Learning And Growth
Futures
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What is the Cranleigh Futures programme?

The Cranleigh Futures programme brings together careers education, enterprise, leadership and personalised guidance. It’s a whole‑school programme built on practical experience that helps pupils grow in confidence, resilience and self‑awareness, and understand the opportunities available to them. 

From Year 9 through to Sixth Form, pupils explore university, apprenticeships and employment with equal focus and plenty of support. The goal is simple: pupils leave Cranleigh with a clear plan and the direction and confidence to shape their own future.

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What does the Futures programme cover?

The Cranleigh Futures programme runs from Years 9–13, with every stage building on the last.

  • Year 9 introduces futures mapping, digital skills and personal career portfolios.
  • Year 10 focuses on employment, sector exploration and understanding the job market.
  • Year 11 includes CV writing, skills mapping and personalised pathway planning.
  • Sixth Form pupils follow a timetabled weekly Futures programme covering university, employment, enterprise and professional skills.

Pupils also receive specialist guidance for Oxbridge and leading universities, as well as Medicine, Law, US and international applications.

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How does Cranleigh teach enterprise and entrepreneurship?

At Cranleigh, an independent school in Surrey, pupils learn entrepreneurship through hands-on, practical experiences, including: 

  • CranDo (Lower Sixth)
    Teams create and launch a product or service with a £150 budget, pitching their idea in a Dragons’ Den-style presentation, learning marketing, finance and sales skills along the way.
  • Dangerous Minds competition
    An engaging public speaking event where pupils present bold, original, and thought-provoking ideas to an audience. It is designed to develop confidence, creativity, and persuasive communication. 
  • Enterprise & employability projects
    Regular challenges develop teamwork, leadership, budgeting and innovation.

What apprenticeships does Cranleigh prepare pupils for?

Cranleigh supports pupils applying for a wide range of competitive apprenticeships, including roles in engineering, finance, professional services and technology.

Preparation includes:  

  • Employer partnerships and alumni connections
  • Personalised careers guidance 
  • Support with applications, assessment centres and interviews
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What work experience does Cranleigh organise?

Cranleigh pupils can take advantage of a range of workplace and industry experiences, including: 

  • Employer engagement and workplace insight
  • Networking with professionals and alumni
  • Enterprise and innovation projects
  • Mock interviews and assessment centre practice

This experience helps pupils understand different career paths and make informed choices.

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What life skills does Cranleigh teach in Sixth Form?

Sixth Form Futures develops essential transferable skills, including:

  • Communication and oracy
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Leadership and initiative
  • Resilience and adaptability
  • Creativity and problem-solving
  • Professional skills such as CV writing, interviews and networking

These life skills are delivered through a weekly timetabled Futures programme.

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Partnerships, support and life beyond Cranleigh

The Cranleigh Futures programme is enriched by a strong network of universities, employers, alumni and professional organisations, giving pupils access to insight and opportunity.

Old Cranleighans – former pupils of Cranleigh – contribute through mentoring, networking and workplace experience, while specialist Futures staff provide expertise throughout.

Support continues beyond Sixth Form through the Cranleigh Network, with ongoing careers advice and connections. Parents are also kept closely informed through events and briefings.

What events does Cranleigh Futures put on?

Cranleigh Futures runs a programme of events designed to broaden students’ horizons, inspire ambition, and support wellbeing as they prepare for life beyond school. 

A key part of this is a series of guest speaker events including our Aspire Lecture Series, where students and the wider Cranleigh community hear directly from leading figures across multiple disciplines including business, science, and entrepreneurship. These speakers are chosen to encourage students to think big while also considering how to look after themselves in a fast-changing world.

Recent guests have included Timothy Armoo, a highly successful UK entrepreneur, published author, and Forbes 30 Under 30 winner, who shared insights into innovation, branding, and building a career at a young age. The programme has also welcomed TJ Power, neuroscientist, speaker, and author of The DOSE Effect, who explores how brain chemistry influences motivation, mood, relationships, and wellbeing - particularly in the context of modern digital life.

We also host an annual Futures Symposium a round-table event that explores major issues shaping the future, such as the impact of AI on the world of work or the skills needed for young people to succeed. These sessions convene industry leaders, educators, guest speakers, and Old Cranleighans and studens in open discussion, with the aim to listen, collaborate and learn - with the aim to co-create positive soloutions to some of the pressing societal issures of the day.  Past events have focused  on the skills needed to thrive in a modern, fast-changing world, as well as the different pathways into a wide range of careers and industries.

Who leads Cranleigh Futures Department

Naomi joined Cranleigh after six years as CEO of employability charity The Talent Tap. Prior to this her career spanned brand communications and corporate event production. Naomi is passionate about giving young people the skills,
knowledge and first hand experiences they need to propel them to future success, and brings a raft of industry insights with her. As the founder of a number of businesses she has a passion for enterprise and transferable skills.

Is Cranleigh Futures examined?

No, but it is structured and an important part of school life.

Does it cost extra?

No – Futures is included in school fees.

Does it cover apprenticeships?

Yes, apprenticeships are covered alongside university pathways.

Is there a careers team?

Yes, dedicated Futures staff support pupils throughout.

Can parents access it?

Yes, at Futures evenings and parent briefings.

Where next?

Explore our Sixth Form

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