Exploring Career Opportunities: Downend School Students Discover Pathways to Success

DOWNEND School students are exploring a wide range of career opportunities, from high-tech labs to the high seas. A recent highlight was a trip to Portsmouth for a tour of the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, where they learned about various roles within the Royal Navy and potential pathways into the Armed Forces.

James Smale, one of the school's career leads, praised the students for being a “credit to the school” after receiving thanks from their hosts. In addition, Year 7 pupils participated in a cryptography workshop led by a team from Hewlett Packard, gaining insights into encoding information and secure communication. Emma Merryweather, the joint careers lead, mentioned that the students thoroughly enjoyed the challenge and demonstrated an aptitude for cryptography.

The school’s science department also organized a STEM event for Year 8 students in collaboration with the Smallpiece Trust, focusing on education and career pathways in STEM industries. Head teacher Linda Ferris emphasized the importance of providing high-quality, impartial careers guidance to help students make informed choices about their future education, training, or employment.

Schools Trust Plans Changes to Student Admissions

The trust that manages Downend School and Mangotsfield School is planning to adjust student capacities. The Castle School Education Trust is consulting on its admissions arrangements, aiming to raise the published admission number (PAN) for Downend School from 210 to 240 Year 7 pupils starting September next year. Meanwhile, Mangotsfield School's admissions would decrease from 240 to 210.

These changes reflect anticipated local demand following the opening of a new secondary school in Lyde Green in 2026. Currently, both schools are oversubscribed, with Downend School receiving 325 first-choice applications last year for its advertised 210 places, leading to an extra “breach” class to accommodate 240 students. In 2023, the number of Year 7 classes increased to 270.

Mangotsfield School also raised its admission number to 270, accommodating children who missed out on places at other oversubscribed schools. With Lyde Green Community School set to open in September 2026, the CSET consultation is currently open for feedback until January 31. Anyone interested in commenting can email consultation@cset.co.uk.