Co-op Academy Grange CEIAG Programme

2025-2026

Careers Leader : Joanne Skinner

Co-op Academy Grange Career Policy

Rationale and Vision

Our academy  is committed to ensuring all of our students have access to highly impartial careers advice and to a range of employers who can support them in considering their future. To help us do this we align our CEIAG Plan to the Gatsby Benchmarks which have been explicitly referenced throughout the DfE’s Careers Strategy (December 2017) the Statutory Guidance for careers (January 2018) and aligns to the delivery of independent careers guidance to year 8-13 pupils in accordance with section 42A of the Education Act 1997.

 The 8 Gatsby Benchmarks are outlined below:

1. A stable careers programme.

2. Learning from career and Labour Market Information.

3. Addressing the needs of each student.

4. Linking curriculum learning to careers.

5. Encounters with employers and employees.

6. Experience of work places.

7. Encounters with further and higher education.

8. Personal guidance.

The vision for the development of CEIAG across our academy is to provide the very best opportunities to enable  our students to make informed and incisive decisions throughout, and beyond, their school life. By using the Gatsby benchmarks as a framework of best practice we have  a CEIAG programme that meets the needs of our ever changing cohort of students, providers and labour market landscape. Our plan promotes equality of opportunity, celebrates diversity and challenges stereotypes whilst inspiring, raising aspirations and giving our students an optimistic outlook on life and their place in the world of work.  We are always  guided by our Coop values:

Do what Matters Most

What matters most is ensuring that our students achieve the best possible outcomes.

Be Yourself, Always

We bring our best self to work, so that we each contribute a bit of our own unique Co-op difference, and respect others for doing the same.

Show you Care

We care about our Co-op, our colleagues, our members, our students, their parents and communities, now and for the future.

Succeed Together

Cooperating is what makes us different; we’re better and stronger when we work together.

Intent

Our CEIAG programme is both  bespoke  and unique to our academy and is reviewed on an annual basis to meet our students needs based on our monitoring and evaluation processes. We are committed to providing a coherently planned and sequenced  programme that reflects our academies context and core values. Our programme is designed  to entitle all learners to develop their  knowledge, skills, understanding and cultural capital they need to  go on to destinations that meet their aspirations and interests.  With this in mind we aim:-

• To provide impartial and independent advice for all pupils (Gatsby 1 - 8)
• To contribute to strategies for raising achievement, especially by increasing motivation, attitude to learning and attendance (Gatsby 3)
• To support inclusion, challenge stereotyping and promote equality of opportunity (Gatsby 3,4)
• To encourage participation in continued learning including higher education, further education and apprenticeships (Gatsby 7,8)
• To develop enterprise and employment skills (Gatsby 2,3)
• To provide relevant information and understanding of the wide range of pathways and qualifications available to ensure students make the right choices regarding their post 16 options and hence reduce ‘drop out’ from and ‘course switching’ in education and training (Gatsby 3,5,6,7,8)
• To contribute to the economic prosperity of individuals and communities (Gatsby 2,5,7)
• To meet the needs of all our pupils through appropriate differentiation (Gatsby 3)
• To focus students on their future aspirations and opportunities (Gatsby 3,4,8)
• To involve parents and carers (Gatsby 1,2,5,6,7)
• To support the raising of the participation age and assist with positive destinations for all pupils post 16, 17 and 18 (Gatsby 1,4,8)

• To meet the needs of our current cohort of students across each year group (Gatsby 1,3)
• To use current LMI to enable students, staff and parents to engage actively with local and national CEIAG information so that they can increase their knowledge and understanding about the world of work. (Gatsby 1,2,3)
• To use student's parents, staff feedback to reflect on our current provision in order to develop our future CEIAG programme (Gatsby 1,2,3)
• To provide additional support to specific vulnerable groups such as SEND and pupil premium (Gatsby 1-8)
• All stakeholders have a clear understanding of CEIAG and rationale and vision (Gatsby 1)
• To monitor and evaluate current provision in order to ensure our programme is quality assured in line with other curriculum areas  (Gatsby 1)
• To share best practice with other Co-op academies at network events to ensure reflection and development of own programme (Gatsby 1)
• To ensure all students actively engage with a CEIAG tracking platform to support them in making informed choices about their Career development plan (Gatsby 1,2,3)
• To achieve / work towards a Quality in Careers award in recognition of all that our academy offers.

