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Lavington School

EQUA Trust

Apprenticeship and Opportunities

Exeter Maths School

A reminder that this Thursday 4th June at 5-6pm, we will be running an online open evening for Year 10 mathematicians who are thinking about their options after GCSEs in 2027. Our Headteacher Kerry will give a presentation about the school and our admissions process, followed by a Q&A.

We are an Outstanding rated specialist Maths Sixth Form, perfect for students who want to meet like-minded peers studying:

  • Maths and Further Maths
  • Physics and/or Computer Science
  • with the option of a 4th subject at Exeter College

Our catchment area covers South West England, including the city of Bristol and the counties of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset & Wiltshire. We have boarding available Monday to Friday for students who live too far for a daily commute, and offer a generous boarding bursary scheme.

Links for students & parents/carers:

We will also be holding Taster Days for Year 11 students in the Autumn Term and will confirm the dates of these later this term.

Unifrog - Virtual Work Experience Week!

 

Welcome to the Unifrog Gazette

In this edition

📅 Coming up: Get ready for Virtual Work Experience Week

🐸 #HelpMeUnifrog: How can I help students get into medical school?

🧭 Exploring pathways: University advice webinars

👀 Opportunities from universities and employers

 

Get ready for Virtual Work Experience Week

Virtual Work Experience Week is back! From 29 June to 3 July, your students will get a taster of a diverse range of sectors and careers hosted by a different employer each day with a mix of live sessions and workplace tasks.

From designing a menu fit for a king with Sodexo to building a brand identity for their own business idea with HubSpot, Y10–12 students are welcome to sign up to as many days as they like.

> Get students to sign up here (29 Jun–3 Jul)
> Share this poster to get students excited about the week

 

How can I help students get into medical school?

If you have students who want to study medicine or dentistry, they may need to sit the two-hour UCAT exam as part of their application. As registration for the 2026 UCAT opens this Wednesday, Unifrog are here to help your students enter the exam with confidence!

Created for Y11–13 students, our Applying to medicine toolkit includes two courses and a tool to answer practice UCAT questions. This can be added to your school's account for £90 (+VAT) a year.

> Learn more about the toolkit

 

University discovery webinars

In this webinar series, students can hear from university staff and current undergraduates on a range of topics including: degree apprenticeships, student finance, and getting involved in extracurricular activities.

> See the series and share with students (8–9 Jun)

 

Opportunities from universities and employers

Please note: some links below take you to the student side of the Unifrog platform. Click 'open the link as a student' to view correctly.

National Saturday Club: Free events for students aged 13-16
Students aged 13-16 can attend free Saturday morning study sessions at local universities, colleges, and cultural venues. Help them build skills, confidence, and creativity in a supportive environment. Students can also take part in cultural visits, industry masterclasses, and a Summer Show at Somerset House. Discover more here

University of Hertfordshire: Teacher and Adviser Conference
You’re invited to join this free conference on 19 June. There will be a keynote about restorative techniques that can be shared with students, plus ten sessions including the graduate labour market, apprenticeships, the Duke of Edinburgh Award, embedding real-world recruitment in careers education, and applying to the University of Cambridge. Find out more and sign up (19 Jun)

RSM: In-person work shadowing
Applications are open for 3-day, paid, in-person work experience programmes between August and September, open to students starting Y13 study in September 2026. They will gain insight into consulting, build employability skills, and hear from current trainees. Opportunities in Bristol, Stoke, Newcastle, Reading, London, Hull, and Liverpool with a certificate on completion. Early application advised. Students can apply here

University of Plymouth: On-campus open day
Your students are welcome to the University of Plymouth's Open Day on 20 June! This is a great opportunity for students to explore the campus, experience life by the sea, and get a feel for whether the university is the right fit for them. Invite your students (20 Jun)

KPMG: 2026 apprenticeships
Apprenticeships with KPMG are still open for September 2026 starts, with a limited number of places remaining across the UK. Opportunities are available in consulting, audit, tax, and digital technology at various locations. These programmes offer school leavers the chance to earn while they learn, gaining professional experience and qualifications from day one. Students can apply here (early application recommended)

St Mary's University: Teacher and Adviser Conference
St Mary's University is delighted to invite you to their Teacher and Adviser Conference on 2 July. This free event covers university admissions, the application journey, and student finance, with speakers from UCAS and the Student Loans Company. Travel reimbursement of up to £50 available. Book here (2 Jul)

Riddle me this 🤔

What is more useful when it is broken?

