At Cann Bridge School, Work-Related Learning is a cornerstone of our Careers Programme. We believe that equipping learners with practical skills and real-world experiences is essential for their future success, whether in employment, further education, or supported living.
Our approach is progressive and aspirational. Learners begin with classroom-based responsibilities—such as monitoring stationery, tidying, serving snacks, or watering plants—before taking on wider roles across the school. These include providing administrative support or working as part of a team to produce and sell items for seasonal events.
In Years 12 and 13, learners are supported to access voluntary work experience placements and community-based volunteering, where appropriate. We have strong partnerships with local organisations including a respite centre, food bank, and community farm. These placements offer diverse, real-world environments where learners can develop key skills such as teamwork, following instructions, and completing tasks to a defined standard. Each placement is carefully matched to the learner’s needs and interests to ensure it is meaningful and accessible.
Enterprise is a long-standing tradition at Cann Bridge through our We Cann Do Enterprise programme. Learners apply their English, Maths, and digital skills in real-life contexts by creating and selling handmade crafts, baked goods, or services at school events and local markets. They learn about sourcing materials, setting prices, marketing, and customer service. This hands-on approach not only builds transferable skills but also strengthens community links and raises the profile of what our learners can do. All profits are reinvested into the programme, ensuring sustainability and the opportunity to expand into new, learner-led projects.
Throughout their time at Cann Bridge, learners are encouraged to reflect on their experiences and maintain a vocational profile to track progress and celebrate achievements. Work-Related Learning supports the development of core employability skills such as communication, independence, confidence, and teamwork. We are committed to ensuring that every learner leaves with meaningful, individualised experiences that prepare them for the next stage of their journey—whether that’s paid employment, an apprenticeship, supported internship, or further education.
Key Stage 4 Opportunities:
- Snack Box – Preparing and selling hot snacks to staff
- We Cann Do Enterprise: Retail – Designing and making items to sell
- We Cann Do Enterprise: Horticulture – Planning and delivering garden projects for profit
- Car Wash – Weekly car washing enterprise
- School-Based Work Experience
Key Stage 5 Opportunities:
- School Café – Providing a café experience for the whole school
- Family Café – Hosting a café for parents and carers
- Lunch Box – Selling pre-ordered lunches to staff
- Community-Based Work Experience
Awarding Winning
We Cann Do Enterprise at Cann Bridge School has achieved outstanding national recognition for its innovative approach to enterprise education.
In 2024, our pupils made history by winning the Tycoon 1k Key Stage 3 & 4 category at the prestigious Tycoon Enterprise Competition, founded by Peter Jones of Dragons' Den. Their business, Sensory Explorers, designed and sold sensory products based on market research, outperforming over 200 entries from across the country. The judges were so impressed that they moved the team from the SEN category into the mainstream competition—an incredible achievement in itself.
The Key Stage 4 team demonstrated exceptional entrepreneurial spirit, teamwork, and practical skills, generating over £2,000 in profit, which they reinvested into developing sensory outdoor learning spaces at the school. This success highlights our commitment to applied enterprise learning and preparing learners for real-world opportunities.
Cann Bridge School has a proud track record in the Tycoon Enterprise Competition, with previous teams achieving both winner and runner-up status in the 14–16 category, as well as runner-up placements in the 16–18 category. These accolades reflect the strength of our enterprise programme in fostering creativity, innovation, and ambition among learners with special educational needs.



















