Creating an aspirational environment for pupils is one of the school’s foremost aims and the provision of a first-class education is paramount. Girls at Sydenham High School are ambitious and open minded. They are also well rounded, intellectually curious, down to earth and happy. As a high achieving school, the team of staff strive to ensure that every girl reaches, or exceeds, her potential by offering exceptional learning opportunities.

This is ever more important as the concept of a “good degree” leading straight into employment is becoming less reliable as competition among top universities intensifies and the global job market grows more demanding. With employers now seeking candidates who are not only academically qualified but also equipped with real-world skills, effective career guidance is more essential than ever.

According to the GDST Girls’ Futures Research, 39% of young women feel pessimistic about their future career prospects, a sentiment fuelled by employers’ high expectations for experience and adaptability. Parents may understand the importance of preparing for this reality, but as career landscapes evolve quickly, schools have a responsibility to provide relevant and specialised career education. Careers guidance today must go beyond a “tick-box” approach, integrating life skills and tailored insights.

Higher education and employers increasingly use AI in their selection processes, and applicants are now evaluated on more than grades or statements. This shift highlights the need for students to develop competencies like flexibility, critical thinking, and an openness to lifelong learning. As research shows, young women continue to face unique workplace challenges, including micro-aggressions and barriers to leadership roles, making self-advocacy and “power skills” essential for a balanced start in the workforce.

Schools and educators play a critical role in helping young people envision broad possibilities, providing early exposure to varied careers and instilling the skills needed for a fast-evolving job market. By cultivating skills like resilience, problem-solving, and adaptability, Sydenham High School helps young women confidently navigate their professional futures.