The Carrington Programme: Insights from the LVI Management Conference
11 March 2026 - Sixth Form
The Carrington Programme is our bespoke Sixth Form enrichment provision, crafted to offer pupils exceptional opportunities as they prepare for life beyond their A Levels. Designed exclusively for our Sixth Form, it combines rigorous academic extension with practical, real‑world experiences. Through a rich blend of lessons, conferences, and expert‑led talks, pupils are challenged to think ambitiously, act confidently, and broaden their perspective on the world around them.
Pupils begin their Carrington journey in the LVI with the Communications Conference, where they build their on‑camera confidence through interviews with professional journalists, responding to the challenges faced by a fictional ice‑cream company. Later in the year, the cohort heads outdoors for the Leadership Summit, a dynamic programme focused on developing collaboration, initiative, and problem‑solving.
A cornerstone of the Carrington experience is the long‑established Management Conference (ManCon), now in its 36th year. This year’s LVI pupils described it as “an enjoyable experience… one we will never forget.” Across two days, alongside pupils from RGS High Wycombe, they gained valuable insights into enterprise, hearing how entrepreneurs identify market gaps, overcome setbacks, and grow successful businesses in competitive environments. Guest speakers included Peter Higgins from Charles Tyrwhitt, Katie Owen from Sargasso & Grey, and Carol Taylor from Little Spark Strategy, each offering practical advice about resilience, innovation, and leadership.
A highlight of the conference was the return of Richard Lowton, who led a highly engaging business simulation. Pupils particularly valued his clear explanations of marketing strategies and new technical terminology. “We learned that every small decision might bring a big impact on the final consequences,” pupils reflected, as they responded to quarterly feedback on their team branding, strategy, and performance. The simulation encouraged analytical thinking, creativity, and adaptability under pressure. Networking formed another valuable part of the event. Pupils were able to speak with mentors and visiting speakers, gaining real‑world insight into a range of professional fields. “One of my friends successfully connected with another AI researcher to ask her about the use of AI in biology,”
Alongside these conferences, Carrington pupils benefit from an inspiring programme of guest speakers. Recent talks have included our local MP, Emma Reynolds, who discussed her political career and ministerial responsibilities, and Wycombe Senior Lissie Mackintosh, now a successful F1 journalist, who offered reflections on ambition, opportunity, and navigating competitive industries. Further sessions prepare pupils for outstanding outcomes in university applications and help them to consider life beyond Higher Education.
Weekly taught sessions in the LVI focus on developing the skills needed for the EPQ or our in‑house essay competition, alongside exposure to university‑level material through the University Preparation Programme. In the UVI, pupils choose from a wide range of electives, exploring topics from US Presidential elections to the responsible use of AI.
Through its rich and diverse provision, the Carrington Programme seeks to inspire every pupil to become a lifelong learner, a responsible global citizen, and a confident leader ready to embrace the challenges ahead.
Mr Olly Murphy
Deputy Head of Sixth Form
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