Jim Glover, Pro-Chancellor, University of Surrey:

“Future educational responses to the lessons learnt during the current pandemic will drive huge opportunities for students contemplating their next steps after GCSE's.  New thinking allows new approaches.

To students:  as society's most valuable assets, don't be driven along the usual discreet tramlines of sixth form vs university vs college vs apprenticeship vs employment etc. As citizens of the future, try this approach:

·     Consider what inspires you; 

·     Recognise your talents; 

·     Identify the skills you have, and where that learning gave you the greatest satisfaction and enjoyment;

·    Then look to see what combination of HE/FE/Apprenticeship, work opportunities will allow you to excel!

·    Unless you have certainty about the role you wish to have in the workplace, don't worry too much about identifying a particular job - the perfect one for you has quite likely not yet been created; but it will be!”

 Caroline Sims, Careers Lead at Gordon’s School:

“To build a fair education for all, we need to unlock the potential careers paths of all children so they are aware of exactly what is out there for them after they leave Gordon’s. Our aim is to provide our students with as much information as possible on the various routes they can take. This might be university; an apprenticeship or career choice. Our reason for choosing SATRO to provide careers events is the variety of careers and expert advice and support their volunteers are able to give our students.”

Lisa Mobbs, Enterprise Adviser Network & Careers Hub Lead, Coast to Capital:

“Now, more than ever, it’s so important that young people are fully aware of all of the ‘next steps’ available to them. We hope that every Year 11 pupil and their parents and carers across Surrey will join the live broadcast to hear from FE and HE providers, Apprentices and local Employers.  Next Steps Surrey is intended to help young people to feel informed and inspired about their future.”