Student entitlement

At Ferryhill School, our CEIAG programme is designed to meet the needs of all pupils from Year 7 through Year 11, in line with the Department for Education’s statutory guidance (updated May 2025). It is differentiated to ensure progression and accessibility, with targeted support for disadvantaged pupils, those eligible for Pupil Premium, Looked After Children, and students with SEND. We actively promote equality of opportunity and inclusion.

Our CEIAG programme is informed by the updated Gatsby Benchmarks (for adoption from September 2025) and is delivered in partnership with the Careers & Enterprise Company (CEC), our local Careers Hub and a range of trusted employers and providers.

Leadership & Strategic Responsibility

The careers programme at Ferryhill School is strategically led by Miss Hanson (Careers Lead) and overseen by the Senior Leadership Team and Governing Body, ensuring that careers provision is fully embedded within the school improvement plan. Regular reports on careers provision and student destinations are shared with SLT and governors to monitor impact and progress.

Our careers programme is formally reviewed each year, using feedback from students, parents, staff, and employers to ensure it remains relevant, ambitious, and high quality.

Student voice is central to shaping our careers programme, with regular feedback gathered through surveys and focus groups. 

Careers Programme Overview

We publish a year‑by‑year careers programme plan on our website, outlining the key activities for each year group, including lessons, trips, employer encounters, and personal guidance. This enables pupils and parents to see the opportunities available at each stage.

Personal and Professional Careers Guidance

Every Year 11 student is offered a personal guidance meeting with a qualified Careers Adviser (Level 6 or above), who provides impartial and personalised advice on post‑16 pathways. These meetings are fully integrated into the wider careers programme and delivered in collaboration with pastoral and curriculum staff.

In addition, all students, parents, or staff can make a referral to request a guidance meeting by contacting the Careers Lead.

Provider Access & Encounters

In line with the Provider Access Legislation, all students in Years 8–11 will have at least six meaningful encounters with a range of providers, including further education colleges, training organisations, universities, apprenticeship providers, and employers. These opportunities are delivered through assemblies, workshops, taster sessions, careers fairs, and options events.

Employer Engagement & Labour Market Information

We work closely with employers to ensure our programme reflects local and national labour market needs. Students and parents are provided with up‑to‑date labour market information (LMI) through the careers library, the school website, and careers events to support informed decision‑making.

Higher Education & Raising Aspirations

Although Ferryhill is an 11‑16 school, we ensure pupils are aware of higher education opportunities through visits, workshops, and outreach activities with local universities. Our careers programme is designed to challenge stereotypes and raise aspirations, empowering every student to pursue ambitious pathways.

Work Experience

All Year 10 students participate in a one‑week work experience placement, designed to give them meaningful exposure to the workplace and help them develop employability skills.

Curriculum & Careers in Subjects

CEIAG is delivered through Personal Development (PD) lessons and integrated across the curriculum and tutor programme, ensuring careers learning is connected to every subject. All departments host Careers Week activities to highlight career pathways linked to their subjects.

Skills Development

Students benefit from employer encounters, STEM initiatives, and opportunities to learn about academic routes, T‑Levels, Technical Qualifications, and apprenticeships. They also receive support with CV writing, interview techniques, and post‑16 applications.

Tracking & Evaluation

We use the Compass+ tool to track progress against the Gatsby Benchmarks, monitor student engagement, and review destinations data at key transition points. This ensures our programme remains responsive and effective in meeting student needs.

Student Entitlement (Years 7‑11)

All students are entitled to:

• Impartial, confidential CEIAG integrated into their whole‑school experience, developed in partnership with students and their parents/carers.

• Access to the full range of post‑16 education and training options, including technical education and apprenticeships.

• Multiple opportunities to learn from employers, benefit from workplace experiences, and take part in taster sessions with providers.

• Encounters with universities, helping them to understand higher education pathways.

• Tailored support with applications, career decision‑making, and the development of employability skills.
  
  

Access to Further Guidance

Parents and carers are encouraged to engage with our CEIAG programme and can request guidance meetings or access resources via the Careers Lead. 

Additional support is available by appointment with Miss Hanson, our Careers Lead:

• In person

• By phone: 01740 651554

• By email: cha@ferryhill.school or careers@ferryhill.school

Students can also access careers literature and resources in our Careers Library, available by appointment and after school.