Work Experience 2026

Year 10 & 12 – Monday 13th to Friday 17th July 2026

Work experience helps students explore potential careers, develop key skills, and strengthen their CVs. It can be a highly valuable and transformative part of a student’s education.

Students (with support from their families) are expected to source their own work experience placements. While we will try to support students who are unable to find a placement, our capacity is limited and we can only assist a small number of students.

We use Unifrog (www.unifrog.org) to manage the administration of work experience placements. This includes collecting employer information such as risk assessments and health and safety policies, and gaining parental and school approval.

Key information

  • Students must first agree the placement directly with the employer

  • Once agreed, students should add the placement details to their Unifrog account

  • Unifrog will then contact the employer, parent/carer, and school to collect the required information and permissions

  • It is essential that students enter the placement details accurately to avoid delays

Some employers may only be able to offer placements on alternative dates. If this applies, students should email Mrs Emma Pascoe, Head of Futures at workexperience@beechencliff.mnsp.org.uk so that alternative dates can be considered where possible.

If a student completes work experience on alternative days, they must either:

  • arrange an additional placement for the week beginning Monday 13 July, or

  • attend school during that week, when careers and “Experience of the Workplace” activities will be provided.

Please see the information and links below to support students in finding a placement. For further questions, please contact your child’s tutor in the first instance.

Why Work Experience Matters

Not sure what career you want yet? That’s completely normal. Work experience is one of the best ways to explore different jobs and industries and find out what suits you.

Even if you don’t secure your “perfect” placement, any work experience is valuable. Every placement helps students build confidence, develop skills, and learn more about themselves and the world of work.

What Students Gain from Work Experience

Work experience gives students the opportunity to:

  • explore what motivates and inspires them

  • try out career ideas in a real workplace

  • discover their strengths, interests, and values

  • build confidence and key employability skills

  • meet new people and begin developing a professional network

  • identify any reasonable adjustments they may need due to a disability or long-term health condition

Just as importantly, work experience can help students rule out career options — a valuable step in focusing future choices.

Not Sure Where to Start?

Thinking about personal interests and strengths can help students choose a placement. It may be useful to consider:

  • Which subjects do I enjoy most at school?

  • What am I good at, and what do I find more challenging?

  • What do I enjoy doing outside school — could this link to a career?

  • What jobs have I seen or heard about that interest me?

Talk It Through

Talking to others can make a big difference. Friends, family members, and teachers can share their own career journeys and experiences, helping students understand what different jobs involve and the pathways into them.  These conversations, combined with hands-on experience in the workplace, help students make more informed and confident decisions about their next steps.

You can find useful careers information and planning tools online, here are some examples: 

  • National Careers Service – explore over 800 job profiles, match your skills and interests to potential jobs 
  • Springpod – Meet industry experts, complete mini-activities, and experience real workplace activities
  • Barclays Life Skills – advice and guidance related to work experience
  • Youth Employment UK – advice about how to write a CV that helps you stand out to employers.
  • Speakers For Schools – the perfect place to start your career journey! Explore the latest placements on offer from hundreds of employers across a wide range of industries.
  • Success at School – explore different careers, find out about top employers
  • Prospects – careers advice and jobs for school leavers, graduates and professionals
  • UCAS – Work experience, placements, and volunteering are great ways to demonstrate your enthusiasm, knowledge, and passion for your chosen subject area.