Free, fun, and inspiring activities to motivate children and bring learning to life by connecting schools with workplace volunteers.

Ideas from schools to inspire

Across the country, primary schools are finding creative ways to help pupils see how their learning connects to the world of work.

The Primary Futures Recognition Scheme celebrates this brilliant work – recognising what schools are already doing and sharing ideas to inspire others.

More than 60 schools have achieved Bronze, Silver or Gold Awards for their career-related learning activities. On this page you’ll find examples and photos from schools across the country – simple, practical ideas that show how easily career learning can fit into everyday teaching.

Bronze – starting the journey

Bronze celebrates those great, one-off activities that start conversations about the world beyond the classroom.

Here are five examples from schools:

  • EYFS When I grow up dress-up day.
  • A parent talking about their job in assembly.
  • Year 1 People Who Help Us topic with a local visitor.
  • Linking a storybook to a real job or role.
  • A short video call with a volunteer about what they do.

Example activity for bronze.

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Silver – building careers into everyday learning

Silver recognises schools weaving career learning through their curriculum and topics.

Examples include:

  • A STEM Week exploring scientists, engineers and inventors.
  • Geography topic linked to jobs in sustainability.
  • Year 4 project on How things are made, supported by a local volunteer.
  • Maths in action – problem solving inspired by real workplaces.
  • A Careers Corner display updated each half-term.

Example activity for silver.

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Gold – whole-school inspiration

Gold celebrates schools embedding career learning across their community and giving every pupil the chance to meet volunteers that widen their knowledge and inspire them about their futures.

Examples include:

  • A Careers Week for all year groups with multiple visitors.
  • A World of Work Day with a carousel of volunteer talks.
  • Linking school values or topics to real careers.
  • Year 5–6 pupils leading assemblies about what they’ve learned.
  • A celebration event for families showcasing pupils’ ideas.

Example activity for gold.

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Feeling inspired?

Celebrate what your school is already doing with the Primary Futures Recognition Scheme.

Log in to your Primary Futures account to record your activity, or explore the examples above to see how other schools have been recognised.

👉 [Log in or record your activity →]
👉 [Learn more about the Recognition Scheme →]

💻 Introduction webinar (15 minute watch)

This short, practical intro brings the Recognition Scheme to life and explains the benefits for your school.

We show how simple the scheme is (as we’re not about adding workload!) and outlines the steps to achieving Bronze, Silver or Gold status. You’ll also very quickly hear from Lucy from a primary school about why their school joined. Included at the end are some core Q&As.

📅 Watch the introduction webinar.

If you’d like to share your school’s story or photo for future examples, we’d love to hear from you – please get in touch at [email address].

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