Careers

“Pupils receive a programme of careers advice and guidance from Year 7 onwards. There are opportunities to visit colleges and to experience the world of work.” 
Ofsted, 2024 

We encourage pupils to consider a wide range of opportunities, courses, and careers that reflect their individual needs, talents, skills and interests. Through a combination of classroom learning and real-world experience, pupils develop a strong understanding of the world of work and how to respond to changing opportunities.  

Across all aspects of school life, we focus on building essential career skills including resilience, adaptability, enterprise, employability and teamwork. Pupils take part in enterprise events, mock interviews, and CV preparation, helping them gain practical experience and prepare for working life.  

Working together with local employers and colleges, we ensure pupils can gain meaningful insights into various professions and higher education. We believe this helps to raise their aspirations, broaden their horizons, and counter stereotyped thinking about what they and others can do in our society. 

Careers Policy

Gatsby Benchmarks

The Gatsby Benchmarks were developed on behalf of the Gatsby Foundation by Sir John Holman to define world-class careers provision in education. They provide a clear framework for delivering the Careers provision at Teenage Kicks.  

 The 8 Gatsby Benchmarks are: 

  1. A stable careers programme 

  2. Learning from career and labour market information 

  1. Addressing the needs of each pupil 

  1. Linking curriculum learning to careers 

  1. Encounters with employers and employees 

  1. Experiences of workplaces 

  1. Encounters with further and higher education 

  1. Personal guidance 

How we meet the Benchmarks at Teenage Kicks: 

Benchmark 1 – A stable careers programme  

  • We have created a bespoke CEIAG curriculum to ensure all pupils have access to careers in every year group. Each year builds on knowledge from the previous year to ensure comprehensive coverage. 

  • We work closely with outside agencies so that vulnerable pupils have work experience opportunities to suit their needs and interests.  

  • We complete termly evaluations of our CEIAG programme. 

Benchmark 2 – Learning from labour market information  

  • Our curriculum is supported by Start Profile and other platforms that provide the most up-to-date information about the labour market in our local area. 

  • We cultivate links with local employers and colleges. 

  • Our website contains up-to-date links to online magazines and apps to help students understand LMI. 

Benchmark 3 – Addressing the needs of each pupil  

  • Our careers curriculum is sensitive to the needs of our pupils whilst aiming to raise aspirations and provide education around issues such as equality and diversity. 

  • Every pupil has access to 1:1 careers provision that is suited to their needs. 

  • The CEIAG team are available at parent consultation days to provide support and feedback to parents. 

  • We make use of pupil, parent, staff and employer voice. 

  • We have tracking systems in place, which allow students to see their journey through CEIAG. 

 Benchmark 4 – Linking curriculum to careers  

  • We create a comprehensive audit of careers across all subjects and year groups. 

  • Regular support and CPD is provided to all staff on embedding careers in their curriculum. 

  • Every teacher supports the implementation of careers in their curriculum and uses their specialist subject knowledge to engage students and inspire their career choices. 

Benchmark 5 – Encounters with employers and employees   

  • Students will have at least two meaningful encounters with employers and employees during their time at Teenage Kicks. 

  • We hold careers fairs to provide students with the opportunity to encounter careers they may not have otherwise encountered. 

Benchmark 6 – Experiences of workplaces  

  • Work experience is organised to suit each student. 

  • Visits and trips are planned within subjects to provide practical real-world experience relating to their curriculum. 

Benchmark 7 – Encounters with higher and further education   

  • We cultivate close links with local colleges and universities and invite them in to speak with our students.

  • Where applicable, our students have the chance to attend courses in our local HE providers in addition to their usual curriculum. 

Benchmark 8 – Personal Guidance 

  • Every student in KS4 can access 1:1 CEIAG appointments. 

  • Information surrounding careers is available to parents and students at their request. 

  • Every student at all levels has access to the careers team to discuss their ideas and concerns