Student careers and life after college
From day one, we will work with you and your family or supporters to put together a plan for life after college. Our careers programme will help you to explore future options tailored to your needs.
Student careers and life after college
From the moment you join us, we work with you and your family or supporters to shape a personalised plan for life beyond college. Our careers programme is designed to help you explore a wide range of future options that match your aspirations and needs.
Our goal is to work with students so they have the skills and confidence they need to move onto the next stage of their lives.
We tailor National Star’s careers programme to meet your specific needs. You can access one-to-one support to explore a range of future options. Our focus is to prepare you for what you want to achieve after college. Each student’s careers ‘programme’ is personalised to them.
Students have access to careers education, advice and guidance throughout our curriculum. ‘Planning for my future’ sessions are an important aspect of our offer. This may include exploring jobs, volunteering, social activities, apprenticeships or help needed as an adult. Our careers resources are adapted to meet the needs of the wide range of learners at National Star.
Our Careers Strategy provides detailed information on the ways students are supported to prepare for their next steps after National Star.
Working together
We will make sure that the things you are working on at college will enable you to achieve your long-term life goals.
Your personalised learning coordinator, tutor and other staff will work together to support you. They will be able to suggest loads of ideas and people to see, as well as support you in talking to other agencies.
We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed choice. You might want to choose to get involved in your local community where you live or continue in education. You may want to move into a new home or get a job or voluntary position.
Each year, we host life after college transition events at Ullenwood, Hereford and in Wales. These events give families and carers the chance to meet exhibitors, connect with alumni and discover what life can look like after National Star. We’ll be announcing our 2026 event dates soon.
Find out more
For more information about life after college, contact our Transitions team at [email protected]
Read our student stories
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Lana’s story
Former National Star student Lana achieved her dream of independence and paid employment, thriving as a valued Rapport Services intern.
Read Lana's story
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Leo’s story
Cool Access Consultancy, founded by former National Star student Leo, champions Changing Places facilities, improving accessibility and inclusivity in UK businesses, public spaces, and beyond through partnerships and lived experience.
Read more: Leo's story
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Louis’s story
Louis’s journey from student to radio volunteer shows how personalised support at National Star helped him grow in confidence, develop independence, and build a meaningful, fulfilling life beyond college.
Read Louis's story
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Will’s story
Will has gone from a being a very quiet young man who struggled to voice his concerns to being the centre of student life at National Star in Hereford.
Read more: Will's story
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Francis’ story
Former National Star student Francis struggled in busy areas before starting at National Star. Now, he shops, cooks, manages his medical needs, and speaks publicly.
Read more: Francis' story
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Theo’s story
Former National Star student Theo says he is ‘living his best life’ after moving into supporting living accommodation in Gloucestershire after leaving college.
Read more: Theo's story
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Reagan’s story
Reagan is getting ready to attend a mainstream college – something his family never thought would be possible.
Read more: Reagan's story
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Frazer’s story
When Frazer was growing up, he always dreamed of living independently but never thought it would ever happen.
Read more: Frazer's story
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Charley’s story
Hereford work based learning student Charley has found her dream job as a housekeeper at a residential home for young adults with disabilities.
Read more: Charley's story
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Josh’s story
When Joshua Reeves started his campaign at National Star in 2015, he wanted to change the world one step at a time to fight for people's disability rights.
Read more: Josh's story
Our Careers Strategy
Read our student careers strategy (644.5KB document)Sign up to our Alumni newsletter
Last reviewed on 11/05/2026
