Careers and Higher Education

Supporting looked after children to aspire to university

11 January 2021

An incredibly small minority of children in care end up going to university. Virtual school headteacher Darren Martindale discusses a programme in the Midlands which set out to raise aspirations among our most vulnerable students

How to stop students from becoming NEET...

7 September 2020

What is it that puts a young person on the path to becoming NEET? And how can schools intervene to reduce this risk? Fleur Sexton advises

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Subject-specific careers advice and education: A case study

29 January 2020

A new approach to careers at one school is focused on early integration of careers education to promote subject-specific careers pathways across all year groups. Julia Rogers explains

A menu of careers education ideas for schools

3 July 2019

Schools must meet the Gatsby Benchmarks by the end of 2020. Rosie Beach and Glenys Hart offer a menu of strategies and activities to help you fulfil your statutory careers advice duties

Careers education for students with SEND

3 July 2019

Effective careers advice is vital for students with SEND, who are more likely to become NEET. Jenny Bayliss explains her school’s work to offer students the best advice and experiences

Preparing students to handle the mental health challenges of FE and HE

21 May 2019

When students make the step-up to further or higher education they can face a range of challenges to their mental health. Clare Stafford looks at how schools can prepare their students to help them cope with these pressures.

Character education: Raising aspirations

3 October 2018

We cannot force aspiration onto students. This year in SecEd, Matt Bawden will be looking at how we can encourage aspiration naturally, and the role that character education can play

Careers education: Going above and beyond

26 September 2018

The Greenwood Academies Trust has implemented a programme of careers education and inspiration that goes above and beyond the statutory requirements. Sian Gresswell explains

Plans B, C and D: Learning how to bounce back

20 June 2018

The importance of having a back-up plan is clear. As exams season comes to a close, Karen Sullivan looks at helping students to consider their options

Getting careers advice right

9 May 2018

Using the Careers Strategy and the Gatsby Benchmarks as a starting point, Thomas Keble School has developed a wealth of careers education activities to support their students. Joyce Rendell explains

Making new T levels a success

2 May 2018

With the introduction of T levels, the government has signalled one of the biggest shake-ups in the English qualifications system for years. Dr Claudia Sumner looks at the evidence of how schools and colleges can work with employers to provide students with effective practical experience – a key ...

Championing Apprenticeships in your school

25 April 2018

How can schools support and promote Apprenticeships as a viable route for students? Apprenticeship Champion of the Year, Sarah Barley, offers her advice and tips

Pupil Premium: Raising university aspirations

21 March 2018

Raising the university aspirations of high potential Pupil Premium students is a specific challenge for some schools. Holly Henderson discusses her approach to raising students’ goals and aspirations

Careers and the curriculum

7 February 2018

The government has published its long-awaited careers strategy and updated statutory guidance. Drawing on his work with the Unlocking Talent & Potential initiative, Gerard Liston looks at strategies to help us meet the new requirements

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Case study: Successful careers guidance delivery

3 January 2018

Schools have a duty to offer independent and impartial careers guidance. Dorothy Lepkowska looks at research into how London schools are successfully delivering on this duty

Preparing for the Russell Group

3 January 2018

Many schools will have students aiming to study at a Russell Group university. Drawing on some new and free resources for schools, Nick Hull and Robin Barrs advise on how we can best prepare them for the challenges that lie ahead

What are Degree Apprenticeships?

8 November 2017

Degree vs Apprenticeships? How about both? Petra Wilton argues the case for the emerging pathway of the Degree Apprenticeship

STEM: Industry placements for teachers

3 October 2017

A placement in industry has transformed how STEM co-ordinator Rose Russell talks to her students about career paths and opportunities involving these crucial subjects

The STEM challenge: Resources and initiatives

27 September 2017

As he retires after 12 years at the helm of the Engineering Development Trust, Dr Gordon Mizner looks at the range of the charity’s STEM engagement programmes

Careers advice: Reflecting on the challenges we face

21 June 2017

The challenges facing careers advice are well documented. Andy Gardner looks at the main problems and considers how we might be able to provide all pupils with effective information, advice and guidance

Higher education: How we created a culture of belief

10 May 2017

The ROAR programme seeks to raise students’ expectations and aspirations for university study. Phil Denton explains more about how it works and how you can set up something similar in your school

Secondary school alumni networks

3 May 2017

The charity Future First helps schools to set up and run effective alumni networks with the aim of boosting aspirations and supporting students. Christine Gilbert explains how

Careers advice: Lessons from top female role-models

22 March 2017

Lessons in ambition – what did Edwina Dunn learn from interviewing 60 of the world’s most accomplished women? She explains more about The Female Lead project and its free education resources

Introducing the Industrial Cadets

15 March 2017

The Industrial Cadets initiative offers young people key skills and career insights in STEM industries. Penny Tysoe explains

Creating long-term, sustainable employer partnerships

18 January 2017

Careers guidance and curriculum learning should go hand-in-hand. Drawing on his work with the Unlocking Talent & Potential initiative, Gerard Liston advises on effective curriculum-careers links and employer partnerships