Last riddle: Two fathers and two sons are in a car, yet there are only three people in the car. How?

Solution: They are grandfather, father, and son

 

Meet Your Army - Virtual Events

June:

Title: Serving as LGBTQ+ In the British Army

Date & Time: Tuesday 9 June 18:00 - 19:00

Register Now

Title: Joining the Army Series: Officer

Date & Time: Tuesday 23 June 18:00 - 19:00

Register Now

July:

Title: Joining the Army Series: Soldier

Date & Time: Wednesday 1 July 18:00 - 19:00

Register Now

Title: Virtual Harrogate Open Day

Date & Time: Wednesday 8 July 18:00 - 19:00

Register Now

Southampton Residential Insight into University 2026 - Year 11 and 12 Students 

Ocean & Earth Science Residential Taster Course – University of Southampton

This engaging 1-night residential gives students the chance to explore the processes that drive the global Earth system. It brings together geology, geography, and oceanography, and helps students build practical and transferable skills.

Students will:

  • Investigate coastal and marine environments, including physical processes such as tides and the ecosystems they support  
  • Develop an understanding of environmental geoscience, including human impacts on marine and coastal systems and the effects of climate change  
  • Spend time aboard the teaching and research vessel Callista in Southampton Water and the Solent  

 

*The course will take place at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS), one of the world’s leading centres for ocean and earth science research. Meals are provided on-site, and accommodation is within walking distance.

Who is the course for?

  • Year 11 and Year 12 students  
  • Students with a strong interest in Ocean and Earth Sciences  
  • Students studying (or planning to study) at least two of the following A levels (or equivalent): Maths, Biology, Physics, Geography, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or Geology  

Course details:

  • Dates: Monday 20th July – Tuesday 21st July (1-night residential)  
  • Capacity: 30 students  
  • Cost: £270 (bursaries are available)  

 

DS Smith Apprenticeship

Engineering apprentice at Devizes.

The training model has changed this year, training will take place on block release of four weeks in Birmingham, then two weeks at site.

Please see link to advert below.

https://dssmith.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/careers/details/Apprentice---Engineering_R-13380-2

Bath College Netball Academy

Introducing Emma Isaac, Chair of Bath Cougars Netball Club, who is also leading our new Netball Academy at Bath College.

Emma is keen to develop links with local secondary schools to share information with Year 11 netball players who may currently be considering their next steps — whether that be College or Sixth Form.

Bath College now offers four Sports Academies, similar in model to SGS College and Hartpury College. Each academy is delivered in partnership with a professional or community club:

  • Male and Female Football – Bath City FC
  • Male and Female Rugby – Bath Rugby
  • Golf – Cumberwell Park
  • Netball – Bath Cougars Netball Club

This is the first year of our Netball Academy, and it is an exciting opportunity for motivated netball players to access high-level coaching at outstanding facilities, while studying any academic or vocational course at the College — not just sport-related programmes. For example, one of our current players is enrolled on a Hair and Beauty course alongside academy netball.

We are hosting a Netball Academy Trial on
Saturday 9th May | 1:30–9:00pm | University of Bath STV

This session is open to students who have already applied to Bath College, as well as those who are still exploring their post-16 options. The day will include netball activity and an opportunity to discuss the academy and college pathways in more detail.

Project Route Youth Advisory Group (students aged 15-25)

This is a fantastic chance for young people to get involved in a meaningful, future-focused initiative, helping to shape the future of careers in the transport industry. It’s particularly valuable for students who are curious, open-minded, and interested in exploring new opportunities. No prior knowledge of transport is required and the time commitment is 1-2 hours virtually (sessions are hosted in the early evening).

We would greatly appreciate your support in sharing this opportunity with your students, especially those who may benefit from developing their confidence, skills, and awareness of different career pathways.

A reminder that students who take part will have the opportunity to:

  • Share their perspectives and contribute to real-world projects
  • Engage with industry professionals
  • Gain insight into careers within the transport sector

We are especially keen to ensure this opportunity reaches a diverse range of students, and we welcome applications from all backgrounds.

