Work Experience 2026

Check back here for all updated information on work experience for year 10 and year 12 students.

All year 10 and year 12 students have a one-week work experience as part of their curriculum. This academic year it will take place in the summer term: 29^th June – 3^rd July (Year 10) and also 6^th July – 10^th July (Year 12).

Find the parent/carer letters with more information here: Year 10 Launch Letter WEX2026 Year 12 Launch Letter WEX2026

The placement details which studensts need to submit: WEX2026 Details Form

Scroll down for: Example email - WEX Timeline

How to find a placement

Work Experience is your opportunity to find a placement where you can learn about a particular job or area of work. It can help you decide on your options for your next steps either after Year 11 or after sixth form. It will give you the opportunity to develop technical skills as well as soft skills such as time-management, organisation, self-confidence, communication, independence and a variety of others. Each placement will be distinct and different from others.

What types of work experience can I do?

We have given you the responsibility to find your own placements. Think about what you want to do in the future or what are your favourite subjects currently at school. Here are some example work experience placements for you to look into which link to school subjects:

• Museum, archive office, National Trust site (History, Classics)
• Gallery, workshop, branding department of a company, architect (Art, Design)
• Talent agency, backstage theatre work (Drama)
• Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), translating company, journalism, broadcasting, library, publishing company (English Literature, Modern Foreign Languages)
• Water works, research and development department at a local factory, green energy, oil and gas company (Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Engineering)
• Pharmaceutical company, dental practice, nursing home, hospital or GP clinic (Medical Sciences and Human Biology)
• App development company, IT security company, school IT department (Computer Sciences)
• Local astronomy observation centres, automobile and aviation manufacturers (Maths, Physics and Astronomy)
• Teaching your subject to younger students at primary school, writing articles for a blog or student magazine, starting a society or study group (All subjects)

Timeline

Example Email

Asking about work experience by email needs to be formal communication. As we said in tutor time it should well structured. Remeber to:

• Introduce yourself
• Explain why you are interested
• Give the dates you are available
• Ensure the email is polite

Text to copy below

Dear Sir/Madam [or name of person] [or HR Team]

I am a [year group] students from Harris Academy Battersea, studying for my [GCSEs/A Levels]

I’d like to enquire about a potential work experience placement at [company name], which I will be available to carry out for 5 days from [start date] to [end date].

I’m keen on gaining some practical work experience in [chosen sector of work], because [reasoning for pursuing a placement with this specific company and sector].

As an enthusiastic student with a keen interest in what your organisation does, as well as a passion to progress within this industry, I would be very grateful to be considered for an opportunity at [company name].

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours [sincerely/faithfully]

[Your name]