News

Heads hit back after Ofsted slams careers advice failure

An Ofsted report has slammed the quality of careers guidance, calling for action from ministers and schools. However, frustrated headteachers say its findings are no surprise after they were left ‘stranded’ without funding or support. Pete Henshaw reports

The government has promised to revise official guidelines to schools over what constitutes a comprehensive careers advice strategy after its existing guidance was found wanting by Ofsted.

Action is also to be taken to improve the National Careers Service (NCS) after inspectors said it was not sufficiently focused on supporting those aged under 18.

It comes as a survey report by Ofsted into careers guidance in England’s schools found that only one in five schools – 12 of the 60 visited for the study – are effective in ensuring students in years 9, 10 and 11 get a good level of information and advice.

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