If you have already shared this with your students, thank you very much for your support - it is greatly appreciated. If not, we would be grateful if you could circulate this information at your earliest convenience so your students as the closing date is Thursday 23rd April.

Click here to download a flyer to help you promote this opportunity

If you have any questions or would like further information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) Opportunities

We are very excited to share the fantastic news with you that, due to the huge success of our February Half Term pilot course, we will be re-running our: FUTURE SKILLS PROGRAMME: Careers in STEM over the May Half Term and the *APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN!

This virtual programme is designed to inspire students, broaden their understanding of STEM careers, and equip them with the skills and confidence needed to make informed choices and succeed in future applications and the workplace. 

Who is this for? Students in Years 9-10 - S3-S4

When is this course running? 26th-29th May

How long will it take to complete?  Approximately 30 hours flexibly

How much will it cost? £50 (Fully funded bursaries are available for eligible students, criteria is here),

This course is perfect for your students who:

  • Have an interest or curiosity in STEM, engineering, manufacturing, digital technology, or future careers 
  • Would benefit from early exposure to real-world STEM pathways, including apprenticeships, technical routes, and university options 
  • Are beginning to think about GCSE subject choices, post-16 options, or longer-term career ideas 
  • May not yet see themselves in a STEM career but would benefit from inspiration, role models, and insight into local and regional opportunities 
  • Are motivated to develop employability skills such as communication, networking, and professionalism 

The course is suitable for all abilities — enthusiasm and curiosity are far more important than prior knowledge and at the end of the course, students will graduate as Bronze-level Industrial Cadets, a nationally recognised award they can use as evidence of their experience to support future applications and career journeys. 

 

Please use the link below or the attached Flyer to share this opportunity with your students and their parents/guardians in Years 9-10 / S3-S4:-

Programmes - The Future Skills Programme: Careers in STEM

******************************************************************************************

We would also like to invite the parents/guardians of your students to join our Discover EDT Webinar taking place this Thursday.  This webinar will demonstrate how they can support their son/daughter with their exciting journey into the world of STEM by going through all of the upcoming course opportunities and experiences that we offer.

They can book their place here:-
Topic:                           Discover EDT – Parent/Guardian Webinar

When:                           Thursday 16th April at 4-5pm

Registration Link :       Click here   

******************************************************************************************

Do let us know if you have any questions about this opportunity.

 

Ellen Gunning
Student Recruitment Team
EDT (Engineering Development Trust) & Industrial Cadets

Telephone: 01707 906106 | Email: studentrecruitment@etrust.org.uk
www.etrust.org.uk

Follow us on:

 March Apprenticeships Vacancy Snapshot

Apprenticeship Vacancies 

Each Month, employers share a selection of their current apprenticeships vacancies.

Take a look below to discover excellent opportunities from accounting to utilities that may be of interest.

Vacancies are shown in order of the earliest closing date.

This Month's Vacancies

https://mailchi.mp/amazingapprenticeships.com/vacancy-snapshot-4964946?e=9ac6afd139

 

Join us for the British Army Insights: A Guide for Parents & Guardians Webinar

Supporting Your Young Person: Exploring a Career in the British Army


Tuesday 28 April | 18:00 – 19:00 | Online

 

We’re hosting a free online session for parents and guardians to provide clear, trustworthy guidance on how they can support their young person if they’re considering the British Army.

 

Why does this session matter?
Recent research with over 600 parents and guardians showed that only 27% felt fully confident supporting their young person through the Army application process. This session is designed to help change that by bringing reliable information together in one place.

 

During the session, parents and guardians will:

  • Get a simple overview of the journey into the Army
  • Hear from other parents
  • Learn about the support available, including:
    • Brand new parent-focused resources
    • Opportunities to sign up to our monthly newsletter
    • A new webpage designed specifically for parents and guardians

 

If parents or guardians want to feel more informed and confident about the options available, we’d love them to join us. Teachers are also welcome to attend to support their understanding and conversations with families.

 

👉 Register for the event: https://britishar.my/AParentsPerpectiveEvent

 

Thank you for helping us reach parents and carers with information to support informed career conversations.