Intended Learning Outcomes

O1. Students can make informed decisions about their career paths based on impartial and independent advice.                                                                                                                                         O2. Students show measurable improvement in their engagement, motivation, and attendance leading to raised achievement.                                                                                                                                                                                    O3. Students actively participate in inclusive practices and can identify and challenge stereotypes in educational and career contexts.                                                                                                                                                                                O4. Students can identify and apply to appropriate continued learning opportunities such as higher education, further education, or apprenticeships.                                                                                                                                            O5. Students demonstrate the ability to apply enterprise skills and employment readiness in various contexts.                                                                                                                                                O6. Students can evaluate different pathways and qualifications and make informed decisions about their post-16 education or training.                                                                                                                                                                      O7. Students can explain how their career choices and skills development can impact economic prosperity at individual and community levels.                                                                                                                                                  O8. Students receive and utilise differentiated support tailored to their individual needs and circumstances.                                                                                                                                                    O9. Students can articulate their future aspirations and identify opportunities to achieve them.                                                                                                                                                                      O10. Students engage their parents and carers in discussions and decision-making regarding their career plans.                                                                                                                                       O11. Students successfully transition to positive post-16, post-17, and post-18 destinations.                                                                                                                                                                         O12. Students receive career guidance tailored to the specific needs of their year group.                                                                                                                                                                             O13. Students, staff, and parents can access and interpret LMI to make informed career-related decisions.                                                                                                                                                O14. Students, parents, and staff regularly provide feedback that leads to measurable improvements in the CEIAG program.                                                                                                                                                                                          O15. Students from vulnerable groups receive targeted support and demonstrate progress in their career development.                                                                                                                                                                                     O16. Stakeholders can clearly articulate the goals and vision of the CEIAG program.                                                                                                                                                                                   O17. The CEIAG program undergoes regular monitoring and evaluation, resulting in continuous quality improvement.                                                                                                                               O18. Best practices from network events are implemented, leading to enhanced CEIAG provision.                                                                                                                                                              O19. Students use a CEIAG tracking platform to make informed decisions and plan their career development.

The Six Career Development Competencies (CDI Framework 2021):

1. Grow throughout life (GTL)
   

• Developing self-awareness, self-belief, and resilience
  
• Learning how to reflect on experiences and grow personally and professionally
  

2. Explore possibilities (EP)
   

• Investigating education, training, and career options
  
• Understanding labour market information (LMI)
  

3. Manage career (MC)
   

• Planning and managing transitions
  
• Developing decision-making and goal-setting skills
  

4. Create opportunities (CO)
   

• Being proactive and enterprising
  
• Recognising and acting on opportunities (e.g., networking, side projects)
  

5. Balance life and work (BLW)
   

• Understanding work-life balance
  
• Reflecting on how career choices affect personal and social life
  

6. See the big picture (SBP)
   

• Understanding the impact of careers on the community, environment, and economy
  
• Exploring the influence of social justice, globalisation, and sustainability

Implementation

Our programme is taught via bespoke activities, subject curriculum and extracurricular activities, and a wide range of enrichment activities.CEIAG is delivered by a wide range of providers such as our internal and external Careers Advisor,  teachers and support staff,  FE Colleges, Universities, visiting speakers, employers and employees.  This delivery includes bespoke workshops, assemblies, work visits, work experience, mock interviews , immersion days,careers fairs, step up days and via subject curriculum.  Our students are supported and encouraged to explore possible pathways they may take in the future, to ensure they have the very best start in life. Our staff receive regular CPD to support them in embedding employability skills into their subject areas.  Our parents can access our academy's website which provides clear links to a range of CEIAG related events and information about local market information (LMI) to  Apprenticeships and T Levels.  Parents  are also encouraged to attend our CEIAG information evenings and parents evenings.

