Learning
Careers

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At The King David High School, we are committed to providing a high-quality programme of Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) for all students from Year 7 to Year 13.

Our careers programme aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to make informed decisions about their future pathways. Through a structured programme of activities, employer engagement and independent guidance, we help students understand the wide range of opportunities available to them and support them in achieving their ambitions.

We believe that career development is a continuous process. Students are encouraged to explore their interests, develop employability skills and gain meaningful experiences that will prepare them for life beyond school.

Our Careers Programme

Our careers programme is designed to ensure that every student:

Develops the skills and attributes required for the modern workplace
Understands the different routes available after school, including further education, university, apprenticeships and employment
Has access to up-to-date labour market information
Develops confidence, resilience and employability skills
Is supported to make informed decisions about subject choices and career pathways
Receives independent and impartial careers guidance
Has the opportunity to engage with employers, further education providers and universities
Is supported through key transition points at 16 and 18

Our programme ensures that no student’s aspirations are limited by their background, gender, ethnicity or circumstances and that all students are encouraged to aim high and pursue their goals.

The Gatsby Benchmarks

Our careers programme is aligned with the Gatsby Benchmarks of Good Career Guidance, which provide the national framework for delivering high-quality careers education in schools.
These benchmarks ensure that students benefit from:

A stable careers programme
Access to labour market information
Support that addresses the needs of each student
Links between the curriculum and careers
Encounters with employers and employees
Experiences of workplaces
Encounters with further and higher education
Personal guidance from qualified careers advisers

Through these benchmarks, we ensure that careers education is embedded across the curriculum and throughout school life.

Gatsby Benchmarks

Careers Education by Key Stage

Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9)

In Key Stage 3, students begin to explore the world of work and develop an understanding of their interests and strengths.

Students are introduced to:

Key concepts such as employability skills, enterprise and higher education
The importance of aspiration and ambition
The skills required for a wide range of careers
The relationship between subjects studied and future career options
The decision-making process around GCSE subject choices

Careers education at this stage is delivered through Learning for Life lessons, assemblies, enrichment activities and themed events such as National Careers Week.

Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11)

During Key Stage 4, students develop a deeper understanding of career pathways and begin preparing for their next steps after GCSEs.

Students have opportunities to:

Learn about the world of work and employer expectations
Develop and practise key employability skills
Explore post-16 options, including sixth form, college, apprenticeships and training
Meet employers and further education providers
Attend careers events and presentations
Receive independent careers guidance

All students receive at least one one-to-one careers interview with a qualified careers adviser to support their post-16 decisions.

Key Stage 5 (Sixth Form – Years 12–13)

In Sixth Form, careers education focuses on preparing students for higher education, higher apprenticeships and employment.

Students are supported through:

Guidance on university applications and UCAS
Information on higher and degree apprenticeships
Employer talks and networking opportunities
University visits and higher education events
Support with CV writing, interview skills and applications

Students receive personalised advice to help them make confident decisions about their post-18 pathways.

Work Experience

Work experience is an important part of our careers programme.

Students in Year 10 take part in a work experience placement which provides valuable insight into the workplace and helps them develop essential employability skills such as:

Teamwork
Communication
Time management
Problem solving
Professional behaviour

Students receive preparation before their placement, including guidance on finding a placement, interview preparation, travel arrangements and workplace health and safety.

Placements are carefully monitored to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of students while gaining meaningful workplace experience.

Careers Events and Enrichment

Throughout the year, students take part in a range of careers-related activities, including:

Annual Careers Fair featuring employers, universities, colleges and apprenticeship providers
Employer talks and workshops
Enterprise and skills development activities
University and college visits
Apprenticeship information sessions
Careers assemblies and themed events

These experiences help students gain real insight into different career sectors and understand the opportunities available to them.

Independent Careers Advice

Students have access to independent and impartial careers guidance delivered by qualified careers advisers.

This support helps students:

Explore career options
Understand education and training routes
Develop career action plans
Prepare applications and interviews
Make informed decisions about their next steps

Additional support is available for students who may require further guidance with transition planning.

Information for Parents, Employers and External Providers

We welcome engagement from employers, training providers, universities and alumni who wish to support our careers programme.

Parents and carers also play a vital role in supporting young people to make informed choices about their future. We encourage families to engage with the careers programme and attend careers events where possible.

If you would like to contribute to our careers programme or find out more information, please contact the school.