Careers Education & Guidance
Our Careers Programme
At Pathways School, we are committed to providing a high-quality, personalised careers education programme that prepares all students for adulthood, employment and independent living.
Our approach is tailored to meet the needs of students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and is fully aligned with the Gatsby Benchmarks, ensuring a structured and progressive programme from Year 7 to Year 14. [assets.pub…ice.gov.uk]
What Our Careers Programme Includes
Our careers provision supports every student’s journey through:
- Work-related learning and enterprise activities
- Employer engagement and workplace visits
- Work experience (internal and external placements)
- Independent living skills and travel training
- Community engagement (shopping, leisure, volunteering)
- Vocational profiling to identify strengths and interests
- Role-play and real-life work simulations
- PSHE linked to employability and life skills
- ASDAN qualifications (Post-16 provision)
- Encounters with colleges, training providers, and employers
- Transition planning linked to EHCP outcomes
We ensure careers education is embedded across the curriculum and tailored to the individual needs of each learner.
Careers Leader
Neil Jones
Headteacher & Careers Leader
Email: headteacher@pbslpathways.org.uk
Telephone: 02080544540
The Careers Leader is responsible for developing, coordinating and evaluating the careers programme and is the main contact for employers and training providers.
Measuring Impact
We regularly review the effectiveness of our careers programme through:
- Student destinations (post-16 and post-18/19)
- EHCP outcomes and successful transitions
- Student, parent and employer feedback
- Gatsby Benchmark assessment (Compass/Compass+)
This ensures our programme continues to meet the needs of all learners and supports positive outcomes. [legislation.gov.uk]
SEND Careers Pathways (Our Approach)
At Pathways School, careers education reflects the diverse needs of our students.
We provide tailored pathways including:
- Supported internships
- Employment with support (job coaching)
- Independent living pathways
- Community-based employment preparation
- Further education and specialist college routes
Our careers programme is closely linked to EHCP planning from Year 9 onwards to support each student’s aspirations.
Careers Programme by Key Stage
Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9)
- Early careers awareness
- Development of communication and social skills
- Introduction to the world of work
Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11)
- Work-related learning
- Employer encounters
- Transition planning begins
- Preparation for post-16 pathways
Post-16 & Post-18 (Years 12–14)
- ASDAN qualifications
- Work experience placements
- Independent travel and life skills
- Encounters with colleges, employers, and training providers
- Supported transition into employment or further education
Provider Access Policy (Section 42B)
Introduction
This policy sets out Pathways School’s arrangements for managing the access of education and training providers to students.
This is in line with the school’s legal duty under Section 42B of the Education Act 1997, which requires schools to provide access to providers of technical education and apprenticeships. [gov.uk]
Student Entitlement
All students in Years 8–14 are entitled to:
- Learn about technical education qualifications and apprenticeships
- Hear from a range of education and training providers
- Understand career pathways and progression routes
Students receive multiple opportunities to engage with providers throughout their time at school. [gov.uk]
Management of Provider Access Requests
Providers wishing to request access should contact:
Neil Jones – Careers Leader
Email: headteacher@pbspathways.org.uk
Telephone: 02080544540
We will respond to all requests in a timely manner and aim to accommodate a wide range of providers.
Opportunities for Access
We offer provider engagement through:
- Careers fairs
- Assemblies
- Workshops and classroom sessions
- Employer engagement events
- Work experience opportunities
- Transition planning meetings
Facilities
We provide:
- Classrooms or hall spaces
- Presentation equipment (projector, screen)
- Staff support to coordinate visits
Safeguarding
All providers must comply with the school’s safeguarding and visitor procedures.
Working with Employers & Providers
We actively welcome partnerships with:
- Further Education colleges
- Training providers
- Apprenticeship organisations
- Employers and local businesses
If you are interested in working with our students, please contact our Careers Leader.
Review Information
- Last reviewed: November 2025
- Next review due: November 2026
