‘What are you going to do when you finish school?’ is a high-key question that can flummox even the most focused of students. Luckily, help is on hand to alleviate some of that end of school stress and help ensure our students are future ready. 

Back in the Class of 2016 when Jack Ryan was profiled in Newington’s annual Results Report for his outstanding 98.30 ATAR, one of his top study tips for his younger peers was always do first what you’d prefer to do last. 

‘Work your weaknesses if you want to improve, even though it’s much easier to breeze through a chapter review on statistics,’ Jack said before he headed off to The University of Sydney and life beyond the school gates. 

It’s advice that obviously worked well for the Old Newingtonian. A decade on, Jack has carved out a successful career with Fiftyfive5, a Sydney consultancy that provides research and AI insights to business, underpinned by global giant Accenture Song. Who better then to chair next Monday’s LIFE AFTER SCHOOL alumni-powered panel and calm end of school shakes? 

Open to Newington Year 10, 11 and 12 students and their parents, Jack will be joined by fellow Old Newingtonians James Murray (ON 2016) who works in marketing; Aidan Moore (ON 2016) who is in construction management; Jeremi Campese (ON 2016) an actor, musician and teacher, and financial advisor, Oscar Linden-Smith (ON 2019) to kick off ONU Week 2026.  

Panellists will take questions from the floor and share their personal experiences of entering the world of tertiary study and work, and how to develop careers across different professions and trades.  

With AI changing the future direction of work, Mr Stephen Roberts, Head of Careers at Newington, says getting guidance and insights from those who have gone before is vital.  

‘Newington has a comprehensive career program which helps our students find clarity, purpose, and direction,’ Mr Roberts says.  

‘Our program begins in Year 10 and includes a range of tools and assessments that explore each student’s strengths, interests, and personality traits, to help guide subject choices and possible career paths.’ 

The process is also supported by mentor groups and Stage 5 Careers Advisor, Mr Tom Pym. It includes:  

• Pathways at Newington College such as Vocational Education Training (VET) and Externally Delivered Vocational Education and Training (EVET).  

• Expert help to access early entry programs, second-round offers, university transfers, and options to study interstate or overseas  

• A purpose-designed Careers and VET Centre which provides tailored one-on-one support and structured guidance for students from Year 10 to Year 12. 

• Psychometric careers testing for Year 10 and 11 students through the Newington Career Tools portal which is available through New Spaces. 

• One-on-one consultation and personalised career reports – valuable tools for conversations with parents, mentors, and careers staff. 

‘With the onset of AI and increasing career complexity, this is an evidence-based approach that shows our students how to start thinking about careers,’ says Mr Roberts. 

‘If I want to be an engineer, what subjects or program should I take? If I’m interested in law, how do I prepare now?’ 

The Newington Careers Fair in Term 3 is another key career event. Students engage in psychometric testing, round-table workshops with alumni, and presentations from leading institutions such as The University of Sydney. Another, The Sydney Schools Careers Convention, where Newington partners with a number of leading independent schools. This year the event will be held at Sydney Grammar School. This event brings together every major university and training provider in Australia, along with international representatives from organisations like Education USA and Cambridge University. 

In Year 12, career guidance at Newington is all about personalised support. Workshops throughout the year help students apply for early university entry, elite athlete or performer adjustment programs, and other specialised options. Students meet regularly with Mr Roberts and Mr Pym who are available every lunchtime, and for consultations by appointment with Mr Roberts during Tuesday evening study session.  

The Newington Careers website, available via New Spaces, is another vital resource says Mr Roberts. It is constantly updated with key dates, cadetship programs, open days, Gap Year opportunities, and webinars. 

‘Newington’s careers program isn’t just about what life after school looks like, although that’s a big part of it,’ says Mr Roberts.  

‘It’s also about building confidence, giving insights and helping every student find their path forward to a career that is purposeful, rewarding and relevant.’  

RSVP for LIFE AFTER SCHOOL Panel on Monday 18 May here.

---

 Life after Newington 

• More than 90 per cent of students from the Class of 2025 received an offer to continue their studies in tertiary education. 

• The most popular university for Newington students from the 2025 cohort was Sydney University (The University of Sydney) followed by University of Technology (UTS), University of NSW (UNSW) and Macquarie University. 

• The most popular courses studied by Newington students were Business/Commerce, Law, Criminology, International Relations, and Engineering.