 

Best wishes,


British Army Supporting Education

 

Get the latest Army Careers info and resources

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST

Student opportunity – Join the Project Route Youth Advisory Group (Ages 15–25)

We'd like to share an exciting opportunity for your students to get involved in something meaningful and future-focused.

 

Project Route is currently seeking enthusiastic and open-minded young people (aged 15–25) from across the UK to join our virtual Youth Advisory Group. The Group will bring together diverse voices to help shape the future of careers in the transport industry. It offers students a unique chance to develop new skills, build confidence, and collaborate with industry professionals while contributing their ideas to a real-world project.

 

Importantly, students do not need any prior knowledge or experience in transport. We are keen to hear from those who are simply curious, willing to learn, and interested in exploring new opportunities.

 

We are particularly looking for students who:
🚆 Are aged 15–25
🚗 Are interested in discovering new career pathways and developing skills
🚌 Would value the opportunity to make an impact and engage with industry professionals

 

By participating, students will have the opportunity to:
⛴️ Share their perspectives and have their voices heard
✈️ Contribute to meaningful discussions and projects
🚗 Gain insight into careers within the transport sector

 

We are committed to inclusivity and welcome applications from all backgrounds - every perspective is valuable.

 

We would be extremely grateful if you could share this opportunity with your students.

 

Students can find out more and apply here!

LSE Insight: online event for year 11 students exploring higher education

We’re getting in touch to remind you about LSE Insight, a free, one‑day online event designed to support year 11 students from UK state schools as they begin thinking about higher education. Appl

LSE Insight offers students the chance to:

  • explore what university study is like at a world‑leading institution
  • hear directly from LSE students, academics, and admissions specialists
  • learn about LSE’s widening participation opportunities
  • gain confidence in planning their next steps after year 11.

The programme includes a student panel, a social sciences taster lecture, an introduction to LSE admissions, and practical guidance on choosing post‑16 options.

Event details:
📅 Saturday 28 March 2026
🕓 10.30am to 3.00pm
💻 Online via Zoom

Students who take part in the full event will also receive special consideration when applying for LSE’s year 12 widening participation programmes, and will be entered into a prize draw for an LSE goodie bag and hoodie.

Eligibility:
The event is aimed at year 11 state school students who are set to achieve strong GCSEs and also meet at least one widening participation criterion (eg, care‑experienced, free school meals, living in an area of low higher education participation or high socioeconomic deprivation).

👉 Applications close: 1 March 2026

👉 Full details, including criteria and application form, are on the event webpage.

We’ve also produced a flyer that you’re welcome to download. Thank you for sharing this event with your networks.

If you have any questions, please contact us at: ard.pathways@lse.ac.uk

Best wishes,

LSE Widening Participation team

The London School of Economics and Political Science

Houghton Street, London WC2A 2AE

t: +44 (0) 7471 037977

e: ard.pathways@lse.ac.uk

lse.ac.uk                                

LIVE Q&A with a Network Rail Route Director

We’re excited to invite your school to take part in a free, live broadcast taking place on Thursday 26th March from 10am exclusively on the Career Friendly programme.

 

What to Expect:

A session led by Network Rail, Route Director, Wales & Borders Route

His job is called a Route Director. This means he helps look after about 1,000 miles of railway track!

Nick and his team ensure the railway is safe and working properly. They look after things like the tracks, signals, bridges, stations, and level crossings. Train companies drive the trains, but Network Rail looks after the railway itself.

A live Q&A session, giving pupils the chance to ask questions

This engaging session is a great way to support your young peoples’ personal development and growing independence.

Register your school here to watch the broadcast and engage with the LIVE CHAT.

 

https://careerfriendlyprogramme.com/

 

This broadcast is suitable for KS2/KS3 students and will be shown on the same link that you register at your school. 

 

You will be able to view the broadcast video player as soon as your registration is approved.

More live Q&A sessions are planned with different industry professionals over the coming months so if you can't make this one sign up at https://careerfriendlyprogramme.com/ to ensure you don't miss out.

