Careers

Our Careers Intent

At Philpots Manor School, we are committed to preparing all learners for adulthood, employment, training and lifelong learning. 

 All of our learners have Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), and our careers programme is designed to be individualised, aspirational and realistic, supporting young people to understand their strengths, interests and future pathways. 

 Careers education at Philpots Manor School forms a core part of our Personal Development offer and is carefully planned to ensure learners are supported to make informed decisions about their next steps. 

Careers Provision Overview 

Our careers programme: 

• Is delivered from Year 7 onwards
• Is aligned to the Gatsby Benchmarks
• Is adapted to meet individual SEND, communication and emotional needs
• Is reviewed regularly to ensure quality and impact
• Is supported by impartial guidance and provider access 

 Careers education is delivered through: 

• PSHE and tutor time
• Dedicated careers activities and events 
• Employer and provider encounters 
• Work experience and workplace learning 
• Individual guidance and transition planning 
• EHCP annual reviews and futures planning 

 Gatsby Benchmarks 

Philpots Manor School’s careers programme is structured around the Gatsby Benchmarks: 

1. A stable careers programme
2. Learning from career and labour market information 
3. Addressing the needs of each learner 
4. Linking curriculum learning to careers 
5. Encounters with employers and employees 
6. Experiences of workplaces 
7. Encounters with further and higher education 
8. Personal guidance 

Careers Programme by Key Stage 

 Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9) 

The focus at Key Stage 3 is on self-awareness, aspiration and early exploration. 

 Learners are supported to: 

• Identify strengths, interests and skills 
• Begin to explore different types of work and learning 
• Take part in transition and future planning as part of EHCP reviews 
• Develop confidence, communication and employability skills 
• Challenge stereotypes and broaden aspirations 

 Provision includes: 

• Careers learning through PSHE and tutor time 
• Employer and provider encounters 
• College and training provider awareness activities 
• National Careers Week activities 
• Supported workplace experiences where appropriate 
• Individual guidance where needed 

 Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11) 

The focus at Key Stage 4 is on decision-making and preparation for next steps. 

 Learners are supported to: 

• Explore post-16 options including FE, training, apprenticeships and supported pathways 
• Develop employability and life skills 
• Take part in careers and transition events 
• Experience workplaces or work-related learning 
• Prepare for applications and interviews 
• Participate in transition planning at EHCP reviews 

Provision includes: 

• Careers and transitions fairs 
• College and training provider visits 
• Employer encounters and guest speakers 
• Work experience or alternative workplace learning 
• Individual careers guidance interviews 
• Support with post-16 applications 

 Key Stage 5 (Years 12–13) 

The focus at Key Stage 5 is on progression, independence and adulthood. 

Learners are supported to: 

• Finalise post-18 plans 
• Develop independence and employability skills 
• Access work experience, supported internships or training 
• Explore higher education and alternative pathways where appropriate 
• Prepare for adulthood and employment 

 Provision includes: 

• Work experience or work-related learning 
• Employer and provider encounters 
• Careers and transition events 
• Individual guidance interviews 
• Life skills and employability learning 
• Transition planning at EHCP reviews

Provider Access 

Philpots Manor School welcomes engagement with a range of education and training providers in line with our Provider Access Policy Statement. 

Learners in Years 8–13 are offered a minimum of six meaningful encounters with education and training providers, delivered in a way that is appropriate to their needs, wellbeing and readiness. 

Encounters may include: 

• Further education colleges 
• Training providers 
• Apprenticeship and supported employment routes 
• Employer and workplace encounters 
• Virtual or in-person sessions 

 Work Experience 

Work experience forms an important part of our careers programme and is delivered flexibly to meet individual needs. 

This may include: 

• External work experience placements 
• Supported or graduated placements 
• Work shadowing 
• Internal work experience 
• Virtual work experience 
• Workplace visits 

 All work experience is carefully planned, risk-assessed and supported. 

 Careers Guidance 

Impartial careers guidance is available to learners from Year 7 onwards. 

This includes: 

• Individual guidance interviews 
• Support through EHCP annual reviews 
• Transition planning meetings 
• Engagement with parents and carers 

Careers Leadership 

Tom Dutson – Assistant Headteacher & Careers Lead
Telephone: 01342 810268
Email: tom.dutson@philpotsmanorschool.co.uk 

 The Careers Lead works closely with the Senior Leadership Team to plan, deliver and review the careers programme. 

Monitoring and Review 

The careers programme is: 

• Monitored by the Senior Leadership Team 
• Reviewed regularly to assess impact 
• Evaluated through learner voice, parent feedback and destination data

Our Careers & Provider Access Policy Statement can be found here:

Policies & Reports – Philpots Manor School