CEIAG Programme 2023 - 2024
CEIAG Programme 2026-2027
Careers Education Information Advice and Guidance
Programme details
- Date approved - 08/09/2026
- Next review date - 08/09/2027
- Policy Owner - Daniel Hargreaves
Provider Access Legislation (PAL) Statement & Statutory Compliance
Co-op Academy Belle Vue fully complies with Section 42B of the Education Act 1997 and the updated Provider Access Legislation (PAL). We guarantee a minimum of six mandatory direct encounters for all pupils in Years 8–11 with approved technical education, apprenticeship, and T-Level providers:
- Key Stage 3 (Years 8 & 9): At least two mandatory encounters during autumn/spring terms (must occur prior to 28th February in Year 9).
- Key Stage 4 (Years 10 & 11): At least two mandatory encounters across Years 10 and 11 (must occur prior to 28th February in Year 11).
Every statutory provider encounter is structured to deliver four mandatory components: (1) provider profile and courses offered, (2) technical career pathways, (3) real student/apprentice learning experience insights, and (4) an interactive Q&A session. Attendance is logged on Unifrog/Compass+. Any pupil missing a mandatory session due to absence is automatically enrolled in a timetabled digital catch-up workshop prior to the end of the term to ensure 100% individual entitlement.
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 revised Gatsby Benchmarks (2025) which have been explicitly referenced throughout the DfE’s Careers Strategy (December 2017) the Statutory Guidance for Careers (May 2025) and aligns to the delivery of independent careers guidance to year 8-13 pupils in accordance with section 42A of the Education Act 1997. We also have a Provide Access Policy that focuses specifically on technician qualifications and apprenticeships that is available in our “policies” section.
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 for best practice, our CEIAG programme meets the evolving needs of our students, education providers, and the local labour market landscape.
Our careers strategy is fundamentally guided by our CARE Principles, ensuring every student develops the knowledge, character, and aspirations needed for life in modern Britain:
- Community & Cooperation: We work collaboratively with local employers, colleges, universities, parents, and the wider Co-op network to build rich networks of support and open up meaningful pathways for all learners (Gatsby 1, 5, 7).
- Ambition & Achievement: We set high expectations for every student regardless of starting point, using targeted careers guidance and labour market information (LMI) to raise aspirations, drive academic progress, and eliminate NEET outcomes (Gatsby 2, 3, 8).
- Respect & Responsibility: We cultivate an inclusive environment that challenges stereotypes, promotes equality of opportunity, and empowers students to take ownership of their future choices and career development plans (Gatsby 3, 4).
- Endeavour & Enjoyment: We foster a 'joyous purpose' towards future life choices by engaging students in inspiring workplace encounters, employer visits, and practical enterprise experiences that celebrate effort and personal growth (Gatsby 5, 6).
Intent
Our CEIAG programme is both bespoke and unique to our academy and is quality assured on a regular basis to meet our students needs based on our monitoring and impact evaluation. 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 the 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 Benchmark 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 quality assure our current provision in order to ensure there is clear impact evaluation 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 (Gatsby 1)
Implementation
Our programme is taught via our CARE curriculum, Ambition Briefings, the taught subject curriculum, our Belle Vue Pledge enrichment programme, and other trips and visits that enhance CEIAG provision for our students.
CEIAG is delivered by a wide range of providers such as our internal Careers Advisor, teachers and support staff, FE Colleges, Universities, Apprenticeship providers, visiting speakers, employers and employees. This delivery includes bespoke workshops, assemblies, work visits, work experience, mock interviews , immersion / insight days, career safaris, 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 UCAS applications to Apprenticeships. Parents are also encouraged to attend our CEIAG information evenings and parents evenings.
"Gatsby Benchmark 100% Compliance Framework":
Gatsby Benchmark 1 (A Stable Careers Programme): Published annually on the academy website, evaluated termly via Compass+, governed by the Academy Community Council, and aligned to a Quality in Careers Standard.
