119 Year 11 students at the Wadhurst-based academy recently completed placements as part of a voluntary scheme at the school. The scheme connected pupils with more than 100 employers across East Sussex, Kent and London, offering experience in sectors including law, animal care, finance, construction and engineering. Mrs Harrison, careers advisor and work experience co-ordinator at the academy, said: "At Uplands Academy, we recognise the vitally important role that work experience plays in supporting young people to define their career path and preparing them for the world of work. One-to-one careers interviews were held with each student before placements to ensure their interests and long-term goals were supported. Mr Cunningham, assistant headteacher and careers lead, said: "Anyone who remembers their own work experience week with a hint of cynicism need only spend five minutes with one of our Year 11 students to feel differently."