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What is a career academy?
Career Academies are an optional extra you can join at enrolment. They give you a deeper dive into a career field with:
- Weekly sessions focused on your chosen industry
- Guest speakers, employer visits, and university links
- Work experience and volunteering opportunities
- Projects, competitions, and enrichment activities
- Support with CVs, personal statements, and applications
You’ll also graduate from your Career Academy at a special celebration event.
Who are they for?All Level 3 students can apply to join a Career Academy when they enrol.
- Some academies have specific entry criteria but most are open to all.
- Some you’ll become part of simply by enrolling on a particular course (like Health & Social Care, Art, Performing Arts, or Music), you’ll automatically be part of that academy.
- If you don’t think a Career Academy is for you, perhaps because you’re not sure which field you want to go into yet, you’ll still have full access to careers support, mentoring, enrichment activities, and work experience.
Why join a Career Academy?
Joining an Academy helps you:
- Build employability skills that employers want
- Gain experiences that make UCAS and apprenticeship applications stronger
- Meet industry professionals and university partners
- Develop confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills
- Stand out in applications, interviews, and your future career
Examples of our Career Academies
- Medical Society Academy – explore careers in medicine and health sciences, with NHS and Lancaster University links.
- Sports Therapy Academy – coaching, fitness, and leadership opportunities with Active Blackpool.
- Digital Academy – coding, esports, cyber security, and digital innovation with industry experts.
- Law Academy – criminology, law, and politics with real-world employer links (police, legal services, armed forces).
- Creative Arts Academy – design, fashion, film, and photography with trips, exhibitions, and employer projects.
- Performers Academy – acting, dance, and theatre with performance showcases and professional workshops.
- …and many more!
EXCELLENCE AND FOUNDATION PROGRAMMES
- Excellence Programme – for high-achieving GCSE students (grades 7+). Provides additional support for Oxbridge, Russell Group universities, medicine, dentistry, and other competitive routes.
- Foundation Programme – for students who just missed Level 3 entry requirements. A 3-year route with a supportive first year at Level 2 before progressing to Level 3.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
You’ll apply for a Career Academy at enrolment (with a back-up choice if needed).
Some Academies have limited spaces or specific entry criteria.
Career Academies run throughout your Lower Sixth year, with dedicated weekly sessions plus trips and events.
Even if you don’t join an Academy, you’ll still benefit from:
- A dedicated Progress Mentor
- Futures careers support
- Enrichment clubs and societies
- Trips, visits, and volunteering opportunities
At Blackpool Sixth, your future starts here. Whether you want to work in health, engineering, digital, sport, education, law, tourism, or the arts, our Pathways and Career Academies will help you get there.
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