At Waterside Academy, we are committed to providing all pupils with high-quality careers education, information, advice and guidance (CEIAG). Our aim is to ensure that every pupil is supported to understand the opportunities available to them, develop their aspirations and make informed decisions about their next steps in education, employment or training.

Our careers programme is embedded throughout the school and is designed around the eight updated Gatsby Benchmarks of Good Career Guidance. Pupils experience careers education, encounters with employers and workplaces, further education and training providers, modern work experience, personalised careers guidance and opportunities to explore different career pathways.

We recognise that every pupil is different. Our programme is therefore tailored to individual needs, with particular consideration given to pupils with SEND, disadvantaged and vulnerable pupils, pupils attending Alternative Provision and pupils who may be at risk of becoming NEET.

Our careers commitment

· Raise aspirations and broaden pupils’ understanding of future opportunities.

· Provide impartial information about academic, technical and vocational pathways.

· Give pupils meaningful encounters with employers, workplaces, colleges and training providers.

· Provide personalised careers guidance at appropriate transition points.

· Support pupils to develop employability skills, confidence and independence.

· Keep systematic records of careers participation, advice and agreed next steps.

· Evaluate the careers programme regularly and use feedback to improve provision