January 14, 2026
At Withington, preparing pupils for life beyond school is a vital part of our educational approach, not only through academic excellence, but by developing the wider skills and experiences they need to succeed.
A key part of that journey is the Futures Department, led by Ms Nicola Kober. With a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to student development, Ms Kober ensures that every pupil is empowered to explore their potential. We spoke to Ms Kober to delve into the department’s vision, the support it offers and the real-world impact of Futures guidance at Withington.
Our core aim is to empower pupils to make informed and authentic choices about their futures. We want them to understand their strengths, explore a wide range of opportunities and develop the skills they’ll need to thrive. We support each student on their individual journey of discovery, growth and ambition. From the start of Year 7, I encourage pupils to follow their interests and get involved in both academic and extracurricular activities. This early engagement helps them build confidence, broaden their horizons, and begin thinking about the future in a way that feels personal and meaningful. Throughout their time at school, I support them in keeping an open mind and making the right choices for them.
One of the most valuable resources we offer is time: we provide personalised, one-to-one guidance. Every pupil has an individual appointment when choosing their GCSE and A Level options, and those who are still unsure are encouraged to book follow-ups. In the Sixth Form, students are actively supported to ask questions and arrange further appointments whenever they need them, ensuring they receive tailored advice at key decision points.
We also run a biennial Futures Convention and regularly invite external speakers into school, giving pupils real insight into a variety of industries and career pathways. Futures-focused assemblies and skills-based workshops are embedded throughout the seven years, helping students build employability skills and an understanding of the world of work.
Alongside this, we provide access to a wide range of digital platforms, including Unifrog and Springpod, which allow pupils to explore careers, university courses and apprenticeships in depth. These tools help students research options independently and reflect on their interests and strengths. Experiences elsewhere in the school support the aims of this department too – for example, there is a comprehensive approach to digital wellbeing and staying safe online which is a crucial foundation to the LinkedIn training offered to our Year 12s.
Uncertainty is completely normal, especially in the early years of Senior School. We encourage curiosity and reassure pupils that it is okay not to have all the answers right away. Through personalised guidance, exposure to a wide range of sectors, and reflective activities, we help students gradually build a clearer picture of their interests and options. Pupils, and their parents, can take comfort in knowing that there is always someone available to talk to, ask questions and seek support from at every stage of their journey.
Parents are key partners in this journey. We keep them informed through events, newsletters, and Parents’ Evenings – I’m present at these, as well as at Options Evenings, to speak with parents and pupils about any questions or concerns. We also encourage open conversations at home and ask parents to support their child in exploring their interests and making their own informed decisions. Many of our parents generously give their time to share their professional expertise, take part in mock interviews or support with work experience placements, which adds real value to our Futures programme, and for that, we’re extremely grateful.
The vast majority of our students go on to higher education and during Sixth Form they receive extensive support to help them make the most of their applications. Students are guided through every stage of the UCAS process, with input from a wide range of staff across the school. The process begins with a dedicated Higher Education and Futures Day at the end of Year 12, where students set up their UCAS accounts and receive a step-by-step guide to completing their applications. They also benefit from expert advice on writing personal statements, including a session led by a university representative. Each summer, we welcome back recent leavers to share their university experiences – a valuable opportunity for current students to hear first-hand insights from their peers. During the Autumn term of Year 13, students work closely with their referee – a specialist in their chosen field – to refine and strengthen their applications.
We also offer mock interviews and assessment centre experiences, as well as specialist preparation for competitive courses and those applying to Oxbridge, and clinics for admissions tests. Extension sessions support our students in their super-curricular learning and provide reassurance that their chosen course is the right fit.
In recent years, we’ve seen growing interest in degree apprenticeships and we’re proud of the success our students have achieved in this area – including recent offers from leading organisations such as JP Morgan (Financial Services), Dyson (Engineering), and several Law firms. This growing momentum is helping to shape and expand our Futures programme. Students pursuing degree apprenticeships benefit from tailored support, including interview preparation and application guidance.
Our alumnae play a hugely valuable role in our Futures work, offering current students real-world insights, inspiration and practical support. Former pupils return throughout the year to take part in assemblies, lead workshops and deliver subject-specific or industry-focused talks. These sessions provide students with a unique opportunity to hear directly from those who were once in their shoes, helping them to visualise different career paths and understand the realities of various professions.
Many alumnae also contribute to our mock interview programme, particularly for competitive university courses, offering constructive feedback and helping students build confidence. Others support our Futures Convention, speaking about their career journeys across a wide range of industries, from law and medicine to tech, the arts and entrepreneurship. This ongoing connection with our alumnae community not only enriches our careers provision but also reinforces the sense of belonging and support that continues well beyond a student’s time at Withington.
I stay up to date by regularly engaging with industry professionals, attending careers education conferences, and collaborating with alumnae and employers. The world of work is evolving rapidly, and it’s essential that our guidance reflects those changes, from emerging sectors to the increasing importance of transferable skills. This ongoing learning helps ensure that the advice we give is relevant, realistic and forward-looking. Ultimately, it ties back to the message I share with our youngest pupils: stay open-minded, follow your interests and be ready to adapt.
