Careers & Work Related Learning at Madeley

All students at Madeley School have the right to access high-quality, free and impartial Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) and meaningful encounters with the world of work. This entitlement begins in Year 7 and continues through to Year 11, ensuring students are well prepared for their next steps in education, employment or training.

CEIAG is delivered through discrete careers lessons, Personal Development (PD) sessions, form time activities, subject-based work-related learning, employer engagement and individual careers guidance interviews. Careers learning is embedded across the curriculum so that students can clearly see the relevance of their learning to future career pathways.

Careers Strategy and Gatsby Benchmarks

Madeley School works in partnership with Beverley Ashley from the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Careers Hub and the Careers & Enterprise Company (CEC). We are active members of the Northern Careers Hub and are committed to achieving and sustaining the Gatsby Benchmarks as the national standard for high-quality CEIAG.

The Gatsby Benchmarks define what world-class careers provision looks like and underpin our whole-school careers strategy:

  1. A stable careers programme
  2. Learning from career and labour market information
  3. Addressing the needs of each pupil
  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

Further information can be found here:

  • Gatsby Benchmarks: https://www.careersandenterprise.co.uk/gatsby-benchmarks/
  • Careers & Enterprise Company: https://www.careersandenterprise.co.uk/
  • Staffordshire Careers Hub: https://staffsandstokehub.co.uk/

Through the CEC we have a linked employer, Darren Birt, Partner at RSM Consulting, who supports strategic careers development and employer engagement.

Careers Education Partners

Mr John Knight, Careers Adviser, is in school one/two days per week, providing impartial careers advice and guidance to students in Years 10 and 11.

  • All Year 10/11 students receive at least one personal careers guidance interview

Commitment to CEIAG

The school has an ongoing commitment to continuous CEIAG development and improvement. Our careers framework outlines the planned careers learning, employer encounters and guidance opportunities for all year groups.

CEIAG is delivered:

  • Through Personal Development lessons
  • Via form tutor activities
  • Embedded across subject curricula
  • Through employer engagement events, assemblies and workshops

Careers Information, Advice and Guidance Team

Mr S King – Director of STEM, Careers and Work Related Learning
Mr King is responsible for the strategic design, delivery and evaluation of the CEIAG programme.

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 CEIAG at Madeley.

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

Mr J Knight – Careers Adviser (Changing Education)
Mr Knight provides independent, impartial careers guidance and supports applications, post-16 planning and career decision-making for students in Years 10 and 11.

Miss E Leese – Designated CEIAG Support Staff
Miss Leese supports the CEIAG team and liaises with students, staff and external agencies. Appointments can be made via the main office or email.

Tel: 01782 987800
Email: emma.leese@madeley.set.org

Unifrog at Madeley School

Madeley School uses Unifrog, an online careers and destinations platform, to support students, parents and staff with careers exploration and progression planning.

Unifrog supports delivery of the Gatsby Benchmarks, particularly benchmarks 2, 3, 7 and 8.

Website: https://www.unifrog.org/

Benefits of Unifrog

For Students

  • Explore careers, post-16 and post-18 pathways in one place
  • Research apprenticeships, T Levels, colleges, sixth forms and universities
  • Record skills, achievements and employer encounters
  • Build CVs and prepare for applications
  • Setup and recording of work experience activities and placements

For Parents/Carers

  • Access clear, up-to-date information about pathways and options
  • Support informed discussions about next steps
  • Understand labour market information and qualification routes

For Teachers and Form Tutors

  • Monitor student engagement and progression
  • Support careers conversations in lessons and form time
  • Target support for vulnerable and priority groups
  • Tracking and monitoring of work experience activities and placements

For the Careers Team

  • Track Gatsby Benchmark coverage
  • Record employer encounters and guidance interviews
  • Evaluate impact and destination outcomes
  • Tracking and monitoring of work experience activities and placements

Modern Work Experience and Employer Encounters

Madeley School delivers a modern, progressive approach to work experience, aligned with the Equalex framework, ensuring equality of access, meaningful engagement and high-quality learning outcomes.

Years 7–9

Students experience progressive workplace encounters, including:

  • Employer talks and assemblies
  • Virtual workplace visits
  • Careers workshops
  • Curriculum-linked employer projects

These experiences build career awareness, challenge stereotypes and develop employability skills from an early age.

Years 10–11

  • Year 10 students complete a one-week work experience placement
  • A structured preparation programme supports employability skills, health and safety, and workplace expectations
  • Year 11 students engage in follow-up reflection, careers guidance and post-16 planning

The Equalex framework ensures all students, including those with SEND or additional needs, have access to high-quality and inclusive experiences.

Personal Development and CEIAG

Key Stage 3

In Years 7–9, students focus on self-awareness, strengths, interests and aspirations. They are introduced to careers resources and pathways and explore how education links to future employment.

Key Stage 4

Work Related Learning continues through GCSE study, covering:

  • CV writing
  • Personal statements
  • Application forms
  • Interview skills
  • Post-16 and post-18 pathways

Support from Form Tutors and Subject Teachers

Form Tutors
Form tutors are often the first point of contact and can refer students to the CEIAG team.

Subject Teachers
Careers learning is embedded across the curriculum at Key Stages 3 and 4, helping students understand how subjects link to careers and future opportunities.

Choosing What to Study

Students are encouraged to consider:

  • Subjects they enjoy and succeed in
  • Career aspirations and required qualifications
  • Post-16 and post-18 pathways

Post-16 Pathways

Traineeships and Apprenticeships

Traineeships
A Traineeship combines work preparation, a work placement and support with English and Maths. Programmes can last up to 6 months.

Apprenticeships
Available from Intermediate to Degree level across many sectors. Apprentices earn a salary while gaining recognised qualifications.

Website: https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship

T Levels

T Levels are a high-quality technical qualification, equivalent to 3 A Levels, designed in partnership with employers.

  • Include a minimum 45-day industry placement
  • Focus on technical skills for specific sectors
  • Provide progression to employment, apprenticeships or higher education

Further information:
T Levels | The Next Level Qualification

Training Providers and Employment

Staffordshire has a wide range of training providers offering vocational and supported programmes. Students may enter employment but must continue in recognised education or training until age 18 in line with Raising the Participation Age (RPA).

Useful Websites

General Careers Advice
https://successatschool.org/
https://www.allaboutcareers.com/
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/
https://barclayslifeskills.com/

Career Exploration
https://www.u-explore.com/
https://www.careersbox.co.uk/
https://icould.com/
https://www.how2become.com/

Higher Education
https://www.ucas.com/