Brune Park students on the 'road to success' as GCSE countdown begins

Year 11 students at King’s Academy Brune Park have taken a major step toward shaping their futures following the school’s annual ‘Road To Success’ evening. Held at the start of the academic year, the event forms a key milestone in the school's extensive five-year support programme, ensuring pupils are both mentally and physically prepared for their upcoming GCSEs and Post-16 journeys.

The well-attended event brought together students, parents, and carers to learn how to make the absolute most of the time remaining before exam season. Key guidance was delivered by subject leaders, including Head of Maths Mr Peet, Head of English Mrs Barwick, and Head of Science Mr Weston, who highlighted the critical importance of securing passes in core subjects like English and Maths.

Students were challenged to adopt a growth mindset built on three core pillars: honesty, faith and courage. School leaders encouraged pupils to be honest about where they excel and where they need to work harder, to maintain faith in the team of teachers and family supporting them, and to find the courage to prioritize their own academic goals to secure the outcomes needed for their chosen careers.

A central highlight of the evening was the bustling Post-16 exhibition, which gave families the chance to explore a vast array of future options. Representatives from leading local sixth forms and colleges attended, including King’s Academy Bay House, St Vincent College, South Hampshire College Group, Itchen College, UTC, and HSDC. Broadening the scope further, apprenticeship providers Showcase Training and Steve Willis Training Centre were on hand, alongside representatives from the Army and Military Mentors, to showcase vocational and service routes.

The initiative to embed Post-16 providers directly into information evenings has delivered outstanding results. The school's destination data has improved year on year, driving King’s Academy Brune Park's NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) figures down to less than 1%—a statistic significantly better than both Hampshire and national averages.

Feedback across the board was overwhelmingly positive. One visiting provider praised the format, noting that she "preferred this set up because it allowed her to have really informed conversations with students and parents."

By the end of the night, Year 11 pupils walked away with a renewed focus, clear action plans, and a bright, confident vision of what their futures hold.