The intent of our Careers Programme is to provide pupils and their families with the information and opportunities available to raise their awareness, knowledge & understanding of post-school opportunities and their pathways to get there. 

Our careers lead is Jo Hill, Deputy Head of Upper Campus.  Please contact her at the school on 01626 862363. 

From an early age, we seek and acknowledge pupils' interests and aspirations, implementing these into the school day and recognising how this process impacts upon pupil engagement and developing a sense of curiosity, awe and wonder.

We additionally acknowledge that a young person’s aspirations and career ideas are the beginnings of their pathway to further learning and work.

Through the information received, we will help them to make informed decisions about their future, which helps them raise their aspirations and ambitions for life. We recognise our young people can play an active and positive role in society and make an active contribution to it (which may include the workplace) and therefore need to prepare them well.

Our careers offer is closely aligned to our Work-Related Learning offer and subsequent curriculum content. Such aspects are a fundamental component of the EHCP Annual Review process where ‘next steps’, career pathways and outcomes are identified as pupils begin to approach adulthood (from Year 9 onwards).

Orchard Manor School works with our other providers within the Special Partnership Trust. We also work in partnership with schools across Devon as part of the Careers Hub (working closely with the Careers and Enterprise Company  The Careers and Enterprise Company.)

 

Overview of the Careers Programme

The careers programme at Orchard Manor School is designed to provide impartial, informed and inclusive careers guidance for all pupils from Year 7 onwards. The programme supports pupils in developing self-awareness, career management skills, understanding of the workplace, and knowledge of the full range of education, training and employment pathways available.

The programme is structured around the 8 Gatsby Benchmarks:

1. A stable careers programme
2. Learning from career and labour market information
3. Addressing the needs of each young person
4. Linking curriculum learning to careers
5. Encounters with employers and employees
6. Experience of workplaces
7. Encounters with further and higher education
8. Personal guidance

Careers education is delivered through assemblies, lessons, tutor discussions, displays, careers fairs, employer talks, guest speakers, college visits and work experience opportunities.

Key Stage 3

• Support with planning qualifications and future aspirations
• Careers fairs and discussions about qualifications
• At least 2 encounters with technical education or apprenticeship providers
• 1 week of work experience activities

Key Stage 4

• Guidance on post-16 education and training pathways
• Visits to further education colleges and careers fairs
• At least 2 encounters with technical education or apprenticeship providers
• 1 week of work experience placements

Key Stage 5

• Support with university, apprenticeships and employment pathways
• Careers talks, careers fairs and apprenticeship events
• At least 2 encounters with technical education or apprenticeship providers

Every pupil receives at least one personal guidance interview with a qualified careers adviser by age 16 and a further meeting by age 18.

The programme is fully adapted to meet the needs of pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), ensuring personalised support, transition planning and tailored guidance.

Measuring and Assessing the Impact of the Careers Programme

The school measures and evaluates the effectiveness of the careers programme through:

• Pupil voice and feedback
• Compass Plus data
• NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) data
• Monitoring pupil progress and destinations
• Records of pupil participation in careers activities and guidance sessions

Feedback and data are used to review, improve and adapt the careers programme so that it continues to meet the needs of all pupils and supports positive outcomes.

Access to Careers Information

Information about the careers programme is available on the Orchard Manor School website. Pupils, parents/carers, teachers and employers can request additional information from:

Jo Hill – Deputy Headteacher and Careers Leader
Telephone: 01626 862363
Email: omsadmin@orchard-manor.org

Date of Next Review

The next review of the careers information and policy is scheduled for:

06 November 2026