Pathways & Possibilities: Futures Week in Action

This week, Lower Sixth students brought the academic year to an inspiring finish with Futures Week; a four-day programme designed to inspire ambition, build confidence and prepare every student for life beyond College.

The week began with a highly engaging talk from Bella Eccles of Tinker Tailor, who challenged students to think beyond the ‘baseline’ and consider how they can truly differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive job market. A key theme woven throughout the session was the power of networking — not just what it is, but how to build and use it with purpose. Students left with a clearer understanding of how meaningful connections can shape opportunities, and with practical strategies to begin developing their own networks with confidence.

Students were encouraged to step beyond their comfort zones in mock interviews throughout the week; applying for a role by tailoring a CV to a specific job description before taking part in a 1:1 interview with a Cheltonian Society member. This process provided valuable insight into how to present themselves effectively, respond under pressure and meet the expectations of real-world employers.

Learning extended far beyond the in-house workshops throughout the week as students experienced their chosen subjects and career aspirations in action during Department Days. Visits spanned an extraordinary range of industries and institutions, including the BBC, Babcock International, Superdry, Hartpury University and the Cardiff University, alongside other prestigious professional environments such as House of CB’s London headquarters, The Courtauld Institute of Art, Bonhams and Gloucester Crown Court. For aspiring medics, the opportunity to learn directly from Old Cheltonians now working as junior doctors provided a rare and inspiring glimpse into the realities of the profession, while Oxbridge applicants explored University of Oxford and its colleges firsthand, bringing their aspirations vividly to life.

Alongside these experiences, students took part in a carousel of sessions focused on building and writing higher education applications and essential life skills, from navigating university and international applications to developing interview techniques, managing budgets, learning to cook to a tight ‘student’ budget and gaining first aid knowledge. Every element of the week was designed not just to inform, but to ensure that students feel capable, confident and prepared for the opportunities and challenges ahead.

The week concluded with a powerful and relatable perspective from recent Old Cheltonians, who shared honest insights into university life, the competition for placement years, postgraduate study and entering the graduate job market. Their experiences offered a meaningful connection between aspiration and reality, while a final session on personal finance from Charlie Leigh ensured students left not only inspired, but equipped with practical knowledge to manage the immediate future with confidence.

Futures Week is more than just an end of year programme. Our Lower Sixth students finish the year feeling inspired, connected and more prepared to make applications to whichever pathway they choose in the Autumn.

Our Pathways & Possibilities series celebrates the journeys of our pupils as they take their next steps beyond College, while supporting current pupils and parents with expert guidance along the way. Each week, we will share a mix of success stories and practical advice from our Higher Education and Careers team to help inspire and inform future pathways.

If you would like to learn more about Sixth Form at Cheltenham College, please click here.

If you would like to find out more about the College’s Higher Education & Careers department, please click here.