At SuMS we recognise that for many people there is more than one career that could be a great fit. Many people progress through several careers in their working life, valuing the varied experiences, challenges and opportunities that this brings. We would like our students to be comfortable with the idea of evolving throughout their careers, and not feel that they have to get it right from day one. Following their passions will lead them to the 'right' career(s).

We also recognise that for many of our students the career that suits them best may not exist yet! So we believe that it is important to equip our students to be flexible and innovative – not only to fit in with the labour and skills market as it stands but to support innovation and new, emerging industries. 

Our curriculum is designed to achieve that, not just through our A Levels qualifications but also through the wider personal development of our students. Our A Level courses will provide qualifications that are forecast to be in high demand. Led by Dr Robles Llana, our Future Pathways programme, alongside engagement with the University of Surrey and regional industries, will support students with the development of complementary skills. From industry placements within the SuMS Project Qualification to developing problem solving skills in readiness for university entrance tests through regular exposure to stimulating problems in regular lessons and problem solving classes, we always have an eye on our students’ next steps. Each student's tutor supports them with their academic journey through SuMS and on to the next stage of their education and future careers. 

Our careers guidance naturally has a STEM focus. Almost all of our students will continue on to higher education, either immediately or following a Gap Year. Our guidance, however, is not all about university progression – it is focused on enabling students to continue to do what they enjoy, wherever that takes them. In addition to the more academic institutions, we will support students who are moving on to a wide variety of further studies, degree apprenticeships, the armed services, gap years or entering the world of work immediately. Students from across the network of Maths Schools have gone on to study at some of the most prestigious universities and secured employment in a wide variety of roles. A significant number have also progressed to post-graduate study in both Masters and PhD programmes.

Our Future Pathways programme prepares students to explore their academic and professional options and decide on meaningful courses of study and career paths after they leave SuMS. The programme is structured around the SuMS Project Qualification (SPQ), the Skills Programme (SP), and the UCAS preparation and application process.

The SuMS Project Qualification 

All Year 12 students undertake a group research project under the mentorship of an academic expert or an industry professional. During their projects, students get familiar with a wide range of real contemporary open challenges in mathematics, physics, chemistry, engineering, computer science and economics, they delve into real-life examples of applied or theoretical research, and get invaluable exposure to research methodologies, collaborative project planning and scientific writing. At the end of Year 12, all students present their group findings in an event attended by students, parents and SuMS staff, as well as university and industry mentors.

SPQ Presentation Day: 22nd June 2027

Skills Programme

During the Spring Term, Year 12 students develop a wealth of soft and hard skills in the context of the Skills Programme. The programme is structured around weekly timetabled sessions and tutor one-to-ones. We use the Unifrog platform for students and parents to record and monitor progress. The sessions include effective study skills, the use of contemporary data analysis and general scientific packages like Excel and the essentials of Python programming and an understanding of generative AI. The programme encompasses a problem-led approach to developing advanced literacy and numeracy with real data and relevant examples from different disciplines. Students also develop the necessary knowledge and skills to write effective CVs and personal statements, as well as interview skills and techniques to apply to competitive courses and apprenticeships.

Future Pathways Parent/Carer Information Session: 6th January 2027 (4:45 - 5:30)

UCAS

During the Summer Term, students start the UCAS application process and explore university courses and apprenticeships with close support through timetabled weekly sessions. Furthermore, in this term, all Year 12 students have one-to-one sessions where they receive personalised careers advice from a professionally qualified careers advisor. Students can also attend special sessions tailored to develop high-level problem-solving and interview skills to succeed in special entrance examinations (TMUA, TARA, ESAT).

UCAS Parent / Carer Information Session: 11th May 2027

Careers

During Year 12, all students will attend careers fairs (Surrey Careers Fair, uMaths Careers Fair). Throughout their time at SuMS, they will have the opportunity to listen to a range of expert speakers from academia and industry as well as representatives from local companies. Students and parents/carers are provided with information on a range of work experience possibilities, and students are encouraged to find a suitable placement at the end of Year 12.

Further information is available from Dr Robles-Llana (Assistant Headteacher) - please reach him by emailing office@surreymathsschool.co.uk or calling us on 01483 974211. 

Our Careers Policy incorporating our Provider Access Policy (setting out the school’s arrangements for managing the access of providers to pupils at the school) can be found here.