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The Upper School
Careers and work experience
Clifton College is committed to a broad all-round education from which our pupils may develop into successful, collaborative members of the workforce. Alongside the academic and co-curricular activities, we recognise that teaching the skills for employment are crucial for equipping our pupils for the diverse and ever-changing world of work.
Careers education
There are four main areas of careers education to help Clifton pupils make wise choices about their progression through learning and work:
Careers education – a cross-college programme that helps pupils gain the knowledge and develop skills for planning and managing their career.
Work related learning – experiences within the curriculum and outside school which help pupils learn about a range of workplaces.
Personalised support and guidance – help for individuals to enable them to review, plan and manage their learning and progression to the next stage.
Careers guidance – help from specialist advisers with knowledge of opportunities and the pathways to and through them, so pupils can identify long-term goals and plan steps to attain them.
Careers advice and guidance
At Clifton College, we do everything we can to help our pupils achieve their potential and prepare them for life after Clifton College.
Pupils are encouraged to visit our dedicated careers area for specialist careers advice and impartial guidance from our Head of Careers. The careers team also includes an International Universities Coordinator who supports pupils applying to higher education institutes, internationally.
Most Clifton College pupils go on to attend the university of their choice, be that Internationally or in the UK. Advice is also available for those pupils who want to go directly into work, undertake an apprenticeship or consider taking a gap year.
Applying to international universities
Clifton College attracts students from all over the world and it is no surprise that we have an increasing number of students exploring the opportunities to study abroad once they have completed their sixth form studies.
Our International Universities Coordinator guides pupils through the application process, produces the supporting documentation and helps parents understand the complexities of the requirements, processes and deadlines.
Clifton College pupils have recently received offers from Princeton, Stanford, UC Berkeley in America; HKU, UHKST and CUHK in Hong Kong; Delft University of Technology and ETH Zurich; IE in Spain; Bocconi in Milan; Masaryk Uni in the Czech Republic and even Melbourne in Australia. One pupil also received the prestigious Morehead Cain Scholarship in 2024 .
Work experience
As part of the Clifton College careers programme all Year 12 pupils participate in the work experience (WEX) programme. Pupils complete a work placement for a minimum of three days in the Summer Term.
The Clifton WEX programme has supported placements through a wide range of employers including hospitals, charities, newsrooms, laboratories, construction companies and many more. All placements are added to our Unifrog careers platform.
Pupils in the Upper school are also encouraged to access work experience during school holidays via programmes such as InvestIn or virtual work experience through Springpod.
During Sixth Form, pupils can complete a WEX placement on a Thursday afternoon, instead of, or in addition to, games. This flexible programme allows pupils to undertake short and long term placements alongside their studies.
Services
The Army, Royal Air Force and Royal Marine and Royal Navy Liaison Officers visit regularly.
Any pupil may book an individual interview, attend an advice session and arrange visits and work experience courses.
Old Cliftonian Society
Our pupils go on to have successful careers in a cross section of industries, from business and finance, to the arts and sport.
We are proud to be able to offer links for current pupils with an extensive alumni network locally, nationally and internationally.
The Old Cliftonians offer significant support to the school including work experience, mentoring and internships.
External agencies
We have a number of relationships with external agencies who are incredibly helpful in this area. These include:
Bristol Educational Partnership (5 Independent Schools; 4 Maintained Schools, Bristol University and UWE).
Come and see for yourself
We host a range of events throughout the year to help pupils and families experience life at Clifton College Upper School. We can’t wait to welcome you.
Open events
Experience Clifton College firsthand with a guided tour, meet key staff, explore our top-tier facilities, and get a real feel for student life.
Personal tour
Book a personalised tour with one of our staff members to explore the School and ask any questions specific to your child’s needs.
Video calls
We’d be happy to arrange a video call so you can learn more about Clifton College and have your questions answered from wherever you are.
Join the Upper School
Where next?
Quick links
Who we are
We aim to develop open-minded young people with a real understanding of the world around them, fully prepared for their future in a rapidly changing modern world.
Our community
Discover our supportive community for pupils, parents and staff alike.
A day in the life
Gain an insight into a day in the life of our dynamic Upper School.
Our spaces
Our distinctive, historic buildings provide an inspirational backdrop for learning, along with modern facilities and a state-of-the-art Sports Complex.