Cotswold Airport Aviation Scholarship 2026

Good Afternoon

I am writing to you to introduce the Cotswold Airport Aviation Scholarship. Our Scholarship program runs during the summer holidays, Tuesday 11th August to Friday 14th August 2026 & Tuesday 18th August to Friday 21st August 2026 (One Event over the 2 Weeks). The scheme is available to young adults wishing to pursue a career in our most fascinating industry. This is a great opportunity for students aged between 14-17 (on 21st August 2026) to gain real world exposure to the aviation industry that will set them on their way on their chosen career path. The Cotswold Airport Aviation Scholarship is fully funded by the Airport. The programme has already changed the lives of many young adults helping them to embark on the aviation industry whether their chosen career path is Military, Commercial Flight Crew, Engineering or Air Traffic Services, Operations etc.

This year the program is open to 12 students. The successful applicants will enjoy an immersive two weeks in various areas of the industry from Operations, Air traffic services, Military, Engineering and much more. Crucially, candidates will get to do plenty of flying. Each candidate will complete several flying hours in various aircraft types including Gliders, Powered fixed wing, Microlights, and helicopters.

Students can apply here: 2026 Cotswold Airport Scholarship Application – Fill in form.

The closing date for applications is Monday 9th March 2026. 

Please forward this on to any students / career officers and display the attached poster.

If you have any questions, then please do not hesitate to contact myself.

Kind Regards,

William Allin & Toni Silk

Cotswold Airport Aviation Scholarship Coordinator

scholarships@cotswoldairport.com

01285 771177 (Option 1)

Apprenticeship Vacancies at DSTL

Please find below details about the applications for next years apprenticeship vacancies with DSTL. These are based at Porton Down Near Salisbury or Portsdown West near Fareham.

Apprenticeship cohorts include:

  • Ordinance, Munitions & Explosives (OME)
  • Software Engineering
  • Laboratory Technician
  • Business Administration

They offer apprenticeships from levels 3 to 7 (A-Level to Masters) 

Further information can be found here.

Kind regards,

Mike

Mike Holliday

Gloucestershire & Wiltshire Partnership Manager

Email: admin@gw-partnership.ac.uk

Mobile: 0789 6759014

Website: www.gw-partnership.ac.uk

Twitter: @GWPartnership

Getting your work/life balance right - If you receive this email outside of your working hours, please do not feel obliged to respond until you are back at work

 

NCW - The Degree Gap

Parents and Students, you have been invited to a Live Online Free Webinar by The Degree Gap

How to maximise every GCSE mark - 26th March @ 19:00 - 20:00

It’s great to see over a thousand parents already signed up to our webinar this month.
 
For those that haven’t, there is a week until The Degree Gap hosts a Live Online Complimentary Webinar: ‘How to Maximise Every GCSE Mark’.

So, what will we cover?

✅ Where marks are being lost
✅ How to use exam mark schemes
✅ How to convert weak topics into scoring topics
✅ How to keep momentum without burnout
 
You will get the chance to listen to specialists in Maths, English and Science, explaining how they achieved top grades and how to pick up lots of marks in exams. We will focus on the most effective revision strategies before the exams, so you can maximise the next 3 months.
 
To sign up for the event on the 26th of March 7-8pm, please use the link below:

Register Now

Here are some of our reviews from the last event:

“I recently attended The Degree Gap’s free webinar for parents and it was incredibly eye opening. Instead of vague advice, we received clear and actionable strategies. It helped me support my child without increasing stress.”

“This seminar was excellent - a good length and jam packed with realistic advice that is instantly implementable. The follow up email was hugely appreciated and we have a plan, resources and much better focus for the months ahead. I initially watched this as a parent and have now watched it with my son and husband. Thank you.”

“I found the webinar really informative and so grateful for the links and access to free resources as everything is so expensive these days and there is so much out there that you need to sign up to and agree to ‘trial’ before you buy, am just super impressed that these guys have realised how important it is to be so inclusive so all students have an equal chance .Thank you”

 

NatWest

Welcome to National Careers Week 2026! Keep your eye on e-mail this week as we will be sending out exclusive content all week this week. Don't forget to visit the Virtual Careers Fair, and get all the classic printable NCW resources you need here.

Apprenticeships at the NatWest Group

Apprenticeships Explained – Virtual Event 12th March at 5pm.