Targeted Career Intervention

Due to the success of the intervention programme below academic year 2022-2023, the programme is being expanded to increase cohort sizes for 2023-2024. Italics are new programmes being introduced in 2023-2024.

• Brilliant Club (HA/PP) Y8 1 Cohort (2023) - Extended Programme 3 Cohorts 2024.

• 7 Mentoring Sessions and 2 University Visits (Manchester/Sheffield)

      -     REACH Programme (PP) Y9 - Workplace Mentoring Programme (Enerveo - Leeds).

      -     SHINE Programme Y9/Y10 - (HA/PP) Mentoring Programme - York University.

      -     Time4Change - Y7 Social Action Mentoring Programme.  

      -     Aim a Little Higher - Bespoke workshops (PP/GRT) - All Years.

      -     Think for the Future (TFTF) - Resilience Coaching - Y8-10

      -     New College Bradford (NCB) /Huddersfield University - TBC

      -     Bradford College - Y10/Y11 - Mentoring Programme. 

      -     YAYA Mentoring

Targeted Career Intervention 

SEND Workshops - Keighley College (SEND PAL)

ASDAN Challenge Curriculum - Developing Life Skills.

Raising Aspirations - SEND Motivational Speakers (Establish SEND Alumni)

Supported ‘taster’ sessions at next step providers.

Other possible events/opportunities as and when they arise;

• Visits to Universities (Gatsby 1,3,7)
• Visits to FE College  (Gatsby 1,3,7)
• PSHCE CEIAG Lessons within SOW (Gatsby 1,2,3,4)
• CEIAG Focused Assemblies (Gatsby 1,2,3,5)
• Access to Unifrog to support students creating an individual Career Development Plan  (Gatsby 1, 2, 3)
• Enrichment Week (Gatsby 1, 2, 3 ,5,7)
• Aspiration Audit (Gatsby 1,3,8)
• Careers Fair (Gatsby 1,2,3,5,7,8)
• FE / HE Fairs (Gatsby 1,3,7,8)
• External providers ie Enterprise  / Dragon Den drop down days (Gatsby 1,2,3,5)
• Career panels (Gatsby 1,2,3,5)
• Career insight visits (Gatsby 1,2,3,5)
• Subject related “Do Nows / Starter” during National Career Week (Gatsby 1,2,3,4)
• Y9 Career events preparation for options ie Career information evening (Gatsby 1,3,7)
• Y9 internal taster sessions prior to options  (Gatsby 1,3,4)
• Apprenticeship assembly / workshops  (Gatsby 1,2,3,5)
• LMI assembly / PSHCE / workshops  (Gatsby 1,2,4)
• Bradford Manufacturing week (Gatsby 1,2,3,5,6)
• Workplace visits (all years)  (Gatsby 1,2,3,5,6)
• Employer mentoring (Gatsby 1,3,5)
• Y10 workplace visit / experience (Gatsby 1,2,3,5,6)
• CEIAG enrichment days / weeks (Gatsby 1,2,3,4, 5,6)
• 1 - 1 interviews with Careers Advisor (Gatsby 1,3,8)
• Curriculum links to employers (Gatsby 1,2,3,4,5,6)
• Masterclasses (Gatsby 1,2,3,4,5)
• Motivational speakers (Gatsby 1,2,3,5)
• Targeted motivational speakers ie challenging stereotypes / SEND (Gatsby 1,2,3,4,5)
• STEM activities (Gatsby 1,2,3,4,5,6)
• SEND  / vulnerable groups additional support / projects (Gatsby 1,2,3,4,5,6)
• Mock interviews (Gatsby 1,3,5)
• CV / job application preparation (Gatsby 1,2, 3,4,5)
• Staff LMI  / Apprenticeship CPD (Gatsby 1,2,3)
• CEIAG  subject ambassadors meetings (Gatsby 1,2,3,4)
• Curriculum mapping (Gatsby 1,2,3,4)

