Introduction

蹤獲扦 recognises the importance of delivering a comprehensive and effective careers education, information, advice and guidance (CEIAG) programme that supports all students in making informed choices about their future pathways. The academy works closely with the Careers and Enterprise company, the Lancashire Career hub and the Career development Institute. These are external organisations that support schools to ensure they are following the Careers guidance and access for education and training providers. The following information is an extract taken from this guidance.

"The department expects all schools and colleges to use the internationally recognised Gatsby Benchmarks to develop a careers programme that increases opportunities for students to access everything from experiences of the workplace and personal guidance with a careers adviser, to engagement with employers, colleges, training providers and universities. The benchmarks are non-statutory but support schools and colleges by providing a framework around which they can develop their careers programme in line with their legal requirements to provide independent careers guidance to pupils throughout their secondary education (11 to 18 year olds) and students aged up to 25 with an education, health and care plan. The benchmarks also support schools to fulfil their statutory duty to enable access of training providers to showcase to students what technical education and apprenticeships can offer."

Regular monitoring and evaluation are essential to ensure the programme meets statutory requirements, aligns with the Gatsby Benchmarks, and achieves the national Quality in Careers Standard. The Career team meets on a termly basis with the school’s Enterprise advisor, Wensdae Luca and the school’s Enterprise Coordinator, Sam Bates, in order to provide a well-balanced view on the quality of the careers offered to students. The group reviews the evidence collected during the school year and consider the key stakeholders’ experience and engagement with the programme. A structured evaluation framework enables the school to assess the impact of provision for different student groups, including those who are disadvantaged, have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), or are identified as at risk of becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training).

 

Student Feedback and Evaluation

The school will systematically gather feedback from students following careers-related activities, including employer encounters, workshops, work experience, and careers events. Feedback will be collected through surveys, focus groups, and evaluation forms to assess the perceived relevance and impact of activities on students’ knowledge, skills, and aspirations. Where appropriate, differentiated approaches will be used to ensure that students with SEND can fully participate in evaluation activities.

Destination Data Tracking (up to Year 14)

Destination data will be collected and analysed annually to monitor student progression into further education, apprenticeships, higher education, training, or employment. Data will be broken down by key groups, including Pupil Premium, SEND, and at-risk students, to evaluate the impact of targeted interventions and to identify any gaps in progression outcomes. This analysis will inform planning, resource allocation, and targeted support strategies.

Gatsby Benchmark Assessment

蹤獲扦 will use the Careers & Enterprise Company’s Compass Plus tool to assess progress against the eight Gatsby Benchmarks on a termly basis, with formal assessments completed with an Enterprise coordinator, by the end of each academic term (December, March, and July). These assessments will be led by the Careers Lead, in consultation with the Senior Leadership Team. Outcomes will be analysed for different cohorts, ensuring that provision for disadvantaged, SEND, and at-risk students meets the same high standards as for all students, with additional targeted activities where needed.

 

Quality in Careers Standard

The school is committed to achieving and maintaining the Quality in Careers Standard, the nationally recognised quality award for careers education, information, advice and guidance. Progress towards accreditation will be monitored annually, with evidence gathered across all areas of provision, including support for Pupil Premium, SEND, and at-risk students. The self-assessment and external validation processes will be used to benchmark the school’s provision, identify strengths, and address areas for development. The award will be reviewed and renewed in line with the Quality in Careers Standard framework to ensure sustained excellence.

Stakeholder Feedback

Feedback will be collected from teaching staff, the Careers Adviser, employers, and external partners to evaluate the quality and impact of careers provision. Specific feedback will also be sought from the SENCO, the pastoral team, and the Pupil Premium lead (S.Blackwell, Deputy Headteacher) to ensure that targeted support strategies are effective for their respective groups. This will support the continuous development of inclusive and tailored careers provision.

Participation and Engagement Monitoring

Attendance and participation data for all careers activities will be recorded and analysed termly. This will include a breakdown by Pupil Premium, SEND, and at-risk groups to ensure equity of access and identify any patterns of under-engagement. Targeted actions will be implemented where necessary to increase participation among these groups and remove barriers to involvement.

 

Progress Against Strategic Objectives

Annual strategic objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs) will be established for the careers programme, including specific targets for Pupil Premium, SEND, and at-risk students. Regular reviews will measure progress in key areas such as student career readiness, targeted employer engagement, curriculum integration, and equality of opportunity. Adjustments will be made where necessary to ensure the needs of these groups are fully met.

Governance and Reporting

The Careers Lead will provide termly reports to the Senior Leadership Team and governing body. These reports will outline progress towards meeting statutory requirements, Gatsby Benchmarks, and the Quality in Careers Standard, with specific reference to outcomes for Pupil Premium, SEND, and at-risk students. Key findings will inform school improvement planning and will be shared with stakeholders through appropriate channels, including the school website and annual reports.