Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance

Careers education, information, advice and guidance are more than just choosing a job – it is a lifelong process that is influenced by their interests, abilities and passion.

We recognise how important it is for pupils to understand and appreciate the options available to them and have the confidence and ability to pursue their own realistic pathways. By helping individuals to recognise their strengths and aptitudes, students are empowered to make their own well-informed decisions with support from the school and their parents/carers.

We are proud that each year a significantly large number of our students are accepted to their first choice of university and we are equally as proud of those who pursue a different route whether it be on school leaver programmes or apprenticeships

Our Careers Programme

Our careers education programme is delivered to all students from Years 7 to 13 and has been developed in line with the Gatsby Benchmarks. The school holds the Career Mark Quality in Careers Standard confirming outstanding provision of careers education and guidance within the school. 

Key Stage 3

During Key Stage 3 the careers programme is delivered as part of the Personal, Social, Health and Education (PSHE) programme. Pupils spend time developing their self-awareness including their personal characteristics, abilities, interests, potential and limitations.

All pupils are able to access one-to-one career interviews, through a referral from the pastoral team, with the Head of Careers or an independent adviser to discuss possible options and speak to the Head of Careers at the Year 9 Options Evening and receive a copy of “A Careers Guide to GCSE Options” to support them with their choices.

In Year 9, the programme focuses on students choosing their GCSE options. Pupils are introduced to new subjects that they may not have studied in previous years, for example, Business Studies or a different Modern Foreign Language and tutors spend time highlighting the transferrable skills that can be gained from subjects and where the subject can lead to.

Key Stage 4

During Key Stage 4 pupils receive dedicated career lessons, delivered by the Head of Careers, as part of their PSHE programme. Emphasis is placed on developing key skills such as communication, problem-solving, teamwork, employability and research skills. In Year 10, all pupils partake in a week of work experience in a company/industry of their choice.

Pupils also benefit from talks and workshops delivered by subject matter experts, industry experts, the Armed Forces, University Admission advisors, Alumni and Apprenticeship Experts. They also receive school leaver programme advice, both within PSHE and through their core and chosen subjects. Throughout Key Stage 4, all pupils receive 1:1 career interviews, with the Head of Careers of an Independent Careers Adviser, to discuss a variety of pathways.

Sixth Form

In the Sixth Form, students benefit from a range of speakers including representatives from universities, career planning workshops, apprenticeships and school leaver programme briefs, study abroad organisations and gap year opportunities. Pupils who are keen to apply to early entrant courses are given additional support to understand what they need to do, in order to submit a competitive application.

Pupils are encouraged to think carefully about how work experience, summer schools or academic events/lectures can enhance their application to university or school leaver programmes. In Year 12, students partake in a 2-day Higher Education and Futures programme. Time is built into the programme for students to visit a university and hear first-hand how best to prepare for their upcoming applications.

In Year 13, pupils benefit from a dedicated Interview Week where our students are put through the rigours of mock university or job interviews, supported by parents, governors and local employers. Throughout Sixth Form, students work closely with their tutor and the personal study mentor to ensure that they are guided through the Sixth Form and supported with their next steps.

We measure the success of our careers programme through feedback from our students and destination data and speak with students about what they need to support them with their career planning. Please view our Careers Policy, Careers Entitlement Statement and handy Careers Education Journey Roadmap to discover more about our programme. 

All students throughout the school are able to access one-to-one career advice, with all students in KS4 receiving a guidance interview. The Head of Careers is qualified to Level 7 with a Post Graduate Certificate in Careers Guidance and each term, independent, impartial advisers supplement this in line with statutory requirements. The Head of Careers is available to speak or meet with parents/carers at Parents’ Evening, or by appointment regarding opportunities for students and how best to support their sons/daughters with their career planning.

Accessing Careers Information

In order to make well informed, realistic decisions about their education, training and careers, students require up-to-date and impartial careers information. In school, pupils are encouraged to use a variety of labour market information sources which are included below. Parents and carers might also wish to access this information to help support their children in making informed decisions. 

Information for Parents and Carers

• Amazing Apprenticeships Parents Zone 
• UCAS Information 

Careers Days

Jobs and Careers

External providers offering careers advice.

National Careers Service

iCould

Prospects

Target Careers

The World of Work

Apprenticeships and School Leavers

Apprenticeships Service

Target Careers

Not Going to Uni

Get My First Job

Rate My Apprenticeship

Speakers and Experience

We welcome a range of speakers to come and talk to our students about opportunities in FE, HE or Employment, therefore if you wish to make further enquiries about speaking with our students please contact Miss Rebecca Wills (Head of Careers) at rebecca.wills@lincolnminsterschool.co.uk 
or call 01522 551300 to discuss timings and venues. We are committed to ensuring that our students are aware of the full range of options available to them.