WORK EXPERIENCE

Work experience is a fantastic opportunity to start to get an idea of possible careers and provides an unparalleled insight into the world of work.

It is also a chance for employers and businesses to benefit from new ways of thinking and fresh ideas from students. The work experience will also act as a talking point for university and job applications and CV’s. 

Students are encouraged to seek as many relevant experiences and get a feel for what it would be like to work in that industry full time. Here are just some of the benefits of this:

• Developing skills that can be applied in the classroom
• Completing work tasks which help to build self-confidence
• Enhances communication skills
• Make connections with people for future employment
• The opportunity to find out what is required to succeed in a particular industry
• Details of work experience can be put on a resume/ personal statement for UCAS and a CV.
  (Employers are always looking for people with experience and good references so the more someone has, the better chances of finding work).

YEAR 10
Year 10 is also a valuable time for young people to obtain work experience.  Students that wish to use Activities Week (at the end of Term 6) for this purpose are very welcome to do so.  Parents/Carers will need to make their own arrangements directly with the employer and then pass the details of their placement to Miss Penfold, who will make contact with the employer.  For further information on Year 10 work experience, please contact:

Miss Penfold: k.penfold@st-anselms.org.uk 

Mrs Williams: h.williams@st-anselms.org.uk

Year 10 Work Experience Launch PowerPoint (Nov. 2025) 

Year 10 Work Experience Launch Letter (Nov. 2025)

Year 10 Work Experience Log Book (Summer 2026)

Top 5 Tips for Getting a Work Experience Placement (Kent Choices)

Click here to see what work experience opportunities are available in your area (Kent Choices)

Work Experience Success Stories:

A student did so well on their work experience in year 10 that the company offered them an apprenticeship after their GCSEs - July 2025

A student did so well on their work experience that they were considering offering her a Saturday job - July 2025

Two students impressed so much on work experience that one was going to be invited back to volunteer with the charity he was doing work experience at and the other student offered a Saturday job - July 2024

A student who did work experience at a local Sports Centre impressed them so much that they have offered them a part time job when they turned 16 - July 2023

Quotes from Employers who have hosted a student from St. Anselm's:

"Very perseverant, good with food and counting money. Takes the job seriously and is hard working"

"Very enthusiastic and happy to help with whatever was asked of her."

"Always smiling and interested."

"The children were keen to get to know her."

"Pleasure to have him here."

"Thank you for all your help this week! We couldn't have got all the jobs done without you!"

"We hope he will approach us again once he has completed his studying if he ever requires another placement!"

"...has been a delight to have ... this week. If in future he'd like to apply for a part time job we'd love to have him!"

"...has worked so well with all team members in different departments. Trustworthy, has always been on time, happy and we have given him a summer job - so that's how great he is!"

"She is polite, kind, reliable, helpful and a joy to be around. We wish her all the best and will keep her in mind for future jobs."

Quotes from Parents about how their child got on at work experience:

"...is very shy in monst social situations so this was a real challenger for her. She went in with confidence and enjoyed the challenges it bought. She was able to ask questions when she wasn't sure of something. This is a big step for her. I am very proud of her." (Parent of a student who did work experience in retail)

"She came home full of enthusiasm and stories and appears to have been a natural in the role of 'teacher'! She was exhausted but had worked hard and it was an extremely valuable experience." (Parent of a student who did work experience in a primary school)

"He gained confidence and knowledge in fields he was not previously aware of such as cardiac rehab clinics." (Parent of a student who did work experience at a sport facility)

"The week helped her with her confidence and showed she was capable of doing things out of her comfort zone." (Parent of a student who did work experience in a primary school)

"He has become more focused and interested in his chosen career pathway and can't wait to progress further." (Parent of a student who did work experience at a legal practice)

"During the week he demonstrated full responsibility, independence and consistent effort....he has shown maturity in managing his time effectively and maintaining focus." (Parent of a student who did virtual work experience)

"It has shown her a good insight to daily life of a vet and a nursing team. She has very much enjoyed her time with them and has experienced and witnessed different jobs and operations. It really has been a great week for her." (Parent of a student who did work experience at a veterinary practice)

"He feels inspired for his future career as he considers to pursue his career in medicine" (Parent of a student who did virtual work experience)

YEAR 12
Year 12 students are strongly encouraged to seek as many relevant experiences as possible to strengthen their university applications and CV’s.  In addition to any ad hoc opportunities throughout the year, students are given an extended period of 10 days work experience at the end of Year 12.  Letters are sent to every student’s home in December and students are advised to seek a placement early to ensure they find somewhere that will benefit their career aspirations.

Springpod is an organisation that brings together universities and employers to create interactive learning programmes to inspire the next generation to take their future into their own hands. This includes virtual work experience and university taster experiences. It is free for every student to give everyone the opportunity to access their resources. Click on the links below to find out more or click here to explore their website.

The World of the British Library

Siemens Energy

Step Inside Accountancy

Speakers for Schools is a UK wide youth charity that is on a mission to help young people find their feet and get the best possible start in life. Click here to access their website and see the latest work experience opportunities.

Click here for the latest full funded work experience opportunities.