Quality careers at Kennet

• 5 min read

On behalf of Kennet School

Following a rigorous assessment, Kennet School achieved the Quality in Careers Standard, awarded by Investor in Careers, meaning the school is accredited as “Fully meeting all the accreditation criteria, incorporating the Gatsby Benchmarks” for the national quality award for its careers education, information, advice and guidance provision.

The process involved a four-stage e-portfolio and an assessor visit, who spoke to a variety of stakeholder groups, including pupils, governors, parents, local businesses and senior teachers. The assessor was impressed with Kennet’s overall strategic vision for the delivery of careers education, and ability to meet individual needs.

Kennet School places great emphasis on its pupils having a personal development programme that ensures they are well equipped for moving into the appropriate further education, apprenticeship or workplace. This starts as soon as they arrive in Year 7 and builds significantly through Years 8-13. Every effort is made to get 100% of pupils onto the right pathway suitable for their particular skill set and this is done through a meticulous programme and focus on careers from Year 8. For example:

A regular outside speaker programme, often by past pupils, parents, or members of the local community

  • Interview Days
  • Access to the Careers Corner in the library
  • Access to numerous careers websites (through its virtual learning platform)
  • Access to extra help through their tutor as and when required
  • Work-related learning events involving local businesses both on and off-site
  • Visits to and from local universities
  • Psychometric testing 

 Mrs Smith, Head of Careers & Aspiration, commented: “Achieving the Quality in Careers Standard Award is a reflection of the commitment Kennet School has to its pupils. We are proud to be able to support and guide pupils through the important decision-making process needed to access every pathway to pursue their aspirations; be that into Further Education, Higher Education, an apprenticeship or employment.”

Rachel Peters, Community Development Officer from Sovereign, a keen supporter of Kennet’s careers programme, added: “We’re so pleased that Kennet School’s careers education programme has achieved The Quality in Careers Standard. The opportunity for our employees - and Sovereign partners - to engage in hands-on activities with the pupils and share expertise was greatly appreciated. We hope we’ve inspired a new generation of young people to make informed decisions about possible future careers in housing, perhaps even as members of the Sovereign team.”

The school will be full holders of the award for the next three years.

For further information: Please contact Mrs G Piper, Executive Headteacher, Kennet School on 01635 862121.