Gatsby Benchmark 2 (Learning from LMI): LMI integrated across all CARE lessons, subject curriculums, and Unifrog platforms. Parents receive termly LMI bulletins via parent newsletter.
Gatsby Benchmark 3 (Addressing Needs of Each Student): Custom pathways for SEND, Pupil Premium, and vulnerable cohorts. Future Skills Questionnaire (FSQ) used to track individual skill progression from Year 7-11.
Gatsby Benchmark 4 (Linking Curriculum to Careers): Careers education is not an add-on; every academic department systematically embeds career concepts into its scheme of learning. Each subject area maintains a Subject Career Map verified during termly faculty audits led by the Careers Leader. Subject teachers deliver explicit real-world context lessons (e.g., STEM green energy pathways in Science, financial mathematics/compound interest in Maths, and formal professional oracy in English) supported by annual whole-staff careers CPD.
Gatsby Benchmark 5 (Encounters with Employers): Annual Career Safaris, employer guest speakers, mock interviews, and employer-led enterprise challenges for every year group.
Gatsby Benchmark 6 (Experiences of Workplaces): KS3 (Y7–Y9): Virtual workplace immersions, workplace shadowing tours, and corporate site visits. KS4 (Y10–Y11): Mandatory 1-week external work experience placement in Year 10. High-Risk Placement Vetting Sign-off: Designated Safeguarding Lead (JPI) and Careers Leader (DHA) conduct dual sign-off on all high-risk placement health & safety audits and ELI checks prior to HT5. Targeted Hardship Management: Allocation of ringfenced WEX Equity Access Fund (£600) for travel subsidies, PPE, and workwear f
Gatsby Benchmark 7 (Encounters with FE & HE): Encounters with Further Education colleges, Russell Group universities, T-Level providers, and Higher/Degree Apprenticeship employers integrated across Years 8–11.
Gatsby Benchmark 8 (Personal Guidance): 100% of pupils receive at least one 1:1 guidance interview with a qualified Level 6 Careers Adviser by Year 11, with targeted 1:1 interviews at Key Stage 3 transition points.
Year Group | Autumn Term 2026 (linked to BM) | CDI intended learning outcomes | |
7 Acquire |
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8 Apply |
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9 Analyse |
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10 - Synthesize |
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11- Synthesize |
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Additional provision for targeted groups | To guarantee equality of opportunity (Gatsby 3), pupils identified via our Risk of NEET Indicator (RONI) tracker receive early 1:1 Level 6 guidance starting in Year 7. For pupils with SEND/EHCPs, careers planning is fully integrated into annual reviews. Work experience provision in Year 10 includes pre-placement workplace visits, individual risk-assessment adaptation, and targeted access to our WEX Equity Access Fund (£600) for travel and workwear. | ||
Staff |
GB 1, 3, 4 |
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Year Group | Spring Term 2027 (linked to BM) | CDI Intended learning outcomes | |
7 Acquire |
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8 Apply |
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9 Analyse |
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10 - Synthesize |
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11 - Synthesize |
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Additional provision for targeted groups | Year 7 PP - Students identified at higher RON from Compass+ and Aspiration Tracker complete the Time for Change programme. GB 3 Year 9 PP - Students identified at higher RON from Compass+ and Aspiration Tracker complete the REACH programme. GB 3 To guarantee equality of opportunity (Gatsby 3), pupils identified via our Risk of NEET Indicator (RONI) tracker receive early 1:1 Level 6 guidance starting in Year 7. For pupils with SEND/EHCPs, careers planning is fully integrated into annual reviews. Work experience provision in Year 10 includes pre-placement workplace visits, individual risk-assessment adaptation, and targeted access to our WEX Equity Access Fund (£600) for travel and workwear. SEND and other vulnerable students meet Careers Advisor 1:1 along with the SEND team, to discuss option choices and career aspirations. Parents invited to the discussions. GB 3, 8 |
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Staff |
GB 1, 3, 4 |
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Year Group | Summer Term 2027 (linked to BM) | CDI intended learning outcomes | |
7 Acquire |
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8 Apply |
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9 Analyse |
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10 - Synthesize |
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11 - Synthesize |
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Additional provision for targeted groups |
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Staff |
GB 1, 3, 4 |
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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, as seen above.
