Careers advice and guidance
Careers Education, Information and Guidance (CEIAG) – Falconer
We want every student at Falconer School to feel excited about their future. Our careers programme encourages learners to explore their strengths and interests while gaining the knowledge they need to find the right path. It is our priority to provide advice that truly resonates with them, giving them the tools to succeed both today and in their future careers.
At Falconer School, we prioritise informed decision-making during critical transition years. Students in Years 9 and 11 benefit from impartial career consultations designed to help them confidently select their Key Stage 4 options and Post-16 pathways. These Guidance Meeting Interviews offer a structured space for students to discuss their future ambitions. Our resident expert from Services for Young People, Mr Tom Kempsford, is on-site every Thursday (term time only) to offer professional advice and tailored support.
CEIAG is also embedded into our curriculum and super-curricular activities. Topics relating to careers are covered in PSHE and Personal Development lessons. Trips and visits to Careers Fairs and other work-related activities are a regular feature of the school calendar.
Most of our students dive into the professional world in Year 10 through our Work Experience programme, delivered in partnership with Services for Young People. It’s more than just a week away from the classroom — it’s a chance to build confidence, discover hidden talents, and get a real taste of independence. Because every journey is unique, we also pride ourselves on arranging bespoke placements tailored specifically to a student’s personal dreams and ambitions.
Parents, carers and supporting professionals can contact Falconer School’s Personal Advisor, Mr Tom Kempsford, via the email below. Alternatively, he can be contacted by phone on Thursdays when in attendance at Falconer School.
Careers Personal Advisor (SfYP): Tom Kempsford
Email: Tom.Kempsford@hertfordshire.gov.uk
Parents, carers and supporting professionals can also contact Falconer School’s Careers Lead via the email below, or alternatively they can be contacted during school hours on the school number below.
School Careers Officer: Mrs Victoria Reed (formerly Ms Victoria Davis) or Mr David Cline
Email: v.reed@falconer.herts.sch.uk or d.cline@falconer.herts.sch.uk
Phone number: 0208 950 2505
Useful Career Websites
https://www.hopinto.co.uk/ – HOP is the premier gateway in Hertfordshire to find out about career path options
, apprenticeships and work experience, skills development and professional qualification programmes.
https://www.servicesforyoungpeople.org/ – Services for Young People is part of Hertfordshire County Council and provides youth work projects, information, advice, impartial guidance, work-related learning, and wider targeted support for young people in Hertfordshire.
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/ – This is the Government’s hub for careers advice for people of all ages, where you can find help with drafting letters and CVs, exploring your skills, or seeking careers advice.
https://www.talkingfutures.org.uk/ – Talking Futures is a resource created for parents/carers to have informed and constructive conversations with their child about the different training and education pathways available to them.
Post-16 – Useful Websites
We work with local colleges to ensure that students are successful on their progression from Falconer on to Further Education. Please use the links below to explore courses and their suitability.
Colleges:
Oaklands College (St Albans) - https://www.oaklands.ac.uk/ 
West Herts College (Watford, Hemel Hempstead) - https://www.westherts.ac.uk/ 
North Herts College (Stevenage & Hitchin) – https://www.nhc.ac.uk/ 
Springboard (Transition Programme in Various Locations) - https://www.nhc.ac.uk/study/16-18-learners/springboard/
CAREERS NEWSLETTER SPRING 2026
College visits
Year 11 students recently visited Oaklands College and West Herts College as part of their preparation for choosing their next steps. The visits gave students the opportunity to explore a range of Post-16 options, tour the campuses, and gain a clearer understanding of courses, facilities and college life. These experiences are helping students make informed and confident decisions about their future pathways.
Services for Young People
We are pleased to welcome Tom Kempsford from Services for Young People, who has recently started working with us at Falconer School. Tom is available on site every Thursday to support students with careers advice, guidance, and future planning. Parents and carers are also welcome to contact Tom directly via email at Tom.Kempsford@hertfordshire.gov.uk
Careers Fair
Our KS4 students recently visited the Careers Fair at the Hilton Hotel in Borehamwood. The event gave them the opportunity to meet employers, colleges and training providers, explore a range of career pathways, and gain valuable insight into future education and employment options.
Coming Up
Melanie will be joining us from Education Development Trust to support our boys with interview practice and CV writing. She will also be working with Year 9 to explore decision-making skills in preparation for making their Option Choices and will also be running drop-in sessions to answer questions and provide advice about future career options.
Year 10 students will soon be thinking about their work experience placements, which will take place during the week commencing 11th May. They have already met with Julie from Hertfordshire Services for Young People to discuss their interests and explore suitable opportunities.
Following the success of the last Careers Fair, and after KS4 students expressed a strong interest in attending another, we are delighted to have secured a further date on 5th March.
If you have any questions relating to Careers Education at Falconer School please contact our Careers Coordinator, Mrs Vicky Reed: v.reed@falconer.herts.sch.uk
