Personal Development Hub
Preparing You for Life Beyond St Charles
At St Charles, we don’t just focus on what you achieve here, we focus on who you become next.
Whether your ambition is a top university, a competitive apprenticeship, or stepping confidently into employment, our Personal Development programme is designed to make sure you leave future-ready, with the skills, confidence, and independence to succeed.
The Purpose of Personal Development
London offers huge opportunity but it is also fast-paced, competitive, and demanding. That’s why we support every student to think beyond their next exam or course choice, and instead plan for a successful, independent, and fulfilling future.
Our Personal Development programme helps students:
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Build confidence and self-belief
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Develop real-world skills valued by universities and employers
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Make informed decisions about their future
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Grow into responsible, resilient, and ambitious young adults
At the centre of this journey is the St Charles Passport to Independence; a clear, structured pathway that supports students to develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviours they need to thrive in adult life.
As Ofsted recognised in January 2025, students at St Charles:
“Develop valuable new knowledge, skills and behaviours that help them take their next steps.”
Personal Development and Skills Programme
Every student at St Charles takes part in a structured Personal Development and Skills Programme, ensuring no one misses out on the experiences that matter most for life beyond sixth form.
Through the programme, students benefit from:
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Cultural Capital Projects that broaden horizons and build confidence
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Volunteering opportunities that develop empathy, leadership, and purpose
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Work experience placements that strengthen employability and career focus
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PSHE that supports wellbeing, relationships, and personal responsibility
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Comprehensive careers guidance (AIG) to help students plan their next steps with confidence
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Enrichment and extra-curricular opportunities that allow students to explore interests, develop talents, and stand out
Together, these experiences ensure that students don’t just leave with qualifications — they leave ready for life.
Student Personal Development Case Studies
Rihanna Ingleton - Clarke
A Level Economics, Art & Design & Photography
The Personal Development sessions, support and opportunities have pushed me to step outside my comfort zone, understand my strengths, and build better habits. It’s made me more resilient and more focused on who I want to become.
I’ve discovered that I’m capable of much more than I thought. I tend to doubt myself, but through this programme I realised that I’m driven, creative and determined, and that I actually thrive when I’m given responsibility. I’ve also learnt that even when things feel overwhelming, I always find a way through with consistency and support. At St Charles you’re supported academically but also as a person, and there are so many opportunities to develop yourself, get involved, and feel part of a community. If you’re willing to work hard and take advantage of the support, you’ll thrive here.
Ayodh Game Kankanamge
A Level Biology, Chemistry & Economics
The Elevate Series Masterclasses have really supported my personal development. They’ve taught me practical skills, like how to plan my time, study more effectively, manage deadlines and deal with challenges with confidence.
Through this programme, I’ve discovered that I’m more resilient and adaptable than I realised. I’ve learned that I can work well under pressure, stay calm, communicate clearly and take responsibility when needed.
I’ve also realised that stepping outside my comfort zone helps me grow the most.
I also really enjoyed the cultural capital visits — they’ve been one of my favourite parts of the programme. We travelled to so many places around London that I’d never been to before, and it helped me gain confidence, experience new things and understand different environments.
The PD programme and my placements support me with my subjects in a lot of ways. Skills like planning, communication and problem-solving help with biology and chemistry practicals, and with economics discussions and presentations.
It also keeps me motivated because I can see how my studies connect to real-life situations, especially in healthcare.
All the experiences at St Charles have helped me build the confidence and skills I need for that pathway.
If you’re willing to get involved, the college really helps you develop academically and personally.