The King Ecgbert School commitment

We believe all pupils should be provided with personalised careers guidance which will allow them to make informed choices at all key transition points. This will ensure they are suitably prepared for the next stage in their education, training or employment and have attained relevant qualifications.

Our careers provision aims to ensure our pupils leave King Ecgbert School on a career path that will lead to a bright and prosperous future.

The Gatsby Benchmarks provide a structure for our careers provision and an overview of this framework. To measure the impact of our careers provision, our careers leader completes The Careers and Enterprise Company’s (CEC) Compass Plus online self-assessment tool every term and regularly seeks feedback on events and activities from stakeholders through online platforms.

We also work alongside the CEC’s Enterprise Adviser Network to help build links with local employers and employees and enhance the careers related learning experience of our pupils.

The Gatsby Benchmarks

1. A stable careers programme

We use the Gatsby Benchmarks framework to structure our careers programme. We have a named careers leader, supported by our senior leadership team, who has the nationally recognised Level 6 Careers Leader qualification alongside a masters’ degree in Education.

2. Learning from career and labour market information (LMI)

We are fully engaged with The Careers and Enterprise ‘Enterprise Adviser Network’ which allows us to access local LMI.

3, Addressing the needs of each pupil

Pupils are provided with individualised support to ensure they are able to work towards their full potential and be successful at all key transition points.

4. Linking curriculum learning to careers

Links are made across the curriculum to careers and the world of work.

5. Encounters with employers and employees

Our personal development programme provides opportunities for pupils to engage with employers and employees. A careers week and careers fair takes place in the summer term.

6. Experiences of workplaces

Year 12 students undertake work experience in the spring term. ‘Experiences of the Workplace’ activities are currently being developed for lower school.

7. Encounters with further and higher education

We work alongside several universities, local colleges and training providers to offer opportunities to our students to explore post-16 and -18 options.

8. Personal guidance

Pupils will have had at least one 1:1 Information Advice and Guidance (IAG) meeting by the end of Year 11. There is targeted support in sixth form to help make informed decisions about post-18 plans. Our careers adviser holds the Level 6 Diploma in Careers Guidance and Development.

Careers opportunities at King Ecgbert School

  • Throughout their time at our school, pupils take part in a wide range of careers-related activities, including:
  • Learning about technical education and apprenticeships through assemblies and our careers fair
  • Learning about different post-18 ways including degree apprenticeships and university
  • Meaningful encounters with employers, for example through careers carousels
  • Tailored careers sessions in PHSE lessons and form time in Year 11
  • Individual careers meetings in Year 10 and 11
  • Support for all pupils in Year 11 to make informed decisions about their post-16 options
  • Support for all sixth form students to make informed decisions about their post-18 options
  • Targeted support for pupils wishing to pursue the apprenticeship route
  • Support package for Year 11 pupils on GCSE results fay and moving into post-16 provision

How you can support

Parents

If you have contacts or connections that could support our careers programme, including guest speakers, please get in touch. We also encourage parents and carers to explore career options, such as post-16 pathways, with their child and to discuss the various careers websites and resources regularly sent out via Bromcom.

Employers

We welcome opportunities to work with employers who are keen to support our pupils. If you would like to host an event or speak to pupils about your career or industry, please contact us.

Post-16, higher and further education providers

We are happy to host visiting speakers and events and are keen to engage with post-16 providers as pupils enter Years 10 and 11. This helps ensure pupils are fully informed about the local and national post 16 offer.

Volunteers

If you would like to offer your time or expertise to support our pupils, please contact us. We are keen to broaden our enrichment opportunities and develop partnerships that align with the aims and ambitions of King Ecgbert School.

Contact

For more information or to offer your support, contact Paul Fennell pfennell@kingecgbert.school.