The Holgate Academy in Hucknall has been recognised for its outstanding careers work by achieving the Quality in Careers Standard awarded by Prospects. The Quality in Careers Standard is awarded to schools and education providers who can demonstrate the importance they place on careers and how they support students to make decisions about their life after school.
Holgate is an Ofsted rated ‘Good’ academy, continually working to improve the chances, life prospects and opportunities for all students. Recognising the importance of preparing students for their future careers the academy began working towards the Quality in Careers Standard.
More than 1,100 schools and colleges are already voluntarily working towards or hold a dedicated CEIAG quality award which can contribute to Ofsted inspection success under the new Common Inspection Framework which began in September 2015. There is a statutory duty to ‘secure independent careers guidance’ for all students from year 8 onwards and the Government also recommends that all schools should be required to work towards the national Quality in Careers Standard.
Achieving the Quality in Careers Standard shows the head teacher, governors and leadership team at Holgate embrace, promote and endorse quality careers education and recognise the part it plays in the overall success of the academy and its students. The academy offers a range of activities to introduce students to the world of work and help them make decisions about life after school including mock interview days, participating in the National Citizenship Service scheme and signing up as apprenticeship champions. The academy also has strong ties to industry, and local businesses contribute to a series of skills days for students. For example, Holgate works closely with Warburtons as part of the D2N2 Enterprise Advisor Network to provide work experience opportunities for all students. Additionally, partnerships with the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University raise aspirations and knowledge of higher education opportunities.
Sophie McKenna, Head of Personal Development, at Holgate, said:
“We are thrilled to have achieved the Quality in Careers Standard awarded by Prospects. At The Holgate Academy we recognise the important role school plays in helping students develop their knowledge, skills and experience so they can go out into the world and achieve personal success. This award has provided a flexible framework that enabled us to audit our work on careers and ensure our students are receiving advice, practical support and experience so they are prepared for the next stage of their education, employment, self-employment or training. It also provides us with a tool to continue to improve our provision in our journey to becoming an outstanding academy.”
