On Wednesday we were delighted to welcome Pod Personal Training into school to deliver an inspiring and empowering talk to our Year 10 girls. Chloe and Molly began by introducing themselves and sharing their personal journeys into the fitness industry. They spoke honestly about their experiences, the challenges they have overcome, and how strength training has shaped both their careers and their confidence. This immediately helped to build rapport and showed our students what is possible with determination and self-belief.
They then introduced Pod Personal Training and Indigo Fitness, explaining why they are passionate about working with young people. Through an engaging icebreaker, students were encouraged to explore their perceptions of weights and strength training, uncovering common misconceptions and stereotypes.
The session covered:

 *   What strength training actually is and how it benefits the body

 *   Breaking stereotypes around women and strength

 *   Building confidence in the gym environment

 *   The link between strength training and positive mental health

 *   The long-term benefits of strength for life, including pathways into careers within sport and fitness
A powerful part of the session focused on challenging outdated views about women lifting weights and reinforcing that strength is not just physical - it is mental and emotional too. This message strongly reflected our school value of Self-Belief, encouraging students to step outside of their comfort zones and recognise their own potential. Chloe and Molly also highlighted the importance of Resilience, explaining that progress in training - and in life - takes consistency, patience and the ability to keep going even when things feel challenging. Students were reminded that setbacks are part of growth. Throughout the talk, there was a clear emphasis on Integrity - showing up for yourself, committing to your goals, and making positive choices that support your wellbeing. The students engaged maturely, asked thoughtful questions, and represented the school brilliantly.
We are excited to now be launching a 4-week strength training programme in partnership with Pod Personal Training at Indigo Fitness. A selected group of Year 10 students will attend weekly workshops at the personal training studio, where they will develop their knowledge of strength training, improve their technique, and most importantly, build their confidence in a supportive gym environment.
This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to grow not only physically, but personally - developing self-belief, resilience and integrity in a real-world setting.
We look forward to seeing the positive impact this programme will have over the coming weeks.

Students and staff at Etone College will come together to celebrate an engaging and impactful Careers Week 2026, designed to raise aspirations, broaden horizons and equip every year group with the knowledge and confidence to plan their future pathways.

Throughout the week, students will take part in a series of dedicated careers assemblies and curriculum-based lessons, all tailored to support them at key stages of their journey.

Each year group will attend a specially designed assembly relevant to their stage of development. Sessions will explore a wide range of post-16 and post-18 pathways, including academic routes, technical qualifications and apprenticeships. Particular emphasis will be placed on helping students understand the breadth of apprenticeship opportunities available locally and nationally, and how these combine practical experience with recognised qualifications.

Assemblies will also focus on identifying and developing transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, resilience and problem-solving — skills highly valued by employers across all sectors. Students will be encouraged to reflect on their strengths and consider how they can continue building their employability profile throughout their time at Etone.

A highlight of the week will be the celebration of the College’s growing alumni network. Students will hear how former Etone learners have progressed into diverse careers and industries, reinforcing the message that there are many successful routes to achieving personal and professional goals.

In addition to assemblies, Careers Week will be embedded into lessons across subjects. Students will explore:

• Personal branding – understanding how to present themselves positively both in person and online, and recognising the importance of digital footprints.

• Labour Market Information (LMI) – analysing employment trends, growth sectors and local opportunities to help inform realistic and ambitious choices.

• Goal setting – learning how to set SMART targets and create clear action plans to move towards their aspirations.

These sessions will encourage students to think critically about their futures, linking classroom learning to real-world opportunities and helping them understand how subject knowledge connects to careers.

To mark the launch of the College’s revamped careers area in the library, we will run an exciting competition for all students. Pupils will be invited to visit the space, explore the resources and complete a short challenge to show what they have learned. The best entry will win a £10 voucher.

The careers area will be home to a range of prospectuses, LMI guides and interactive displays designed to support students in researching options and planning next steps. Full details of the competition and how to enter will be available in the library.

We will also encourage students and families to explore our careers resources online. Our updated Careers Website will provide information on pathways, apprenticeships, job sectors and helpful tools to support decision-making:
https://matrixcareersguide.co.uk/etone-college/

Students and parents will also be able to watch our inspiring alumni video, showcasing former Etone students sharing their journeys and advice:

Careers Week 2026 will demonstrate Etone College’s continued commitment to preparing students for life beyond school. By combining practical guidance, inspirational examples and up-to-date labour market insight, the week will ensure that every student  from Year 7 through to Year 11  is given meaningful opportunities to reflect, plan and aim high.

We look forward to an exciting and purposeful week as we continue to support our young people in becoming confident, informed and ambitious individuals ready for the world of work.