Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) Programme

Our Careers Vision

At Ferryhill School, careers education supports all students to make informed choices and raises aspirations. Our careers programme is planned across Years 7–11 to ensure that pupils progressively develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed for future education, training and employment.

Student Careers Entitlement

All students at Ferryhill School are entitled to a structured programme of careers education, information, advice and guidance from Year 7 to Year 11. This includes access to impartial careers guidance, opportunities to learn about a wide range of career pathways, encounters with employers and education providers, and personalised support at key decision points. The programme is designed to meet the needs of all students, including those with SEND and those who may require additional support. 

Introduction

Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) is an essential part of our commitment to preparing students for their future. Our programme supports students to understand the wide range of pathways available to them and helps them make informed decisions at key transition points. 

Careers Aims

Our CEIAG programme aims to:

• Support students to make informed and realistic career decisions

• Raise aspirations and challenge stereotypes

• Provide equal access to careers guidance for all students

• Ensure students understand post-16 and post-18 pathways, including apprenticeships and technical education

Careers Leadership

Careers education at Ferryhill School is led by the Careers Leader, who works closely with senior leaders, governors, subject teachers, external providers and employers to deliver a high-quality and stable careers programme. The Careers Leader is responsible for coordinating careers provision across the school, monitoring impact and ensuring that careers guidance is accessible, impartial and inclusive for all students and their families. 

Careers Programme Overview

Our careers programme is structured to provide progressive careers learning from Year 7 to Year 11. Students are supported to:

• Explore their interests, strengths and future aspirations

• Learn about different career pathways and qualification routes

• Understand labour market information and future employment trends

• Develop employability skills needed for the world of work

How the Careers Programme Is Delivered

Careers education and guidance at Ferryhill School includes:

• Careers learning through curriculum subjects

• Access to up-to-date labour market information (LMI)

• Employer and provider encounters, including talks and events

• Information on further education, apprenticeships and higher education

• One-to-one personal guidance with a qualified careers adviser at key stages. All careers guidance provided is independent and impartial, supporting students to consider the full range of education, training and employment options available to them. 

Access to Further Education, Apprenticeships and Training Providers

As part of our careers programme, all students in Years 8–11 have planned opportunities to meet further education colleges, apprenticeship providers and training organisations. These encounters are delivered during the school day and help students understand technical education routes, entry requirements and progression opportunities. This forms part of Ferryhill School’s commitment to meeting the Provider Access Legislation and ensuring that all post-16 pathways are promoted fairly and equally. 

Careers Learning by Year Group

• Year 7: Introduction to careers, skills and aspirations

• Year 8: Exploring interests, options awareness and careers research

• Year 9: Support with Key Stage 4 choices and pathways

• Year 10: Employer encounters, work-related learning and LMI use

• Year 11: Post-16 guidance, applications and personal careers interviews

Gatsby Benchmarks

Our careers programme is aligned to the Gatsby Benchmarks, which define best practice for careers education in schools and colleges. Evidence of how each Gatsby Benchmark is met can be found throughout this website, including curriculum links, employer and provider encounters, labour market information, personal guidance and evaluations of impact. 

Accessing Careers Support

Students can access careers support by speaking to the Careers Leader, attending careers events and assemblies, and booking one-to-one guidance interviews. Parents and carers are encouraged to contact the Careers Leader if they require further information or wish to discuss progression options.

Further details about how careers education is delivered at each stage, including employer encounters, provider access, personal guidance and careers events, can be found in the relevant sections of this website.