Futures

Helping young people connect learning, ambition and opportunity for the future.

Real-world learning that links classrooms, employers and future pathways.

The Futures Programme helps young people understand how school learning connects to future study, training and work.

Through curriculum-linked employer encounters, sector partnerships and pathway exploration, pupils build confidence, motivation and a clearer sense of the opportunities available to them. The programme is designed to widen access to future-facing experiences, particularly for young people who may have fewer networks, role models or routes into opportunity.

Business professionals leading a wind energy lesson for secondary school students using a model turbine and data tablets

27 schools

Maritime Futures has reached schools across coastal communities.

76%

of pupils said Maritime Futures lessons make school more interesting.

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84%

of pupils learned more about their local maritime history.

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76%

of pupils better understood jobs in the maritime sector.

How it works

Every young person deserves to see their future clearly.

A proven three-stage model that builds knowledge, exposure and lasting aspiration.

Business professionals leading a wind energy lesson for secondary school students using a model turbine and data tablets

Real-world curriculum

Embedding industry, sector and future-facing concepts into everyday subject learning.

  • Connects subject knowledge to real-world problems, industries and local opportunities.
  • Helps pupils understand how what they learn in school is used beyond the classroom.
  • Gives teachers practical ways to make curriculum feel relevant without weakening academic rigour.
  • Builds motivation by showing pupils why knowledge matters and where it can lead.
Students and teachers examining industrial manufacturing equipment in a professional workshop setting

Industry encounters and pathways

Giving young people direct exposure to workplaces, employers and future routes.

  • Creates opportunities for pupils to visit workplaces, meet employers and learn from sector specialists.
  • Links encounters to careers, apprenticeships, further education, higher education and employment routes.
  • Helps young people understand the skills, qualifications and choices connected to different pathways.
  • Expands access to networks, role models and experiences that some pupils may not otherwise have.
Industry professional showing 3D printed component to secondary school students in a design technology classroom

Whole-school Futures experiences

Using enrichment, projects and shared events to make future opportunities visible and engaging.

  • Brings Futures to life through projects, challenges, events, visits and enrichment activity.
  • Creates moments that build excitement, confidence and aspiration across the wider school community.
  • Helps pupils see Futures as part of school culture, not just a lesson or careers activity.
  • Supports participation by making future-facing learning enjoyable, practical and memorable.

Case Studies

Discover how Ormiston's network of schools and programmes are transforming young people's lives—real stories of ambition, achievement, and lasting change across England.

From remarkable turnarounds to world-class provision, our case studies showcase the impact of strategic leadership, targeted investment, and unwavering commitment where disadvantage is greatest.

  • Digital Futures: Star Salford 

    Digital Futures helps young people connect computing and digital learning with future opportunities in the growing digital economy.

    View casestudy

  • Maritime Futures – Cowes Enterprise College 

    Maritime Futures was developed at Cowes Enterprise College to connect classroom learning with the Isle of Wight’s maritime industry

    View casestudy

  • Mini Engineers: Academy 360 and Nissan 

    The Mini Engineers Project brings together Academy 360 and Nissan

    View casestudy

Get Involved

Are you a school, MAT or employer interested in working with us to develop a Futures programme?

Get in touch with us via the form below.

Tel: 0207 266 7940

Email: Enquiries@ormistontrust.co.uk

Engage with our futures programme today

Learn more about Ormiston Trusts programmes

We support children, young people, and families across four core programmes.

Each programme is designed to build resilience, unlock potential, and create lasting positive change.

Action

Giving young people a voice and platform to drive social change through community-led youth action projects.

Action

Enrichment

Providing diverse activities and experiences that broaden young people's horizons and unlock their potential.

Enrichment

Parenting

Supporting families through evidence-based programmes that strengthen parent-child relationships and build resilient households.

Parenting

Stories & Updates

Catch up on the latest stories from our programmes, community achievements, and national initiatives.

View all news