1. When is my work experience?

Your dates depend on your teaching group:

2. Why do I need to attend work experience rather than stay in school?

Work experience is an important part of your education. It helps you develop skills and gain experiences that are impossible to gain solely within school, such as serving real customers, working alongside employees and taking responsibility in a workplace. It also builds confidence, communication, teamwork and independence, helping you prepare for future employment and make informed career choices.

3. Can I swap my dates and attend Week 1 instead of Week 2, or vice versa?

No, the weeks cannot be swapped. Your dates are allocated according to your teaching group. Normal lessons will continue during the week when your group is not on work experience, so swapping weeks would mean missing your timetabled lessons.

4. Do I attend school during the other week?

Yes. You must attend school as normal during the week when your teaching group is not on work experience.

5. Can I find my own placement?

Yes. You are encouraged to find a placement in an area that interests you. This gives you the opportunity to explore a possible career and gain experience relevant to your future goals. You must collect an Own Placement Form from your form tutor, arrange for it to be completed with your employer and return it to school by 18^th December 2026. Your placement must be approved by BEP our partners before you attend, so please submit your form promptly to allow time for the necessary checks.

If you have special educational needs or a disability (SEND), support is available to help you find and prepare for a suitable placement. Speak to your form tutor, or the SEND team early so that your individual needs, any reasonable adjustments and support arrangements can be discussed with you, your parent or carer and the employer.

6. How do I arrange my own placement?

Contact a potential employer and ask whether they can offer work experience during your allocated week. Collect an Own Placement Form from your form tutor, arrange for it to be completed and return it to school. Your placement must be approved before you attend.

7. What if an employer can only offer me the other week?

Explain that your school has allocated fixed dates and ask whether they can accommodate your correct week. If they cannot, you will need to find another placement. You cannot change weeks because normal lessons will be taking place.

8. What if I cannot find a placement?

Speak to your form tutor as early as possible for guidance. Keep a record of the employers you have contacted and continue looking for opportunities.

9. Does my placement have to match my future career?

No. A placement linked to your interests can be useful, but any suitable placement can help you develop transferable skills, understand workplace expectations and discover what you enjoy.

10. Can I attend a placement with a friend?

An employer may be able to accommodate more than one student, but this is not guaranteed. Choose a placement based on your interests and the experience it offers. Each student needs their own completed paperwork and placement approval.

11. What will I be expected to do at my placement?

You must arrive on time, dress appropriately, follow instructions and safety rules, and treat everyone respectfully. Show interest, ask questions and complete the tasks you are given. Follow the employer’s rules about mobile phones and confidentiality.

12. What should I do if I am running late?

Contact your employer as soon as you know you will be late. Explain the reason and give an estimated arrival time. Inform school too, travel safely and apologise to your supervisor when you arrive.

13. What should I do if I am ill or cannot attend?

Your parent or carer should notify both the employer and school before your working day begins, following the school’s usual absence procedures. Keep both informed if your absence continues.

14. What should I do if I experience problems or difficulties?

If you are unsure about a task or finding something difficult, speak to your workplace supervisor and ask for help. If the problem continues, or you feel uncomfortable discussing it with your supervisor, contact your Form tutor promptly.

If you feel unsafe or experience bullying, harassment or inappropriate behaviour, seek help immediately and contact school. Do not wait until the placement ends to report a concern.

15. Can I leave early or change my working hours?

You must not leave early or change your agreed hours without permission from your workplace supervisor and school. If you feel unwell during the day, tell your supervisor and contact school so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

16. Can I be dismissed or “fired” from my placement?

Yes. An employer can end your placement because of inappropriate behaviour, repeated lateness, unexplained absence, refusing to follow instructions or unsafe conduct. Take your placement as seriously as a job.

If your placement is ended, contact school immediately so that staff can discuss what happened and arrange the next steps.