In Third Form, earlier themes are revisited and developed, with a greater emphasis on careers awareness and real-world insight.

As academic demands increase, particular focus is placed on developing organisation, time management and effective study skills. These foundations are essential in supporting students through a full programme of assessments and in preparing them for the next stage of their academic journey.

In Fourth Form, greater emphasis is placed on self-evaluation, target setting and developing a clearer sense of direction.

As students prepare to choose their GCSE subjects, they are supported to reflect on their strengths, interests and future aspirations. This marks an important stage in their academic journey, where informed decision-making becomes increasingly significant.

Guidance is provided through the tutorial system, alongside discussions with members of the Academic Leadership Team. Students also receive a comprehensive GCSE subject choices booklet, outlining each course in detail to support their understanding.

This process is collaborative, involving input from tutors, subject teachers and parents. Together, these conversations ensure that students make confident, well-informed choices that provide a strong foundation for future study.

In Shell, students continue to develop the core skills introduced in earlier years, with an increasing focus on preparation for GCSE study. As they approach formal mock examinations, greater emphasis is placed on exam technique, time management and effective organisation.

Alongside this, students are encouraged to reflect more deeply on their approach to learning, including the role of mindset in building resilience and achieving their potential.

During the Summer Term, students complete complete and interests based careers’ assessment. This provides an insight into their interests at this stage and suggests potential career areas, helping to inform early discussions about future pathways.

Students will also benefit from Careers Cafés and the annual Careers Convention.

In Fifth Form, careers education becomes more focused, building on the foundations developed in earlier years. Alongside continued support with exam technique and study skills, students begin to explore future pathways in greater depth.

Each student meets with the Head of Careers for an individual guidance discussion, alongside the student’s own interests and aspirations, to explore potential career areas and consider suitable Sixth Form subject choices. Students also complete an interests based careers’ assessment.

Students are encouraged to reflect on their strengths, investigate different pathways and begin shaping a clear and informed direction for the next stage of their education.

Students will also continue to benefit from Careers Cafés and the annual Careers Convention.

In Lower Sixth, students begin to focus more clearly on their future pathways, building on the interests and insights developed in Fifth Form.

Guidance is provided on preparing for work experience, including how to complete application forms, write effective CVs and craft strong cover letters. While students are responsible for securing their own placements, we offer support at every stage of the process from researching opportunities to preparing for applications.

Attention also turns to university options. Students explore initial ideas with their Tutor, supported by the Universities Adviser, helping them to consider courses, institutions and potential pathways in a structured and informed way.

Students continue to benefit from Careers Cafés and the annual Careers Convention, alongside increasing awareness of external opportunities, enabling them to engage more confidently with the wider world.

Upper Sixth is a pivotal year, with a strong focus on university applications and next steps beyond school.

Students attend a Higher Education conference in the Autumn Term and are supported throughout the UCAS application process by Tutors and the Universities Adviser. This includes guidance on course selection, personal statements and making competitive applications to leading universities.

Alongside this, students are encouraged to explore opportunities such as work experience, internships and gap years, ensuring they are well prepared for the transition beyond Merchiston.

Following examinations, further guidance is provided to help students make the most of their first year at university, including advice on gaining relevant experience and continuing to develop key skills.

Work experience plays an important role in helping students explore potential career pathways and develop valuable workplace skills.

Most students undertake placements during the summer between Lower Sixth Form (S5/Year 12) and Upper Sixth Form (S6/Year 13), with some choosing to gain experience earlier. These opportunities allow students to build confidence, develop professional skills and gain a clearer understanding of different industries.

While placements are not arranged directly by the school, we provide comprehensive support throughout the process, including application guidance, CV preparation and interview advice.

Developing meaningful work experience is increasingly important in supporting future university and career applications, and we encourage all students to engage with these opportunities where possible.

Our Careers Cafés and annual Careers Convention provide valuable opportunities for students to engage directly with professionals across a wide range of industries.

Careers Cafés offer small-group discussions with visiting speakers, allowing students to explore specific career areas in more depth. Sessions are often tailored based on students’ interests and may include fields such as medicine, finance, engineering, law, sport science and journalism.

The Merchiston Careers Convention brings together a broad range of organisations and employers. Students are supported in preparing for the event, including how to identify relevant organisations and ask insightful questions, ensuring they gain maximum benefit from the experience.