Career inspiration isn’t just for teenagers—Churchfield Church School in Highbridge has made it a cornerstone of school life, and now they have won a prestigious award.
The school was a finalist in the Best Careers Focused Primary School category at the Somerset Careers Awards 2025, held at Taunton Rugby Club this month. The award recognises schools that deliver exceptional inspiration, information, and guidance to learners—an area in which Churchfield continues to lead with innovation and passion.
At Churchfield, career-related learning is interwoven throughout the curriculum, particularly through PSHE and enrichment activities.
Regular guest speakers, interactive webinars, and employer-led workshops help foster early curiosity and broaden horizons for pupils. These experiences not only challenge stereotypes but also strengthen transitions into secondary education and beyond—benefitting families, schools, and local employers.
Headteacher Jo Thorn said: “From interviewing parents about their jobs to researching roles based on hobbies like Brownies or football, pupils are active participants in their own career exploration. Workshops led by employers help inspire ambition and motivation, showing children the tangible links between their passions and potential futures.”
Churchfield’s recent Careers Week was a huge success, featuring an inspiring lineup of visitors including representatives from:
- National Trust
- EDF Hinkley
- NHS
- RSPCA
- Military & PCSO
- Fire & Rescue
- NFU
- Hydrographic Office
- Radiography & Mechanical Engineering
- Stantec Sustainable Engineering
- Estate Agents
- Local clergy and more
Guest speakers praised the pupils’ engagement and curiosity, with one commenting:
“It was an absolute joy to come to the school again. The children were beautifully behaved and so immersed in the session.”
Teachers and staff brought their own experiences into the classroom, with roles ranging from former Army Intelligence Corps to estate agency. Student feedback was equally joyful and insightful, revealing how their experiences sparked wonder and enthusiasm:
- “This is awesome! This is your job? I want to do it!”
- “I know how to keep the earth safe now.”
- “Wearing the police uniform made me feel like the real police.”
- “It was perfect, fantastic, amazing.”
From assembling skeletons to learning about sustainable engineering, Churchfield pupils sai they left empowered and eager for more.
Ms Thorn said: “Churchfield’s commitment to developing confident, career-aware pupils continues to grow. By fostering aspiration from the earliest years and creating tangible links between learning and the world of work, the school is shaping futures—one inspiring experience at a time.”