Celebrating International Women's Day and National Careers Week
This year’s National Careers Week and International Women’s Day offered us the perfect platform to highlight the importance of gender equality in careers. At Stamford Park Trust, we are dedicated to our vision of Excellence and Ambition for All, and this week was a fantastic opportunity to showcase how we bring that vision to life. Across our schools, students engaged in enriching activities, gaining insights into diverse career pathways and connecting with inspiring role models.
In preparation for this week, we conducted research to identify career sectors where women are still underrepresented. Our findings revealed that industries such as politics, the armed services, STEM research, construction, and finance still face significant gender disparity and how, as a Trust, we address this.
A standout highlight of the week was our Empowering Futures event. Students from across the Trust gathered for a day filled with inspiration, learning, and ambition. The event showcased exciting career opportunities in industries with traditionally lower female representation, offering students a unique chance to engage with real-world professionals.
Our students heard from pioneering women representing Stamford Products Ltd, The RAF, and Russell WBHO. These incredible speakers shared their professional journeys, challenges, and successes, providing invaluable insights and practical advice. Hands-on activities throughout the day helped to build the confidence, resilience, and ambition of our young people.
Throughout the week, we shared the voices of inspiring women within our Trust. Teachers, leaders, and support staff contributed their own stories, offering our students real-world perspectives and words of wisdom. By highlighting these voices, we aimed to show young women that no career is out of reach and that every aspiration is worth pursuing.
Our focus extended beyond just inspiration. We offered practical advice and showcased achievable career pathways, particularly in sectors like politics, public services, engineering, and finance, where gender gaps still exist.
Across our academies, students engaged in a range of activities to celebrate International Women’s Day and National Careers Week:
Rayner Stephens High School welcomed The Talent Foundry for the final session with Year 10 ahead of their work experience. Two Year 8 students, Sophia Gilbert and Charley Doran, took part in The Biggest Ever Football Session, a national initiative encouraging more girls to get into football. Additionally, Tech She Can’s Jules and Fatti participated in the AI Summit, with selected Year 8 students attending sessions focused on technology and AI.
Longdendale High School incorporated careers-focused activities into all lessons from Monday to Wednesday. Year 10 students benefited from a visit by ADA College for sessions on digital careers, and a quiz around school linked teachers' qualifications to career pathways. Students also attended a Manchester Museum visit and a careers workshop. To mark International Women’s Day, the school sold purple ribbons to support women’s charities.
Fairfield High School for Girls hosted its annual Inspiring Women’s Speed Networking Event for the whole of Year 8 on Wednesday, March 12. The event allowed students to interact with professional women from various industries and gain valuable career insights.
Ashton Sixth Form College took Year 12 and 13 students to Business Growth Hub’s International Women’s Day Event 2025. Students heard from guest speakers, participated in panel discussions, and explored career pathways in male-dominated fields. The college also launched its Be Your Own Boss initiative, encouraging students interested in entrepreneurship to develop their business ideas, culminating in a Dragons' Den-style finale.
While this week has been an inspiring milestone, our work does not stop here. At Stamford Park Trust, we remain committed to promoting diversity, supporting career ambitions, and providing all students with the tools they need to achieve their potential.