Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Shaping Futures Programme and how does it benefit our students?
The Shaping Futures Programme empowers young people in underserved communities to achieve their full potential and thrive beyond the school gate. Our accredited programme bridges the gap between aspiration and achievement.

How does this programme align with our school’s curriculum and career education strategy?
The programme aligns with Gatsby Benchmarks and supports the Careers Strategy and PSHE curriculum by offering real-world career insights, employer engagement and skills development. It complements existing career services and enhances students’ readiness for employment or further education.

What age groups or year groups is the programme designed for?
The programme is designed for students aged 14–19 (Years 9–13). However, we can tailor elements of the programme for younger or older students if required.

What skills and experiences will students gain from participating?
Students develop essential skills in communication, teamwork, leadership, resilience and critical thinking. They also gain exposure to various industries, enhancing their career awareness and confidence.

How does the programme support students from disadvantaged backgrounds?
The programme is particularly impactful for disadvantaged students, providing them with mentors, role models, and industry experts, as well as access to opportunities that they may not have encountered within their own networks

How is the programme structured (e.g., duration, frequency, format)?
The programme is modular, with each module running for between six weeks to 12 weeks. Sessions take place once per week for typically 2 hours and can be delivered during school hours, after school or as part of enrichment programmes.

Who delivers the sessions—are they external facilitators, teachers or industry professionals?
Sessions are delivered by a mix of qualified teachers, industry professionals and mentors. We work closely with schools to ensure the delivery aligns with student needs.

Will our teachers need to be involved, and if so, in what capacity?
Teacher involvement is minimal. We handle the delivery, but a school staff member may need to be present for trips and to attend mid-point and end-of-module meetings.

Is the programme delivered in-person, online, or through a hybrid model?
The programme is primarily delivered in-person but can be adapted for online or hybrid delivery if required.

How do you measure student engagement and progress throughout the programme?
We track student progress through attendance, engagement levels, pre and post-assessments, feedback surveys and mentor reports. Schools receive a final impact report detailing outcomes and student development.

How do we identify and select students for the programme?
We recommend working with your careers team, SENCO and pastoral staff to identify students who would benefit the most. We provide an eligibility selection guide and help with student onboarding. The main criteria for all students are that they must have received free school meals within the last three years.

What is the ideal cohort size?
Each cohort consists of up to 30 students per module. This allows for meaningful engagement and personalised support.

Can we tailor the programme to suit the specific needs of our students?
Yes! We offer flexible, customisable modules to align with school priorities and student interests. We can also tailor workshops for specific career pathways.

Do students receive any accreditation or certification upon completion?
Yes, students receive a certificate of completion, which they can add to their CVs and personal statements. The programme also provides an endorsed skills report, outlining key competencies gained.

How much does the programme cost?
The full 30-week programme is £5,000, however, schools can also purchase individual modules for £1,750 each

Can we use Pupil Premium or other funding streams to cover the cost?
Yes, many schools use Pupil Premium, careers funding or enrichment budgets to support student participation.

What are the next steps if we want to proceed with embedding the programme?
The next step is for you to select 30 students. We will then arrange a follow-up meeting to support you with the selection process. Once a two-hour slot has been allocated for our programme, we will schedule a student onboarding session for the following week, after which we will begin the programme.

What is required from our school?
Schools need to provide a cohort list, a designated point of contact and a suitable space for sessions.

What support do you provide to ensure a smooth implementation?
We offer full onboarding support, including a staff briefing, student recruitment assistance, and regular check-ins to ensure smooth delivery.