Work experience plays an important role in preparing students for life beyond school. It provides young people with the opportunity to experience a real workplace, understand employer expectations and begin developing the skills that will support them in their future education and careers. Work experience is designed to be a positive and meaningful learning opportunity, helping students build confidence and develop valuable skills for their future pathways.
Through work experience, students can:
- Gain insight into different careers and industries
- Develop key employability skills such as communication, teamwork, punctuality and problem solving
- Build confidence in a professional environment
- Make more informed decisions about future study and career pathways
- Strengthen their CV, college or apprenticeship applications
Further information about careers support is available on Unifrog under Careers Help and Guidance.
2026 Work Experience Dates
Year 12: 6 – 10 July 2026
Year 10: 13 – 17 July 2026
Finding a Placement
In both years 10 & 12, Students are encouraged to take an active role in finding their own work experience placement. This helps them develop initiative and communication skills.
Students may wish to:
- Ask family members or relatives about opportunities within their workplace
- Speak to family friends who may be able to offer a placement
- Approach local businesses or organisations within the community
When contacting employers, students should introduce themselves clearly, explain that they are seeking a work experience placement through their school and provide the relevant dates.
Additionally, they can take advantage of our brilliant platform, Futures for All. Students will need to make an account to discover live placements on offer in London. The advantage of this is that our students will be prioritised above others.
Using Unifrog
The school uses Unifrog, a careers platform that helps students research opportunities and manage their work experience applications.
Students must record their placement details on Unifrog so the school can review and approve placements and ensure appropriate safeguarding and health and safety checks are completed.
Parents and carers can also access Unifrog to support their child.
To create a parent/carer account:
- Visit www.unifrog.org
- Select Sign up and choose Parent/Carer
- Enter the email address linked to your child’s school account
- Follow the on-screen instructions to activate your account
Support for Students
Students will receive guidance in school on:
- approaching employers
- workplace expectations and behaviour
- preparing for their placement
We also have an on-site Work Experience Co-ordinator available at Highbury Grove on Mondays, Tuesdays and alternate Wednesdays to support students throughout the process.
Appointments with the Work Experience Co-ordinator can be requested by emailing Cai Gomes: cgomes@highburygrove.cola.org.uk.
Can You Help?
We are always grateful for the support from local businesses and parents. If you think you may be able to offer a Year 10 or Year 12 student a work experience placement, please email Ella James or Cai Gomes.
Ella James, ejames@highburygrove.cola.org.uk
Cai Gomes, cgomes@highburygrove.cola.org.uk