Careers & Work-Related Learning at Madeley School

All of our students have the right to access free and impartial Careers Information, Education and Guidance (CIAG) as well as the opportunity to gain experience of the world of work. This entitlement is delivered through discrete Careers lessons as part of our Personal Development curriculum throughout their time at Madeley. The Careers Information, Education and Guidance we provide for our students is further enhanced in subject lessons through work-related learning and a dedicated Careers advisor who undertakes individual guidance interviews with students at Key Stage 4.

The Gatsby Benchmarks set out a framework for schools to deliver ‘good career guidance’. Madeley uses the Gatsby benchmarks to drive our CIAG provision and we have adopted the Careers Development Institute (CDI) Framework to structure the delivery of our careers programme. We welcome training providers, employers, colleges, and universities into our school for assemblies, careers events, and training activities. If you would be interested in supporting us with this, please contact Mr S King at stephen.king@madeley.set.org.

The school has an ongoing commitment to CEIAG development. The careers framework below highlights the planned career activities for the pupils of Madeley School for 2025–26. The CEIAG programme is delivered in distinct blocks as part of the Personal Development programme and as an ongoing commitment from all staff to embed careers across the curriculum with time-appropriate employer engagement activities in lessons and as standalone events.
 

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Careers Education, Information and Guidance Team

Mr S King – Director of STEM, Careers and Work Related Learning
Mr King is responsible for designing and overseeing the careers curriculum for all students at Madeley School, including work experience, employer engagement and progression pathways.

Tel: 01782 987800
Email: stephen.king@madeley.set.org

Mr R McMeeken – SLT Link for Careers and Work Related Learning
Mr McMeeken is the SLT link for Careers and Work Related Learning

Tel: 01782 987800
Email: robert.mcmeeken@madeley.set.org

Mr J Knight – Careers Adviser
Mr Knight is our independent Careers Adviser. He is in school one/two days each week and provides impartial careers advice and guidance. Your child will have one or more careers interviews with him during their time at Madeley.

Miss E Leese – Designated CEIAG Support Staff
Miss Leese is the Careers Team administration support. She helps arrange appointments, answer questions and can signpost your child to careers resources.

 

Unifrog

Madeley School uses Unifrog, an online careers platform, to support students with exploring careers, post-16 and post-18 pathways, and personal development planning. Students can use Unifrog to:

  • Research career pathways and educational routes
  • Explore apprenticeships, university courses, and vocational training
  • Complete skills assessments and build a personal profile
  • Track their progress with applications for post-16 and post-18 education
  • Set up and record work experience activities and placements

Parents can also access Unifrog to support their child’s career decisions.
Learn more about Unifrog here
 

Modern Work Experience

Years 7–9
Students in Years 7–9 complete a modern work experience programme focused on developing key employability skills, including teamwork, communication, digital literacy, and problem-solving. Activities include:

  • Careers and work related learning focused visits/trips
  • Virtual work placements
  • Workshops with local businesses
  • Career simulation challenges

Years 10–11
Year 10 students complete a week-long work experience placement at the end of Year 10. A preparatory programme supports students to develop CVs, interview techniques, and employability skills. Students are encouraged to source placements independently, with oversight and support from our Careers team.


Equalex Framework

Madeley School uses the Equalex Framework to ensure that all students have equitable access to career guidance and employer engagement. The framework focuses on:

  • Raising awareness of opportunities for underrepresented groups
  • Ensuring diverse career role models are visible to students
  • Tracking engagement to identify and address gaps

More information about the Equalex Framework can be found here:
Equalex Careers Framework
 

Personal Development

Year 7–11 Personal Development Lessons include a comprehensive CIAG/work-related learning unit to support your child with their career path.

Key Stage 3

  • Focus on self-awareness, strengths, and interests
  • Introduction to careers and work related learning using Unifrog
  • Guest speakers from local colleges and employers

Key Stage 4

  • Continued careers and work-related learning lessons using Unifrog
  • CV and personal statement writing, application letters, and interview skills


Supporting Your Child

Form Tutors and Subject Teachers

  • Form tutors are often the first point of contact and can refer students to CEIAG staff
  • Careers and work-related learning are embedded across the curriculum in Personal Development lessons and subject lessons

Parents

Parents play a key role in guiding their child’s career decisions. Regular discussions about careers, post-16 options, and future aspirations are encouraged. Useful online resources include:

Skills for Careers – Parent Advice and Resources
A UK careers hub that includes dedicated support for parents and carers. It guides you on how to talk about careers, find career ideas, understand education stages (GCSEs/A‑levels), and links to further help like the National Careers Service, mental health support, and UCAS advice.
https://www.skillsforcareers.education.gov.uk/pages/parent-advice-and-resources

Talking Futures — Careers Conversations for Parents
A resource to help parents understand modern education and career pathways (including apprenticeships and T‑levels), with tips and conversation starters to talk with your child about their future.
https://www.talkingfutures.org.uk/

Parentkind – Careers and Skills Resources
A UK parent charity with links to Talking Futures, Skills Builder Homezone, and other tips/resources to help build skills relevant for future careers.
https://www.parentkind.org.uk/for-parents/parents-resources/careers-and-skills

ABZWorks – Parents and Carers Hub
A local authority site with tips on talking about options, links to national tools like My World of Work, and pathways into growth industries.
https://abzworks.co.uk/parents-and-carers/

Hello Future – Parents & Carers
Offers curated links to career tools (e.g., Career Pilot, National Careers Service, Careers Box videos, guides for CVs and options after key stages).
https://www.hellofuture.ac.uk/parents-carers/
 

CV Writing & Interview Support

CV support:

Interview support:

Common interview questions:

Thank You Email – https://novoresume.com/career-blog/thank-you-email-after-interview



Post-16 & Post-18 Options

Post-16 Education

Students can apply for A Levels, vocational courses, or apprenticeships. Most institutions require a minimum of 5 GCSEs at Band 4 or above.

  • National Careers Service – Qualifications Explained

Apprenticeships

University & Higher/Degree Apprenticeships


Exploring Careers

 

 

CEIAG/WRL Information – Written and updated by Mr S King (January 2026)