It has been an incredibly busy, productive, and inspiring first term for our Year 11 students as they begin taking important steps toward planning their futures after Garstang Community Academy.

From exploring vocational pathways and academic A Levels to discovering degree apprenticeships, Year 11 has been immersed in comprehensive careers guidance designed to help every pupil find the right post-16 pathway.

A Term Packed with Invaluable Insights

Throughout this term’s Friday assemblies and PSHE sessions, we have been proud to host a diverse line-up of local colleges, sixth forms, and apprenticeship experts. Our guest speakers have delivered engaging presentations, offering direct guidance on application processes, entry requirements, campus life, and career progression.

We extend our sincere thanks to the representatives who visited us this term:

  • ASK Apprenticeships
  • Preston College
  • Kendal College
  • Cardinal Newman College
  • Blackpool Sixth Form
  • Myerscough College
  • Lancaster Royal Grammar School (LRGS)
  • Lancaster Girls' Grammar School (LGGS)

Why These Sessions Matter

Hearing directly from educational leaders and apprenticeship providers gives our students a distinct advantage. These sessions allow pupils to:

  • Discover New Routes: Learn about specialised qualifications such as T Levels, BTECs, and traditional A Levels.
  • Understand Entry Requirements: Gain clarity on target GCSE grades required for specific courses and industries.
  • Demystify Apprenticeships: Understand how paid work and higher education combine through degree and higher apprenticeship models.

Turning Information into Action: Open Days & Campus Visits

While assembly talks provide a fantastic foundation, the next step is experiencing campus life first-hand.

We strongly encourage all Year 11 pupils and their parents/carers to follow up on these talks by attending upcoming Autumn and Winter Open Days. Visiting colleges and sixth forms in person allows students to inspect specialist facilities, such as science laboratories, engineering workshops, and commercial kitchens, while speaking directly with course tutors and current students.

Save the Date: Annual GCA Careers Fair 

We are excited to announce that our Annual GCA Careers Fair will take place in school throughout the day on Thursday 26th November.

As in previous years, the event will host a wide range of exhibitors including regional employers, Further Education (FE) colleges, Higher Education (HE) institutions, and training providers. This will give students across all year groups an interactive opportunity to ask questions, explore diverse career sectors, and network with industry professionals.

Looking Ahead to Next Term

Our careers program will keep up its strong momentum into the next term! We are excited to welcome another exceptional group of employers, colleges, and sixth form providers into our school, including:

  • The NHS
  • BAE Systems
  • Ripley St Thomas Sixth Form
  • Lancaster & Morecambe College (LMC)
  • Blackpool & The Fylde College (BFC)

We look forward to continuing to support our pupils as they build confidence, explore their options, and prepare their post-16 applications.

For further information on career guidance, upcoming open events, or 1-to-1 transition support, please contact the GCA Careers Team. careers@garstang.fcat.org.uk