About

Careers Strategy

A Strategic Approach to Careers & Personal Development

At St. Annes College Grammar School, our careers strategy is built around the belief that every pupil deserves high-quality education, information, advice, and guidance that prepares them for future success. Aligned with the Gatsby Benchmarks, our approach begins in EYFS and continues through to Year 11, embedding careers learning into the curriculum and wider school life. Early experiences focus on aspiration, teamwork, and resilience, while Key Stage 3 develops curiosity through careers days, employer talks, and guidance interviews. By Key Stage 4, pupils deepen their skills through tailored careers lessons, CV writing, interview preparation, and work experience, ensuring they are ready for further study, employment, or training.

Our programme is continuously reviewed through Compass+ self-assessment, pupil voice, and feedback from staff, parents, employers, and alumni (Benchmark 1). Partnerships with employers, training providers, and universities create meaningful connections to the wider community, while transition support ensures pupils move confidently into their next stage. By embedding careers education into the whole school ethos, we nurture independent, resilient, and socially responsible young people who are encouraged to “Be the best you can be.”

We place strong emphasis on encounters with employers and higher education providers (Benchmarks 5, 7) through talks, networking, enterprise challenges, and an annual Futures Fair. Access to reliable labour market information (Benchmark 2) is provided via online resources, assemblies, and subject-linked lessons, with SEND-friendly adaptations to ensure inclusivity. Personal guidance (Benchmark 8) is a key feature, with one-to-one careers interviews available to all pupils and enhanced support for those with additional needs. Safeguarding, wellbeing, and diversity underpin all activities, ensuring that every encounter is safe, inclusive, and aspirational (Benchmarks 3 and 4).

FAQs

No. Most pupils explore many interests before settling on a path. Our careers programme is designed to help them discover strengths, build confidence and learn about the wide range of opportunities available.

Pupils receive guidance lessons, assemblies, employer talks, and one-to-one conversations to help them understand their strengths and interests. Parents are fully involved in the decision-making process.

Every pupil receives a careers interview and support with applications. We also offer additional guidance for pupils with SEND or those who need extra help to feel confident in their decisions.

Talk regularly about interests, encourage curiosity, explore options together, attend events and open days, and reassure them that uncertainty is normal. You don’t need to have all the answers—your interest makes a big difference.

College courses, T Levels, apprenticeships, vocational training, online learning, and eventually university or employment. We explain all pathways equally—there is no “one right” route.

Yes. In Year 10, we actively encourage pupils to seek their own work experience placements, either in person or through a virtual work experience opportunity. We support pupils by providing guidance on how to approach employers, helping them prepare, and ensuring that any placement is meaningful, safe, and appropriate for their needs.

All employers, visitors and activities are checked for safeguarding and suitability. Adjustments are made so SEND pupils can access guidance, and we actively challenge stereotypes to ensure all pupils feel represented.

We share up-to-date job trends, skills shortages and growth sectors with pupils and parents to help them make informed choices. This includes Lancashire-specific employment data and national job trends.

You can contact our Careers Leader, Lucy Whitworth, or our Personal Development Lead, Joanna Martyn-Clark. We welcome questions from parents at any time.

We provide tailored guidance, additional support in transitions, and work closely with families and outside agencies so every pupil can access a pathway suited to their strengths.

We use Compass+ evaluations, pupil voice, employer feedback and destination data. This ensures our programme keeps improving and meets the Gatsby Benchmarks.

Yes—parents are invited to options evenings, work experience briefings, careers fairs and information sessions.

Useful Links

These websites offer reliable, up‑to‑date careers guidance, job information, pathways, and tools to help you support your child’s future choices. All links are free to access.

 

St Annes College and Grammar School
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Manage your privacy choices

We use essential cookies to make this website work. Optional services, including embedded Vimeo videos, will only be loaded with your permission.

You can enable or disable optional services below and change your choices at any time.