After Wilds Lodge

As our learners prepare to take their next steps beyond Wilds Lodge, we hope they carry with them the warmth, wisdom, and wonder that have shaped their time here. Though their journey with us may be coming to an end, we wish for the experiences, friendships, and lessons they've gathered to remain with them forever. Our deepest ambition is for them to leave Wilds Lodge not just with knowledge, but with a profound sense of who they are and who they aspire to become. We are dedicated to equipping our learners with the tools and confidence needed to forge a future filled with promise and possibility.

Transition out of Wilds 

Moving on from Wilds Lodge is a big step for our learners and carers, whether it is after Year 11 or after additional time in our Post 16 department.

Our School Careers Adviser will support this process, beginning as early as Year 7 when learners are encouraged to start investigating the world of work and their place in it.

The Careers Adviser gives impartial, learner centred advice and guidance alongside very practical support to ensure that all learners have made decisions about their future pathways and taken a positive first step on from Wilds Lodge.

What does the transition look like?

• Learners are set up with their own accounts on Career Pilot. This is an online platform giving our learners information on their future options, the Labour Market and access to jobs and subject quizzes. This is available from Year 7 upwards.

• The Careers Adviser works alongside Year 9 Class teachers to provide support when it comes to choosing their GCSE subject options, to ensure decisions are informed and match learner interest and career aspirations

• Learners are provided with one to one impartial and learner-centred careers guidance with individual Action Plans at key transition points

• We work with Colleges and smaller providers around the country, setting up and taking learners on their carers visits which are all organised through the EHCP departments

• We work with learners to complete all College/ Apprenticeship/ Provider applications

• Throughout a learner’s final year, we work behind the scenes to help them establish new networks of support, arrange tasters and attend additional visits 

• We set up both large and small scale events to help our learners connect with the world of work and learning eg. Summer Options event, Parent/Carer virtual information sessions, virtual National Careers talks etc

• Once a learner has left us we follow up on how they are doing and provide further support and signposting if needed

• Having a school based Careers Adviser at Wilds Lodge means that we can be flexible and meet with learners informally at school whenever they have questions or want to talk about their ideas for the future. Having a dedicated Careers area at our Crossroads site allows our learners somewhere to go when they want to look at College and Careers resources.  

Learner Journeys