Future Pathways (Berkshire)
What is Future Pathways?
Future Pathways is a free programme that has been running since 2022, and is a partnership of Study Higher, local authorities, and the University of Reading. It helps care experienced young people in years 9-13 (or college equivalent) learn about all the educational pathways available to them after they leave school. It also gives them the opportunity to socialise with other young people in similar circumstances.
Who is it for?
The programme is aimed at care experienced young people in years 9-13 (or college equivalent) in the following local authorities:
- Bracknell Forest
- Reading
- Wokingham
- Slough
How much does it cost?
Future Pathways is completely FREE to attend, including transport and all refreshments.
When and where is it?
All the events for this year can be seen in the table below.
| Date | Event | Where? |
| Saturday 28th September 2024
|
Launch Event
Meet other young people on the programme for a day of games, campus activities and a subject taster. |
Buckinghamshire New University |
| Tuesday 29th October 2024
|
Post-16 Pathways Workshop/UCAS Workshop
Depending on your age and level of study, you can sign-up either for a post-16 Pathways workshop, where you will explore options after GCSEs, or a UCAS application workshop. Both groups will then combine for lunch and a fun campus-based activity. |
University of Reading |
| Wednesday 20th November 2024
|
FEC Road Trip
Jump on the tour bus and explore the further education colleges and post-16 qualifications around you in Berkshire! |
Activate Reading, Berkshire College of Agriculture, & Henley College |
| Saturday 7th December 2024 | Fun Day & Christmas Meal
Join us in Reading for an escape room and Christmas meal, and to celebrate your achievements so far! |
tbc |
| w/c 13th Jan (tbc) | Apprenticeship Workshop
Learn all about apprenticeship levels, applications, and life as an apprentice. |
tbc |
| Wednesday 19th February 2025 | Employability Day
Join other young people from other regions, to meet employers, hear about opportunities for care experienced young people to learn new skills and build their CVs, and participate in interactive workshops designed to boost your confidence and knowledge around work. |
Oxford Brookes University |
| Tuesday 4th March 2025 | Intro to Higher Education Workshop
Exploring higher education & university, including accommodation, finance, and wellbeing/support on campus. |
University of Reading |
| Monday 7th April 2025 | Oxford Visit
Visit to Trinity College, Oxford University, to learn about applications to and life at Oxford Uni. After a meal in college, we will visit one of Oxford’s museums. |
Trinity College, Oxford University |
| Wednesday 28th May | Employer Visit
A fantastic opportunity for students on the Bucks, Berkshire, and Swindon programmes to get behind-the-scenes access to a working hospital. We will see the range of career paths in the NHS, and meet staff |
Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Aylesbury |
| Monday 28th July | Celebration Event
An end of year celebration at University of Reading, to recognise your achievements, meet care experienced ambassadors, and more! |
University of Reading |
How do I book on?
To register your young person please complete the registration form below.
For more information or if you have any questions please contact Amy Gower: agower@brookes.ac.uk
Testimonials from Future Pathways
I went on the college tours and I found it useful to be able to see all the options of what I could do in the future and was informed about particular subjects I want to study. 
Care experienced young person
There has been a growth in confidence from a couple of the young people. Initially quieter young people are getting excited talking about their work and courses they might want to do in the future.
Virtual School Staff
She also loved the university weekend away as it proved that people in care can do great things.
Home Manager
This programme has helped open my choices to other careers and allowed me to explore my opportunities. I found the trips and programmes very helpful and informative as to post 16 options and other topics.
Care experienced young person
It has made the young person from our Virtual School committed to going onto FE and then HE.
Virtual School Staff
[Young person] has made exceptional progress in their self esteem and social communication skills which has brought their plans forward by a year; planning to start university this September instead of staying at home for another year. This was their dream 4 years ago.
Foster Carer