On Friday 4 July 2025, we held our annual World of Work Celebration at Post-16.

The World of Work programme provides Castle students with experience and opportunities to help them increase their employability skills. Through this initiative, a wide variety of local employers offer work placements to students throughout the year, and these opportunities can be life-changing in terms of developing skills and maturity, and opening up new prospects.

The event was attended by a large number of local employers, plus MP for Newbury, Lee Dillon and Cllr David Harman, Mayor of Newbury. It was a very uplifting event, showcasing the progress and achievements of the students, and giving thanks to all the businesses who support the programme.

A number of awards were presented during the proceedings, including an "Outstanding Commitment" award to Waitrose, who have provided amazing support to Castle School students for over ten years. A former Castle student who has long-term paid employment at Waitrose, following work experience, also attended the event.

Other awards were presented to the National Trust at Sandham Memorial Chapel, Dingley's Promise, Wasing Estate, Bellrock at West Berkshire Community Hospital and West Berkshire Food Bank.