CEIAG

All school leavers up to the age of 18 years will have to be in a form of recognised education or training.

It is important that after Wellfield your child has chosen education courses or training which match their future aspirations and skills.

Recognised Routes and Pathways from the age of 16:

· Full time, general academic and vocational study – A Level courses, Btec courses

· Work based learning – apprenticeships

· Full-time employment (over 20 hours per week) combined with part-time education or training

Here at Wellfield School, we follow the Benchmarks as set out in the latest Government statutory guidance. The Gatsby Benchmarks are a key measure of the effectiveness of career advice and guidance expected within schools.

The 8 Gatsby Benchmarks of good career guidance are:

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. Experiences of workplaces

7. Encounters with further and higher education

8. Personal guidance

If you require any further information or advice on careers, please contact our Careers Lead.

Mrs. H Drewett

Careers Lead /Teacher h.drewett@wellfieldschool.net

01429838783

Careers Governor, Charlie Thompson

Charlie.thompson@btinternet.com

Provider Access Policy

Post 16 Options

Choices after GCSE

The choices after completing GCSE qualifications are dependent on a number of different factors including ambitions, the opportunities offered locally (LMI Labour market information), and the grades achieved. These choices will allow you to tailor your education and study towards subjects you feel passionate about, allowing you to gain the knowledge and experience needed to progress into your desired career path.

The law requires all young people in England to continue in education or training until at least their 18th birthday, although in practice the vast majority of young people continue until the end of the academic year in which they turn 18. School leavers have a range of choices:

To stay in full-time education working towards A-levels, BTEC, NVQ, T levels or an alternative level 1/2/3 qualification at a local college or sixth form.
An apprenticeship
A traineeship with the intention of progressing onto an apprenticeship or education
Employment or Volunteering of 20 hours a week whilst working towards an accredited qualification part time.

Sixth Form

Young people who feel they work and learn best in a classroom environment are likely to be interested in moving into Sixth Form where the most common qualifications are A-levels. A-levels are offered in a wide range of subjects – from academic subjects like English, Maths, History, Biology etc. to more work-based subjects like Health and Social Care, Sport and Exercise and Business Studies. Entry requirements for A-levels are usually at least 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above.

Further Education Colleges

The courses offered at FE colleges are mostly vocational, learning skills with a more practical approach to learning.

Entry level Qualifications – Designed to support students who received no GCSE grades and need support with basic Maths and English.

Level 1 NVQ – Designed to support students who may have left with some GCSE grades but at a low level (1 - 3), student likely to focus on one specific subject.

Level 2 NVQ – Likely to be offered to students who achieved grades 4 -9 and as above students will focus on one specific subject.

Level 1 BTEC Introductory Diplomas and Certificates - This gives you basic knowledge and skills to show you can do a certain job. Gaining the basic practical skills required for the job.

Level 2 BTEC First Diplomas and Certificates - Equivalent to GCSEs in a specific subject and are generally offered to students who achieve 4-6 at GCSE or above.

Level 3 BTEC National Diploma – Equivalent to two A-levels and can be used as a pathway to university. It is likely to be in one specific subject

Level 3 BTEC Extended National Diploma – Equivalent to 3 full A-levels and widely accepted by universities as an alternative to A-levels for degree courses.

T Levels – These are new 2-year courses which are taken after GCSEs and are broadly equivalent in size to 3 A-Levels. Launched in September 2020, these courses have been developed in collaboration with employers and education providers so that the content meets the needs of industry and prepares students for entry into skilled employment, an apprenticeship or related technical study through further or higher education. T Levels offer students practical and knowledge-based learning at a school or college and on-the-job experience through an industry placement of at least 315 hours – approximately 45 days

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships and Traineeships are becoming a real alternative route for those leaving school as it allows them to gain real life work experience, study towards a relevant qualification in that industry field and receive a wage currently £7.55 per hour (correct at JULY 2026). Apprenticeships are stereotyped as a ‘second rate’ option but this couldn’t be more misguided; there are many subject options which allow an apprentice to study to degree level, same as what they would receive at university and get the benefit of combining these qualifications with years of practical experience.

Careers Links

Begin your research by using the links below.

Remember:

Consider travel arrangements and how you will get there daily.
Look into options that interest you, not just the one popular with your current friends.
You can apply to as many as you want.
Just because you apply does not mean you have to go there.
This will give you choices in September of year 11 when you choose what route is best for you.
Visit more than one for open evenings so you can make an informed choice.

Local colleges and 6^th forms Click for list

Useful links for Careers. (click to access list)

National careers service can offer help and guidance on the following

CVs
Skills health check reports
action plans
course searches

www.nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk

For information about volunteering.

https://vinspired.com/

For work experience opportunities.

https://www.springpod.com

Helping you prepare for the world of work.

https://careerready.org.uk/

Advice for parents (click to access list)

www.careersadviceforparents.org

Parents advice and resources | Skills for Careers

Apprenticeships (click to access list)

Student - Amazing Apprenticeships

www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship

Careers websites (Click to access list)

There are a broad range of Careers websites available for you to use to increase your knowledge and give you advice.

Local Market Intelligence and information (LMI)

Local Market Intelligence and information (LMI) can be used to inform you what jobs are and will be available in different industry. It shows sector growth, demand and sectors in decline.

Careers Term

Week	Year 7	Year 8	Year 9
1	What are my career aspirations?	What is the difference between school and the workplace?	What type of career are you best suited to?
2	What are gender stereotypes?	What is a budget (including debt, Debit/Credit Cards)?	Is it a job or a career?
3	Why should I consider voluntary work?	Why are savings important?	What does the Local Market Information look like?
4	Career Fair	Career Fair	Career Fair
5	What are my responsibilities in the workplace?	What are personal finances? - receiving an income	How can we stay safe at work?
6	What are the key employment growth areas locally and in UK?	What is tax and how does it work?	How do qualifications help with progression?
7	What type of decision maker are you?	What will my future look like?	How is health and safety in the workplace implemented?

Week	Year 10		Year 11
1		How do I choose the right path?	What is University life like?
2		How do I select the right college and course?
3		What is a CV?	What is UCAS and how does it work?
4		Career Fair
5		CV Writing	What is an apprenticeship?
6		CV Writing
7		CV Writing	What does my future hold?

CEIAG

Post 16 Options

Careers Links

Careers Term

New College Durham Academies Trust