Careers Guidance

When pupils arrive at Dauntsey's they begin a planned careers guidance programme reflecting the fact that choosing a career is a process and not an event.

Careers counselling begins in the Third Form with discussion about I/GCSE options and develops over the following years with advice and guidance on A Level courses, work experience, university applications and personal statements. Alternatives to university such as apprenticeships and the increasingly popular Gap Years are also considered.

At all stages and at any time pupils and parents are welcome to discuss ideas and career plans with the School's Careers Adviser, James O'Hanlon.

Outline of our Careers Programme

University Entrance

There are currently over 130 universities in the UK offering in excess of 50,000 courses, making the selection of a suitable course seem daunting. However, all pupils are guided in their selection of a suitable university course through the following structured programme:

In the Spring term of their Lower Sixth year all are registered on the Unifrog system. A report is produced for each pupil giving a selection of courses and universities to consider and research further. In addition the search engine allows a review of certain international universities, apprenticeships and MOOCS (Massive Open Online Courses).

All members of the Lower Sixth attend three days of Post Dauntsey’s Planning Events organised by the Careers Department in the second-half of the Spring and Summer Term. This includes an event for both parents and pupils held on a Saturday morning.

All pupils are encouraged to consult House staff, teachers and the Senior Careers Adviser at any time about their ideas and plans. Pupils are also strongly recommended to visit their final choices of university either at an official Open Day or by arrangement.

My role as careers advisor focuses on getting to know the pupils, their strengths and weaknesses and guiding them towards the best opportunities available here and beyond school.

Head of careers, James O'hanlon

Head of Careers

James O'Hanlon

James O'Hanlon

Head of Careers

Find out more

Preparing for Tomorrow's World

Please read article from James O'Hanlon, Head of Careers, recently published in Which Schools Guide - go to article