Supporting Your Child’s Future

Parents and carers play one of the most important roles in helping young people make decisions about their future. At our school, we are committed to working in partnership with families to ensure every student has access to high‑quality careers education, advice and guidance.

This page brings together useful information, resources and key transition points to help you support your child throughout their time with us.

Why Careers Guidance Matters

A strong careers programme helps young people to:

  • Understand the full range of education and training pathways

  • Explore job sectors and future labour market trends

  • Develop skills for work and life

  • Make confident, informed decisions at transition points

  • Prepare for adulthood and independence

We are committed to meeting the Gatsby Benchmarks of Good Career Guidance and the statutory Provider Access Legislation, ensuring every student has encounters with employers, training providers and higher/further education institutions.

How You Can Support Your Child

1. Start Conversations Early

Talk regularly about interests, strengths and aspirations. Help them recognise the skills they’re developing inside and outside school.

2. Encourage Exploration

Encourage your child to use careers websites, attend school events and speak to a range of providers.

3. Attend School Careers Events

We host a range of activities, including careers fairs, apprenticeship talks, employer encounters and Post‑16/Post‑18 information evenings.

4. Keep an Open Mind

Today’s job market is changing fast; encourage flexibility and curiosity rather than focusing on a single career.

5. Help With Practical Steps

Whether it’s preparing for work experience, reviewing CVs, or looking into open days, your involvement makes a huge difference.

Key Transition Points & How to Support Your Child

Year 9 – Choosing GCSE/BTEC Options

This is often the first major decision point.

How to help:

  • Discuss strengths, interests and long‑term goals

  • Encourage balanced choices, especially in core subjects

  • Make use of careers information websites and subject guides

Useful Links:

Year 10/11 – Post‑16 Pathways

Students must remain in education or training until age 18. Options include:

  • A‑levels

  • T‑Levels

  • Vocational qualifications (e.g., BTECs)

  • Apprenticeships

  • Traineeships or supported internships (where appropriate)

How to help:

  • Attend school information evenings

  • Explore entry requirements for courses

  • Encourage attendance at open days and taster sessions

  • Research future career routes together

Useful Links:

Year 12/13 – Post‑18 Options

Students can choose from:

  • University

  • Higher/Degree Apprenticeships

  • Further education colleges

  • Employment with training

  • Gap years or volunteering

How to help:

  • Encourage research into courses and careers

  • Support with university applications or apprenticeship searching

  • Discuss finances, travel and accommodation for higher education

  • Promote attendance at open days, career fairs and employer events

Useful Links:

Online Tools Students Can Use Anytime

If you would like personalised support for your child, please contact our Careers Leader.

Work Experience

Work experience is an essential opportunity for students to apply skills in a real setting, develop confidence and gain insight into different jobs.

Parents/carers can support by:

  • Helping students explore ideas and possible placements

  • Using personal networks to identify opportunities

  • Preparing your child for employer expectations

  • Encouraging reflection after the placement

 

Contact Us

If you would like more information about careers support at school, please get in touch:

Careers Leader: Laura Dudley (Assistant Headteacher)
Email: ldudley@staga.co.uk
Telephone: 0191 5658904

We are always happy to support families in planning the best next steps for their child.