Our Apprenticeships are a fantastic alternative to further education. You get to learn new skills that you’ll use in real-world situations from day one and you’ll get paid while you do it! It’s a win-win really.

Explore Apprenticeships

Discover apprenticeships that shape your future 

Join us for an in-depth look at our apprenticeships and discover how they can support your growth, build your skills, and help you move confidently toward your future ambitions.

Register Now

 

 

EDT (Engineering Development Trust) 

The Future Skills Programme Careers in Stem

Dick Lovett Apprentice Open Events 2026

We are thrilled to inform you of our Apprentice Open Evening events which are taking place this year.

We will be opening our doors to students who are interested in finding out more about becoming an Apprentice in the Automotive Industry. We have some exciting opportunities to join us, which can be found on our website here: Automotive Apprenticeships | Start Your Career | Dick Lovett

As we anticipate a big response to this event, we ask that students only attend if they are looking for an Apprenticeship that will start in September 2026. If you would like to be placed on the waiting list and for us to contact you if we do have space for younger attendees to join us, please let us know.

Full details of the process and timeline for our 2026 intake can also be found here:

Apprentice Application Process | Dick Lovett

Attendees can sign up to the open events below:

2026 | Melksham Apprentice Open Evening | Dick Lovett

Thursday 26th February - parking at BMW Melksham (SN12 6GN)

(We have noticed that there is currently a typo on the date on this page and it will be amended shortly!)

2026 | BMW Swindon Apprentice Open Evening | Dick Lovett

Tuesday 3rd March at BMW Swindon (SN5 8WG)

2026 | Bristol Apprentice Open Evening | Dick Lovett

Thursday 5th March at The Hangar Bristol (BS10 7TU)

If you have any questions, please email our recruitment team at recruitment@dicklovett.co.uk

Dunelm apprenticeships are OPEN!

Applications are now open for Dunelm's apprenticeship vacancies.

You could apply for apprenticeships in Supply Chain & Logistics, Merchandising, Buying, Retail, or the exciting new Made to Measure Fitting apprenticeship opportunity. 

Find out more about the roles and how to apply below...

 APPLY NOW

Catch up with our webinar recordings

WATCH NOW

WATCH NOW

Explore Dunelm's profile on Amazing Apprenticeships' popular Meet the Employer platform to explore the skills they're looking for in their apprentices, their application processes, the help and support available to apprentices, behind-the-scenes apprentice experiences, and much more.

VISIT THE PROFILE

Army Careers

https://jobs.army.mod.uk/meet-your-army/100034/?cid=mail4312215815

Your February Army Careers Update Is Here

February Newsletter 

Officer Newsletter 

 
Mercedes-Benz Apprenticeships Brochure 2025
 
 
Dear Careers Leaders and Maths Teachers
Our deadline for Year 12 applications for next September is fast approaching.
Students should apply by the end of Sunday 7th December to ensure they are invited to sit our Entrance Test on Saturday 24th January, and receive test practice material before the end of term.
A reminder of some of the fantastic benefits of applying to our school:
  • Maths and Further Maths for all students, with Physics or Computer Science for their third A Level
  • The option to choose a fourth subject with us, or with our neighbours at Exeter College
  • An extended curriculum, learning the research and independent study skills they'd need at university
  • Monday to Friday boarding for students who live further away, including a generous boarding bursary scheme that means some students only pay food contributions
  • Support for students entitled to Free School Meals throughout the process, including travel bursaries to support attendance at admissions events, additional test practice material with a one-to-one feedback session in early January, and mock interviews
  • Exam access arrangements honoured throughout the selection process
Students can start their applications at ems.applicaa.com, and find out more about our school, curriculum and admissions process at exetermathematicsschool.ac.uk.
If you have any students you think may be interested in applying to us, please check with them if they have already done so. Any questions can be sent to admissions@exeterms.ac.uk.
Note: We do accept late applicants throughout the year, so please feel free to continue to encourage students to apply after the deadline, but they may experience the admissions process after other students, and go into our waiting pool rather than straight to offer if successful in the test and interview.
Best wishes
Phil Hatchard
Lead Outreach & Admissions Coordinator
Exeter Maths School

Tel 01392 429020
Please note my usual working hours are Mon 0830-1400, Tues-Thu 0830-1800