What these 10th year work experience has taught them about their future

When Kelsey got to high school, she said she wanted to be almost anywhere else.

She struggles with friendships, fights with teachers and often avoids going to school.

But after a week’s work experience placement at Whipsnad Zoo in Bedfordshire, her perspective couldn’t be more different.

She says it has made her a “completely different person” – more confident, has a “great group of friends” and a greater sense of purpose for where her studies are leading her.

Children across the UK are strongly encouraged to do work experience while at school. In the UK, the government published new legal guidance in June to provide for two weeks of “hands-on and immersive” work experience, one between years 7 and 9 and one between years 10 and 11.

But not all work experience placements are created equal, and finding the right one can be difficult.

Organizations such as the Sutton Trust and the Social Mobility Foundation say some students may be restricted by placements in their area or lack of family links to local employers.

The BBC spoke to Year 10 students, a year before their final GCSE exams, about what they have decided what career they want to pursue, what their experience of trying to find the right placement has taught them about their future education and ultimate career goals.