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Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) Policy
King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls
September 2025-2026
This policy outlines the Careers Education, Information, Advice, and Guidance (CEIAG) provision at King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls. It is designed to ensure that all students receive high-quality careers guidance that prepares them for the opportunities, responsibilities, and experiences of life.
Careers Education, Information, Advice, and Guidance (CEIAG) is a programme designed to help students understand the different career paths available to them and make informed decisions about their future. It includes:
The goal of CEIAG is to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to make realistic and informed choices about their education and career paths. This helps them to aim high, achieve their full potential, and be prepared for the opportunities and challenges of the working world.
The aims of this policy are to:
This policy is written in accordance with the latest statutory guidance issued under Section 45A of the Education Act 1997, it applies to all pupils from Year 7 to Year 13.
For detailed information, please refer to the Careers Guidance and Access for Education and Training Providers document.
Additionally, the policy aligns with the Gatsby Benchmarks, which provide a framework for good careers guidance.
The Gatsby Benchmarks are a framework of 8 guidelines that define best practice careers provision in schools and colleges. King Edward VI Handsworth school for girls is committed to achieving these benchmarks:
‘PSHCE this year has covered various topics that have been relevant during my sixth form experience and has prepared me for my post sixth form life. As a sixth former, I’ve been conflicted on whether to take the university or apprenticeship pathway. PSHCE has allowed me to form a clear mindset on my decision, and help me begin to make my future plans.
It’s also given me a chance to learn about real-life issues like mental health, relationships, equality, and staying safe online. Also learning how to budget and understand the tax system will really support me in my future endeavours.
I think it’s one of the most valuable subjects because it teaches us how to take care of ourselves and treat others well. I’ve definitely grown as a person because of PSHCE, and I know the lessons I’ve learned will stay with me later on.’
Amira, Year 13, 2025.
Our vision is that 2 weeks’ worth of work experience will be based on the following principles, building on the definition of meaningful experiences in Gatsby Benchmark 6.
Two weeks’ worth of work experience should be broken down into:
Work experience provides young people with the opportunity to explore a wide range of career opportunities. These experiences are aligned with their interests and talents, local skills needs, and national growth sectors. By participating in work experience, students can broaden their horizons beyond their immediate friends and family, gaining valuable insights and inspiration for their future careers.
‘Overall, I felt better equipped to move on to the next stage of my education, regardless of whether that was going to university or an apprenticeship, after attending these PSHCE lessons.’
Nimat, Year 13, 2025.
meetings should be scheduled to meet the needs of pupils.
King Edward VI Handsworth school for girls will ensure a range of education and training providers can access pupils to inform them about technical education qualifications and apprenticeships. This includes:
The Governing Body will monitor the delivery of the careers programme and review this policy annually. The Careers SLT Lead will present to the Governors and Senior Leaders on the programme’s delivery, pupil needs, and progress towards the Gatsby Benchmarks.
The Careers Curriculum
Delivered through PSHcE lessons, our careers curriculum is designed to spiral and progress through each key stage, building on knowledge and experiences year by year. Students explore topics such as employability skills, career pathways, labour market information, and decision-making.
Parents and carers are invited to attend a deliberate experience lesson annually, providing a firsthand insight into how careers education is taught and the impact it has on learners.
Gatsby Benchmarks Referenced:
Careers Speaker Programme
Launching in September 2025, our rolling speaker programme brings alumni and inspirational speakers from diverse sectors into the classroom. Students will gain valuable insights into various career journeys, industry expectations, and real-world opportunities.
These sessions will be linked to curriculum content and will encourage aspiration, reflection, and motivation across year groups.
Gatsby Benchmarks Referenced:
Careers Advice
We provide independent and impartial careers advice and guidance through a qualified careers advisor. Students have the opportunity for 1:1 guidance meetings at key transition points.
Our careers advisor supports students in setting realistic and ambitious career goals, exploring post-secondary options, and navigating applications for further education, apprenticeships, or employment.
In addition to scheduled appointments, we offer weekly drop-in sessions at break and lunch, open to students from all year groups. These sessions provide a flexible and accessible way for students to seek advice, ask questions, or explore their options in a more informal setting.
Gatsby Benchmarks Referenced:
Work Experience
Across KS3 students will take part on a range of work experience provision or encounters that enhances their understanding of the range of careers and skills needed for an evolving world of work.
In Year 10, students participate in a week-long work experience placement, providing hands-on exposure to the world of work. They develop key skills including communication, teamwork, time management, and initiative.
In Year 12, students also undertake a week-long placement, which they should tailor to their post-16 pathways, skills and career interests. This opportunity allows them to deepen their understanding of specific industries and gain valuable insights into professional environments.
The placement is supported by preparatory workshops, employer engagement, and reflective follow-up sessions to maximise its value.
For my work experience placement, I went to a law firm where I gained valuable insight into the legal profession and the role of a solicitor. I spent the first two days reviewing a trial bundle for a property dispute, offering my thoughts on the case, and predicting the outcome before reading the final judgement. I was asked questions about my opinion and reflected on the arguments by the claimant and defendants. This allowed me to learn key legal terminology, gave me the opportunity to ask questions and understand how solicitors communicate through formal correspondence. I also conducted research on legal concepts such as the Inheritance Act 1975 and power of attorney, attended client meetings, and observed several cases at the Crown Court. These experiences provided a clear and practical understanding of the legal process and the responsibilities of a solicitor. The placement was both educational and inspiring, and I would highly recommend similar opportunities to anyone interested in a career in law.
-Year 10 Student, 2025
Gatsby Benchmarks Referenced:
Alumni Support
We are proud of the achievements of our alumni and welcome them to stay connected with the school. Former students are encouraged to support current learners through:
This fosters a strong community and provides role models who exemplify success across a range of industries.
Gatsby Benchmarks Referenced:
Useful Careers and Education Links
National Careers Service
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/
Provides comprehensive advice and guidance on career choices, learning, training, and job opportunities. Includes job profiles, CV tools, and interview support.
UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service)
https://www.ucas.com/
Essential for students applying to UK universities and colleges. Offers detailed information on higher education, apprenticeships, gap years, and application processes.
Prospects
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/
Focused on graduate careers, with advice on jobs, postgraduate study, and sector-specific career profiles. Helpful for students and recent graduates.
BBC Bitesize Careers
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/careers
Engaging articles, videos, and quizzes to help students explore a variety of careers and industries.
National Apprenticeship Service
https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/
Information on finding, applying for, and understanding apprenticeships in the UK, with resources for both students and employers.
Careerpilot
https://www.careerpilot.org.uk/
Targeted at students (particularly in South West England, but relevant UK-wide), with tools for career exploration, job market insights, and employability skills.
iCould
https://icould.com/
Inspiration and advice via real-life career stories. Features videos, quizzes, and career insights across various industries.
Unifrog
https://www.unifrog.org/ (school subscription required)
A one-stop platform used by King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls to support students in making informed decisions and submitting strong applications for universities, apprenticeships, and more.
Careersbox
https://www.careersbox.co.uk/
The national careers film library. Offers free videos showing real people doing real jobs—great for gaining insight into different roles.
Amazing Apprenticeships
https://amazingapprenticeships.com/
A dedicated site for discovering and understanding UK apprenticeship opportunities, with guides, resources, and application support.
For further information please contact;
Mrs A Pettit
Associate Assistant Headteacher