Careers Information for Students

Careers & Work Related Learning at Madeley

At Madeley School, we are committed to supporting all students to make informed, ambitious and realistic choices about their futures. As a student, you are entitled to access high-quality Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) throughout your time at school.

Careers learning takes place through Personal Development lessons, subject lessons, employer encounters, online careers platforms, and work experience opportunities, ensuring you are well prepared for further education, training or employment.

Who can I get careers information and guidance from?

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. You will have one or more careers interviews with him during your time at Madeley.

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

Form Tutors
Your form tutor will support you with option choices, careers activities and future planning.

Subject Teachers
Your teachers regularly link subjects to careers and help you understand how your learning connects to future pathways.

Parents/Carers
Your parents and carers are an important source of support and guidance when making career decisions.

 

Unifrog – Your Online Careers Platform

All students at Madeley have access to Unifrog, our online careers and destinations platform.

https://www.unifrog.org

Unifrog helps you to:

  • Explore careers linked to your interests and strengths
  • Learn about different subjects and where they can lead
  • Research colleges, sixth forms, apprenticeships and universities
  • Record skills, achievements and reflections
  • Prepare for applications, CVs and interviews
  • Set up and record work experience activities and placements  

You will use Unifrog regularly in Personal Development lessons and may also be set tasks by your teachers.

 

Careers Learning and Work Experience

Years 7–9: Exploring the World of Work

In Years 7–9, careers education focuses on exploration and aspiration. Activities include:

  • Learning about different job sectors and pathways
  • Employer talks and virtual encounters
  • Skills development linked to lessons
  • Introduction to Unifrog and careers research
  • Modern workplace challenges and employability skills
  • Careers and work related learning focused visits/trips

These experiences help you understand how school subjects connect to real jobs and future opportunities.

Years 10–11: Preparing for the Future

In Years 10 and 11, careers learning becomes more focused on decision-making and progression, including:

  • Career interviews with a qualified adviser
  • Post-16 options guidance
  • CV writing and interview skills
  • Employer engagement activities
  • Work Experience preparation and reflection

Year 10 Work Experience

In Year 10, you will complete a one-week work experience placement in July.
A structured preparation programme helps you develop key employability skills such as communication, teamwork and professionalism.

The Equalex Framework

Madeley School follows the Equalex Careers Framework, which ensures all students have equal access to careers opportunities, regardless of background or starting point.

The framework focuses on:

  • Fair access to guidance and employer encounters
  • Challenging stereotypes
  • Raising aspirations
  • Supporting informed and confident decision-making

This approach ensures every student is supported to succeed.

 

What are my options for Post-16 Education and career choices?

After Year 11, you can choose from a range of pathways, including:

  • A Levels
  • Level 3 vocational courses
  • Apprenticeships
  • Traineeships

Most post-16 providers require at least 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, although individual courses may have additional requirements.

What do the different levels of study mean?

  • Level 1 – GCSEs below grade 4
  • Level 2 – GCSEs at grade 4–5
  • Level 3 – A Levels, BTEC Level 3, T Levels

For more information visit the National Careers Service:
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk

Choosing what to study

Choosing your subjects or pathway requires careful thought and research. Consider:

  • What you enjoy
  • What you are good at
  • What careers they could lead to

More information can be found in the Our Curriculum section of the school website.

Useful Careers Websites

Post-16 Schools and Colleges

Traineeships and Apprenticeships

A Traineeship combines training with a work placement.
An Apprenticeship allows you to earn while you learn and gain a nationally recognised qualification.

Useful links:

Introduction to Apprenticeships assembly video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VZdkVdlws4

Employment

Due to Raising the Participation Age (RPA), you must remain in education or training until the age of 18. Any employment must include recognised accredited training.

Post-Year 13 Options

University

Higher and Degree Apprenticeships

CV Writing and Interview Skills

CV support:

Interview support:

Common interview questions:

Psychometric tests:
https://practicereasoningtests.com/psychometric-tests

 

Labour Market Information Tools

Careerometer
https://www.lmiforall.org.uk/careerometer/

Compare pay, working hours and future prospects for different jobs.

Skillsometer
https://www.lmiforall.org.uk/skillsometer/

Discover careers linked to what you enjoy and your skills.

Careers Programme

Madeley School has an ongoing commitment to CEIAG development. Careers education is delivered through Personal Development, subject lessons and employer engagement activities across all year groups.

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