Careers and work experience

At Ripon Grammar School we aim not only to provide an outstanding teaching and learning environment, but also to guide students as they plan for the next stage in their lives.

This has been recognised by Ofsted, who, in a letter to students, said:

“The sixth form is excellent; you attain high grades at A-Level and leave school very well prepared for further study or training.”

Careers and higher education advice is particularly strong at Ripon Grammar School. Professionally qualified staff use their expertise to support students in making the right choices for later life. Sixth formers also have the chance to gain work experience. Our well-resourced careers library is available to sixth form students with individual guidance appointments available.

Mr Bob Walker co-ordinates the school’s enterprise and work experience programmes in May and July.

There is a one week work experience placement undertaken in the lower sixth year, under the supervision of Mr Bob Walker. A wide-ranging and impressive selection of work placements have been secured by Ripon Grammar School students over the years and there is no doubt this is an enormous advantage when applying for next stages after school. 

Our aim is to:

  • Equip students with the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to make informed decisions about their learning through a relevant programme of careers education;
  • Support students with personalised information, advice and guidance to help them build up the confidence to take charge of their career development and manage their own progression through learning and work;
  • Inspire students to consider a broad and ambitious range of options and to move on to achieve their full potential.

In-house careers advice is combined with face-to-face support from a range of external sources including independent careers advisers, employers and representatives from other educational establishments. Over the years our careers programme has been considerably enriched through the contributions made by a range of organisations, parents and former students. We are very grateful to those who already offer an input to the programme and we are always delighted to hear from others who would like to be involved.

Careers and higher education evening

A significant event in the sixth form calendar is the careers and higher education evening. This annual showcase of opportunities is run by the careers department and many exhibitors attend, including major national, regional and local companies, organisations and HE providers. The aim is to give students and their parents a flavour of the vast array of choices they have on leaving school. The calibre of Ripon Grammar sixth formers and the results they achieve ensures that high profile employers are keen to meet students and share their opportunities.

The careers department can be contacted on 01765 602647 ext 229 or by emailing:

Mr B Walker at walkerb@ripongrammar.com

Parents are welcome to contact us during the school day to discuss courses or careers that are of interest to their son or daughter.