Marshland High School in West Walton achieved the Careers Education Information Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) Award following the successful evaluation of four key areas of Management, Careers Learning, Information, and Advice, Guidance and Support.

“It started with the Careers Lead – myself – writing a report about the careers provision at our school,” explained Assistant Headteacher Claire Whitehouse, who spearheaded the process. “Then we had an assessment day where the assessors talked to, and asked lots of questions of, key staff and students from each year group.

“From the point of applying to work towards the award, it took around seven months – but really the work to ensure a robust careers curriculum has taken place over the past two to three years, with the support of the Character and Culture Team.”

The assessors’ report found that ‘Learners in Key Stage 3 are especially self-aware and open to talking about their values and their views, boasting high levels or self-perception and opportunity awareness’, and added that ‘Learners demonstrate high levels of understanding of the role a career might play in their life, contribute to their happiness and support their community’.

It also stated that ‘Learners have a good knowledge of careers information and show an understanding of the local and national labour market and pathways’ and that they are ‘well supported with their career planning through a careers learning programme, which boasts a good allocation’.

The assessors also praised the school’s strong links to the community and potential employers, noting that ‘Learners benefit from time in the workplace, and the school has continued to invest in the value of these work placements’, while ‘Conversations with learners suggest that these points of contact with employers have real impact’.

Marshland has implemented a number of measures to provide extra support to the workforce of tomorrow.

“Over the last few years, the introduction of work experience, mock interview day, and the careers fair have helped improve our provision, and we really appreciate the time local employers give to support us with these career activities,” continued Mrs Whitehouse.

“We wanted the opportunity for our careers experience at Marshland to be quality assured to ensure we are doing the best we possibly can for our students’ success and happiness in their future careers choices.

“This award recognises the importance our school places on a high quality careers education for students at Marshland High. It demonstrates to our students, parents, and local industry and business that Marshland places an important emphasis on preparing our students for the world of work and in helping to build their social confidence.

“This is an excellent achievement that recognises the quality and breadth of our careers provision at Marshland High School.”