their families as they prepare for the next stage in education. We work closely with a range of local colleges to ensure every young person/families can make informed choices about their future.

Our transition programme begins in Year 10, with initial college visits to help students start thinking about life beyond school. These visits are carefully planned and supported by our staff to ensure that students feel safe and confident exploring new environments.

In Year 14, we host a dedicated Transition Fair, where parents and carers can meet with representatives from local colleges and ask questions about the provision available. This event helps families gather key information and build relationships with potential post-19 providers.

Throughout the year, our Transition Lead plays a key role in supporting families and students. He attends all Year 14 EHCP Annual Reviews to ensure that transition planning is tailored to each individual’s needs. Once a college placement is confirmed, we work closely with the new setting to arrange personalized transition visits, taster sessions, and information sharing so the new provision can begin to understand and prepare for the student’s specific requirements.

College staff are also invited to visit students at Ormiston Queensmill to observe them in a familiar setting and begin building a positive relationship before the transition takes place.

YearTotal number of leaversDestinationNumbers
2024/202527City and Westminster
Queensmill College
West London College
EOTAS
SCCSF
HRUC
Arise Academy
TCES
CNWL
William Morris
11
3
6
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2023/202410Queensmill College
City and Westminster
Harrow College
Nescot
St Charles 6th Form
William Morris
1
4
1
1
1
1
2022/202316Queensmill College
City and Westminster
Green Corridor
William Morris
3
4
2021/20226Queensmill College
Great Oaks College
City and Westminster
2
1
2
2020/20219Queensmill College
City and Westminster
Southgate and Barnet
Alexandra Centre
2
3
2
2
2019/202012Queensmill College
Kennet West Skills
Alexandra Centre
City and Westminster
Baked Bean Company
5
1
1
4
1

Page updated: May 2025

Date of next review: September 2025

This page is managed by Jorge Hernando Garijo. Please contact [email protected] if any of the information on this page changes before the next review or you feel would be of benefit if added.