SEND and other Vulnerable Groups

All CEIAG opportunities are fully inclusive and are designed to engage with all students.  However embedded within our programme are additional events / activities to support our students with SEND such :

• A series of 1 - 1 interviews , parents invited, support assistant available (Gatsby 1,3)
• Preparing for the world of work workshops  (Gatsby 1,2,3)
• Structured KS4 transition programme in post 16 ie taster sessions / days, mentoring  (Gatsby 1,2,3)
• Focused enterprise activity sessions  (Gatsby 1,2,3,4)
• Structured mock interviews (Gatsby 1,2,3, 5,7)
• Supported work experience  (Gatsby 1,2,3,5,6)
• Access to inspirational role models (alumni?)  (Gatsby 1,3)
• Appropriate KS4 pathways available in curriculum   (Gatsby 1,3,4)
• Work shadowing (Gatsby 1,2,3,5,6)
• Partnerships with employers with a diverse workforce  (Gatsby 1,3, 5)
• Careers Advisor present at EHCP annual review in KS4 (Gatsby 1,3,8)

Impact 

Measuring the impact of our CEIAG programme  supports us  to develop  it on an annual basis and to know that we are making a positive and empowering difference. We value  quantitative and qualitative feedback from all stakeholders and ensure our evaluations lead to change / amendments in our future planning. We undertake internal and external quality assurance to ensure our intent and implementation  is in-line with our expectations. We measure impact in the following ways:

• Positive destinations data for all
• Tracking of Compass over time
• Reduced NEET figures over time  (Include your 3 year trend for NEETs)
•  - i.e NEET Figures (Not in Education, Employment or Training)

• Feedback and evaluation for all events, both quantitative and qualitative
• Increase in attendance / reduction in PA over time
• Reduction in behaviour incidents including Ftex / P ex over time
• Increase in A2L data
• Increase in progress  / attainment over time
• Progress and achievement data over time with reference to vulnerable groups ie SEND
• Reviewing progression data over time ie take up of Apprenticeships, entry into FE with reference to vulnerable groups ie SEND
• Development of employability skills after key events
• Employer engagement increasing

Local Providers

Bradford College - www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk

New College Bradford - www.ncbradford.ac.uk

Shipley College - www.shipley.ac.uk

Dixons Sixth Form Academy - www.dixons6a.com

Keighley College - www.keighleycollege.ac.uk

Notre Dame College - www.notredamecoll.ac.uk

Calderdale College - www.calderdale.ac.uk

Greenhead College - www.greenhead.ac.uk

Kirklees College - www.kirkleescollege.ac.uk

Leeds City College - www.leedscitycollege.ac.uk

Leeds College of Building - www.lcb.ac.uk

Universities

Bradford University - https://www.bradford.ac.uk/external/

Leeds University - https://www.leeds.ac.uk/

Sheffield University - https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/

Huddersfield University - https://www.hud.ac.uk/?utm_source=googlemybusiness&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gmb-mainlisting

Hull University - https://www.hull.ac.uk/

York University - https://www.york.ac.uk/

https://www.ucas.com/corporate/news-and-key-documents/news/new-ucas-hub-encourages-students-shoot-stars  (New Hub that has replaced UCAS progress)

www.russell group.ac.uk  (represents 24 leading universities, source of careers information & advice including ‘informed choices’ a downloadable guide to making post 16 choices)

https://www.gov.uk/student-finance   (Student finance)

https://universitycompare.com/   (comparing different universities)

https://universitycompare.com/rankings/   (University rankings)

https://www.unitasterdays.com/  (A directory of university events for school groups and individual students)

Apprenticeships

https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship 

https://www.ucas.com/apprenticeships-in-the-uk

 https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/

https://www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/apprenticeships

https://allaboutapprenticeships.co.uk/ 

https://uk.indeed.com/

https://www.shipley.ac.uk/apprentices/

https://www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk/apprenticeships/

https://www.e4s.co.uk/jobs/5-apprenticeships-bradford.htm

http://www.wylp.org.uk/

https://amazingapprenticeships.com/ 

https://careerfinder.ucas.com/jobs/apprenticeship/ 

Online Platforms

www.unifrog.org

Labour Market Information (LMI)

https://www.lmiforall.org.uk/

Leeds

https://www.the-lep.com/research-and-publications/research-publications-archive/leeds-city-region-labour-market-information-report-20182019