Full Mapping of CDI Framework Learning Outcomes
- Grow Throughout Life: Students evaluate their personal identity, strengths, and personal biases. Delivered through Unifrog personality profiling in Year 7, self-reflection modules in Year 8, and post-16 transition planning in Year 11.
- Explore Possibilities: Students explore emerging job sectors and changing labor dynamics. Delivered through LMI analysis in Year 9, Career Safaris in Year 8, and workplace visits in Year 10.
- Manage Career: Students make informed choices and build resilience. Delivered through GCSE option guidance in Year 9, college application tracking in Year 11, and interview preparation workshops in Year 10/11.
- Create Opportunities: Students cultivate proactive networking and civic skills. Delivered through the Youth Democracy Day in Year 8, academic oracy pitches in Year 9, and external work experience placements in Year 10.
- Balance Life and Work: Students explore work-life harmony and employee rights. Delivered through work-life balance modules in Year 7, employment rights and tax/PAYE workshops in Year 9, and mental health/stress management in Year 11.
- See the Big Picture: Students analyse how global, national, and economic shifts affect work. Delivered through green and sustainable career units in Year 8, social justice campaigns in Year 9, and court legal ethics forums in Year 10.
Staff
Annual CEIAG Stakeholder Evaluation Review: Comprehensive analysis of parent, student, and employer survey data presented to SLT and Governors in July to evaluate impact and drive the following year's Academy Development Plan (ADP) strategy. GB 1
Safeguarding & Work Placement Vetting Audit: Annual verification of employer liability insurance and risk assessments for all KS4 workplace learning activities. GB 1, 6
Compass+/Unifrog Attendance Audit & Digital Catch-Up Sweep for absent pupils (100% PAL Target)
Impact
Measuring the impact of our CEIAG programme supports us to develop it on a termly / 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. - 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 behavior incidents including Ftex / P ex over time
- 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
- Student Voice: Pre- and post-activity evaluation forms integrated into Unifrog after every enterprise and employer event.
- Parental Engagement: Annual parents' careers survey issued alongside termly parents' evening feedback.
- Employer Feedback: Standardized employer evaluation forms completed following Year 10 work experience and mock interviews.
- Staff CPD & Curriculum Audits: Termly audits of subject-linked career learning (Gatsby Benchmark 4) led by the Careers Leader during faculty reviews.
- WEX Engagement and Completion: 95%+ participation rate across Year 10, with 100% completion for PP, SEND and vulnerable cohorts.
- Equalex Outcome Tracking: 100% completion of student completion booklets mapped against Equalex capabilities.
- Distance Travelled Analysis: Pre and post WEX student self-assessment data analysed in HT6 to evaluate confidence growth and success of programme.
Destination Data
Note: Co-op Academy Belle Vue welcomed its founding cohort in September 2021. The 2025–2026 academic year represents our very first Year 11 graduating cohort. Historical academy data for 2023–24 and 2024–25 is therefore Not Applicable (N/A). Official 2025–2026 destination data will be validated and updated following the statutory DfE/Local Authority publication deadline.
23-24 | 24-25 | 25-26 | ||||||
Y11 | Y11 | Y11 | ||||||
Academy | LA | National | Academy | LA | National | Academy | LA | National |
NA | 5.4% | 3.9% | NA | 5.3% | 4.6% | |||
Useful websites
FE colleges
Universities
Apprenticeships
Careers Games
Online platforms
Labour Market Information (LMI)
Other
National Careers Service - Careers pathways support
Success at School - Explore pathways
Support for alternative pathways to university
Universities
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://amazingapprenticeships.com/
https://careerfinder.ucas.com/jobs/apprenticeship/
Careers Games
https://panjango.com/pages/panjango-online
https://icould.com/buzz-quiz/
Online platforms
Labour Market Information (LMI)
Manchester
https://bridgegm.co.uk/labour-market-information
Other
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!)
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.
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