Careers Information for Parents/Carers

At The Aspire Academy, we have high expectations for all our pupils and are committed to raising aspirations and supporting every young person to achieve their full potential. We recognise that this can be a challenging time for young people and their families, and we place great importance on understanding our local context and the range of opportunities available to our pupils.

We work closely with pupils to explore potential education, training, and career pathways, including realistic back‑up plans, and we are always available to answer questions or address concerns from both pupils and parents/carers. Not every young person has a clear career goal, and that is absolutely fine. For those who are unsure about their next steps, we will help them to explore a wide range of options and provide meaningful experiences so they leave us confident, informed, and prepared for the future.

We are committed to providing the following:

A stable careers programme

Our careers programme sets out clearly what pupils will experience and when. It is available on the Academy website and shared through our social media channels. While there are structured activities at each stage, the careers team also supports students to pursue individual opportunities that align with their interests and ambitions. Careers learning is embedded across tutor time, life skills lessons, assemblies, and subject lessons.

Learning from career and labour market information

The world of work is constantly evolving, and many future jobs do not yet exist. We ensure pupils are signposted to the most up‑to‑date careers and labour market information so they can make informed decisions about future study and employment. This is delivered through our curriculum and one‑to‑one guidance with the careers team. Information can also be shared with parents/carers, and key links are provided on the Academy website.

Addressing the needs of each pupil

Pupils at The Aspire Academy continually develop essential employability skills needed for any workplace. Throughout their time with us, pupils take part in a range of careers experiences, and we actively encourage parental engagement in this process. At the end of Key Stage 3, parents/carers will be contacted to discuss Key Stage 4 curriculum choices. Meetings can be arranged with staff or an independent careers adviser to support informed decision‑making. Throughout Key Stage 4, pupils receive individual guidance to help plan their next steps, and parents/carers can request support from the careers team at any time.

Linking curriculum learning to careers

All staff explicitly link learning in their subjects to future pathways, explaining why their subject matters and the transferable skills pupils are developing. Teachers draw on their own experiences to illustrate the career opportunities linked to their subject areas.

Encounters with employers and employees

Pupils will engage with a range of employers and external speakers who will share insights into their roles, career journeys, and the skills required in their industries. In Key Stage 4, pupils will apply this learning through activities such as mock interviews, projects, and careers fairs.

Experiences of workplaces

Pupils will have opportunities to visit workplaces and learn directly from professionals about their roles and responsibilities. Towards the end of Year 9, pupils have the ability to opt to access extended work experience as part of their Key Stage 4 vocational offer. The Academy will source appropriate placements, ensure all health and safety requirements are met, and monitor pupils’ progress throughout their placement.

Encounters with further and higher education

Pupils will meet with and visit a range of post‑16 providers, including colleges, training providers and apprenticeship providers. These experiences help pupils understand different learning environments and pathways, enabling them to identify the route that best suits their aspirations. Details of visits and events will be shared via the Academy’s usual communication channels.

Personal guidance

Pupils receive ongoing support and guidance from staff about their future pathways, and parents/carers are an essential part of this process. The careers team supports pupils in developing a personalised careers plan to follow. During Key Stage 4, pupils also access one‑to‑one guidance from either their home school careers adviser or external careers advisers to ensure they are well prepared for their next steps. We continue to check in with pupils after they leave The Aspire Academy, offering further guidance and support where needed.