Futuregoals.co.uk

Provides career inspiration to help you make those important next steps to reach your FutureGoals. Creative Industries, Digital, Manufacturing and Engineering, Construction, Professional services and Health and Social Care are all key sectors for Leeds City Region. https://futuregoals.co.uk/careerstarters/ Our way of living has changed quite a lot recently. Now, more than ever, it’s really important to keep our brains active and challenged. Without the daily structures that we’re used to, self-motivation is a really vital skill that we need to nurture and develop.

www.futuregoals.co.uk/remote

FutureGoals Remote tests your communication and planning skills, it develops your creative thinking and challenges you to think outside of the box. You will tackle activities that help you to problem solve, become innovative and step into a range of different career sectors. These resources have been designed to help you learn skills that local employers are looking for such as; communication, planning and research, problem solving, creativity, organisation and self-reflection FutureGoals Remote resources - “Create it!” -

Other

https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/skills-assessment  (A free skills assessment based on hobbies, likes/dislikes which will then link to career pathways based on your answers - good for those who may feel stuck finding their career route)

https://www.careerpilot.org.uk/ - (Impartial careers website providing information, advice and tools to support 11-19 year olds in planning their progression effectively)

https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/  (provides information, advice and guidance to help you make decisions on learning, training and work)

https://www.careersbox.co.uk/     (A great source of up to the minute job profile films)

https://icould.com/     (Career videos to find out about a wide range of careers and opportunities. Take the Buzz Quiz – it’s great fun!)

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/careers-of-the-future   (what does the future hold!)

https://successatschool.org/ 

Success at School is the place for young people to explore careers, get the lowdown on top employers, and search for the latest jobs, courses and advice. Get career smart and Register today! Success at school have highlighted some of the different careers that are helping us through the current crisis.

https://www.notgoingtouni.co.uk/  (opportunities if you decide university is not for you)

https://uk.job-applications.com/   (has useful videos, demonstrating how to complete the online applications for many top companies in the UK, as well as providing detailed information on salaries and interviews. Applications forms can be printed off directly from this site.)

http://www.talkingjobs.net/    (An online video player that delivers a series of career case studies)

https://www.skillsbuilder.org/homelearning

Everyone needs eight essential skills to succeed - whatever their path in life. Skills builder provides a range of resources for building these skills in a home setting - all underpinned by the Skills Builder Framework. Resources are available for learners aged 4 to 20+.

https://www.thewowshow.org/students/

The WOW Show (World of Work) - The WOW Show is a live online channel creating real-life encounters with the world of work to inspire young people about their futures. Have a look at some of the recordings and find out about any careers you are considering for your future.

https://fledglink.com/

This free app for students aged 13+ allows students to complete a digital CV and matches them with jobs, apprenticeships and other suitable opportunities.

https://www.speakersforschools.org/experience-2/vwex/

Speakers for schools - virtual work experiences Working with over 50 leading employers across industries, this offers students the chance to apply for interactive, high impact placements, through a safeguarded application portal and platform. During placements, students interact with employers, complete real work projects and work together to gain industry insights and skills.

https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/

Careers in Health Professions – Make a difference with a career in health. Get all the information you need to take the next step in your career. Health professions have been highlighted during the Coronavirus pandemic and demand is expected to increase. There are hundreds of types of careers in health available so it is definitely worth consideration. The NHS employs around 1.5 million people and there are over 350 roles to choose from, not just a doctor or a nurse! You can see a list of the careers available here: stepintothenhs.nhs.uk/careers and you can compare the many varied careers available here: healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/compare-roles.

Parents

https://targetcareers.co.uk/parents-and-teachers

https://careerready.org.uk/parents

https://www.careeralchemy.co.uk/choosing-career-paths.html

https://www.theparentsguideto.co.uk/free-resources