Transitions Week: Building Confidence and Exploring Futures
Our 2026 Transitions Week was a whirlwind of discovery, community engagement and vocational inspiration. Our students stepped out of the classroom and into the heart of local industry and community hubs to build the confidence they need for their next steps.
From the cutting-edge technology of global logistics to the inclusive spaces of the arts and higher education, here is a look back at an incredible week of exploration.
Modern Logistics at Magna Park
Our journey began at Magna Park Lutterworth, where students were surprised to learn that the site’s history actually dates back to the Stone Age! Beyond the history, the day was an immersive look at modern industry.
The group explored the diverse range of career opportunities available within distribution centres, followed by a behind-the-scenes tour of Asda. Donning high-vis jackets, students explored a massive four-storey warehouse and were fascinated by autonomous robots that navigate themselves “home” for charging. It was an invaluable insight into the technology and teamwork that keep the global supply chain moving.
Health, Wellbeing and Independence at Everyone Active
Independence is a key focus of Transitions Week, and our visit to the Everyone Active leisure centre was all about building the confidence to access community spaces.
Students enjoyed a full tour of the gym, tried out the equipment and learned about the wide variety of classes available to join in their own time. They also gained a “behind the scenes” look at the job roles that make a leisure centre run – from lifeguards and fitness instructors to front-of-house teams.
Aspiring to Higher Education at DMU
The students then headed into Leicester to visit De Montfort University (DMU), where student ambassadors led an inspiring campus tour. This was a fantastic opportunity for our students to envision themselves in a university setting and learn about the diverse courses on offer.
A highlight of the visit was seeing The Neurodiversity Umbrella Project, in partnership with the ADHD Foundation. This vibrant installation was a powerful reminder that diverse ways of thinking are celebrated and supported in higher education environments.
Creativity and Accessibility at Attenborough Arts Centre
The arts took centre stage during our visit to the Attenborough Arts Centre. This hands-on day saw students becoming part of the artwork themselves and designing their own original pieces.
The group used sensory-friendly tools to explore the galleries, ensuring the exhibitions were accessible to everyone. This visit also provided a brilliant boost to Arts Award qualifications and highlighted the many career paths within the creative sector, from curation to technical theatre roles.
Reaching for the Stars at the National Space Centre
To wrap up our week, we visited the iconic National Space Centre. As well as being a world-class resource for students to explore their scientific interests independently, it provided a unique look at careers in STEM and tourism. Learning about everything from mission control to educational guiding was an “out of this world” way to conclude our week of exploration.
Why Transitions Week Matters
These visits are about more than just a day out. They provide our students with:
- Vocational Clarity: Seeing real people in real jobs helps students identify their own career interests.
- Community Confidence: Building the familiarity needed to access local services independently.
- Inclusive Inspiration: Meeting partners and visiting spaces that champion accessibility and neurodiversity.
A huge thank you to Magna Park, Asda, Everyone Active, DMU, Attenborough Arts Centre and the National Space Centre for making this week possible.
