Ofsted has today published a review of careers provision in
schools and further education and skills (FE and skills)
providers.
The review found schools and FE and
skills providers understand the importance of
promoting both technical and academic pathways to students.
Additionally, most providers are making good progress towards
improving students access to options such as apprenticeships and
technical qualifications. However, some FE and
skills providers were having difficulties promoting
courses to schools and teachers’ knowledge of technical pathways,
especially T levels, could be limited.
Read the ‘Independent review of
careers guidance in schools and further education and skills
providers’ review.
Where careers guidance in schools tended towards academic
pathways, this was mainly due to schools’ lack of strategic
planning around their careers programme and the needs of
individual students.
The review also found the role of career leaders is generally
well embedded in schools and colleges, and leaders find the
Gatsby Benchmarks helpful when reviewing and developing their
careers programme.
When collaboration between teachers, leaders and career
specialists was high, it helped students get the right
information, guidance and advice on potential career pathways.
The link between curriculum and careers is strong in most
schools, however specific aims for students in year 7 and 8 could
be clearer.
The review highlights the importance of careers hubs in ensuring
effective employer engagement and work experience opportunities
for students.
Ofsted’s Chief Inspector, Amanda Spielman said:
Careers guidance is so important when it comes to helping
children navigate their next steps after school or college. I’m
really pleased to see that schools are improving students access
to higher and further education, as well as apprenticeships and
employers.
I hope this review is helpful for the schools and colleges as
they plan their career education moving forward.
The review included several recommendations including that school
and FE and
skills providers should:
-
take advantage of the potential benefits of networks such as
careers hubs that can support employer engagement
-
ensure the careers programme is delivered by staff with the
necessary expertise, and with appropriate support from
careers specialists
- continue to develop staff knowledge of technical pathways
(including T levels) and promote these equally alongside academic
routes, using the Department for Education’s updated statutory
guidance
- make sure encounters with employers, such as through careers
fairs and talks, are delivered in a way that is most beneficial
for students and learners
Notes:
This review was undertaken at the request of the Department for
Education.
During the 2023 spring term Ofsted carried out research visits to
30 schools and 14 FE and
skills providers. Ofsted also reviewed a sample of
inspection evidence and held focus groups with inspectors,
employers, and independent learning providers (ILPs).
