Life Beyond Fifth Form: Preparing for What Comes Next

The Life Beyond Fifth Form Programme 2026 offered pupils an inspiring and practical introduction to the skills, mindsets and experiences that will help them thrive in Sixth Form and beyond Wellington. Over three immersive days, pupils took part in workshops, interactive sessions and hands-on activities designed to build confidence, independence and curiosity about the world of work – and their place within it. 

 

Day 1: Careers with Purpose and Profit 

The programme opened with a full-day workshop, Careers with Profit and Purpose, led by Mark Haviland (Pn 90). Pupils were encouraged to think broadly and honestly about what success means in today’s world, balancing ambition with values, impact and personal fulfilment. Through reflection and discussion, the day challenged them to think not only about what they might do, but also about why it matters. 

Working in teams, pupils then designed and pitched business ideas that responded to real-world challenges, drawing inspiration from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving were at the centre of the task, as pupils began to think entrepreneurially about the future. 

In the evening, pupils stepped away from the classroom and took part in a cooking class, and then chose between yoga or high ropes, developing practical life skills while building confidence, resilience and teamwork. 

 

Day 2: Money, Careers and Professional Skills 

Day 2 focused on essential practical skills, beginning with a financial education session led by Zoë Burt from Elent. Pupils learned how to understand the real cost of student life, build realistic budgets, read payslips, recognise financial scams, and explore the basics of saving, ISAs and investing. 

The day continued with Careers Speed Networking, where pupils networked with staff working across a range of industries including finance, law and marketing. This provided valuable insight into different career pathways and helped pupils build confidence in professional conversations. 

Pupils then took part in a practical careers workshop with Dale Willis from My Great First Job, focusing on how to create a strong CV, develop a professional personal brand, understand employer expectations and prepare for modern interviews, including AI-led and in-person formats. Through hands-on activities, pupils built skills they can use immediately as they begin exploring work experience and future opportunities. The evening brought more fun, with students again having the choice of a cooking class, high ropes and yoga. 

 

Day 3: AI, Innovation and the Future of Work 

The final day explored one of the most transformative forces shaping the future: artificial intelligence. Darren Coxon, founder of Coxon AI, led an engaging workshop introducing pupils to AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude and NotebookLM. Pupils considered how AI is reshaping careers, explored creative applications including music, video and code generation, and reflected on how AI can support revision, organisation and more effective learning. 

In the afternoon, pupils chose from two interactive sessions. In Being an Entrepreneur: A Way of Thinking, Mark Haviland encouraged pupils to develop entrepreneurial mindsets, identify opportunities in uncertainty and take ideas from concept to early development. Alternatively, Coding with AI with Darren Coxon allowed pupils to build simple games and web applications, demonstrating how creativity and technology can work together even with minimal coding experience. 

The programme concluded with a celebration of success, where parents and pupils came together to reflect on and celebrate the engagement, curiosity and commitment shown throughout the three days. 

 

A Transformative Experience 

Across the programme, pupils developed a wide range of transferable skills, including: 

• Greater clarity on strengths, interests and career direction 

• Strong CV, application and interview skills 

• Effective networking and professional communication 

• Core financial literacy and decision-making skills 

• Understanding of AI and its impact on work 

• Awareness of emerging technologies and digital skills 

• Creative thinking and an entrepreneurial mindset 

• The ability to cook a simple meal! 

 

 

The Life Beyond Fifth Form Programme provided pupils with a meaningful opportunity to begin thinking about their futures in a structured, supported and inspiring environment. A huge thank you goes to all our speakers for their time and expertise, and to the pupils for their enthusiasm, curiosity and engagement throughout the three days. 

We are already looking forward to Life Beyond Fifth Form 2027!