GCSE Boost

GCSE Boost is an exciting new wellbeing, and careers show experience designed to inspire Year 11 students from Bristol and Swindon as they prepare to enter their GCSEs

GCSE Boost delivers a unique experience for Year 11 students by addressing the four key pressure points proven to impact learners as they approach exams: mental health, diet and nutrition, motivation and aspiration, and awareness of higher and degree apprenticeships.

Delivered through four 20-minute, TEDx-style presentations led by speakers whose experience and approach to GCSEs are both engaging and informative.

This is followed by a mini careers show, featuring a small number of selected stands designed to avoid overwhelming learners with post-16 options. The focus is on meaningful, one-to-one interaction between students and employers, highlighting the opportunities available to them. By emphasising the value of transferable skills, the experience helps alleviate the pressure of exam results. Employers benefit from strong visibility and practical engagement at their stands, while students are met with a warm, supportive approach that prioritises wellbeing at a time when they are most vulnerable—encouraging exploration of future opportunities regardless of their GCSE results.

Our goal is to normalise wellbeing and mental health support for all learners before making the transition from school to post 16 education, delivering an event that allows learners to feel better going into their GCSE exams.