Outwood Academy Acklam achieves quality standard for careers work

Outwood Academy Acklam has been awarded the national Quality in Careers Standard under licence by Ixion (Part of the Shaw Trust Group). The Quality in Careers Standard is awarded to schools and education providers who can demonstrate the importance they place on careers and how they support students to make decisions about their life after school.

The school, which is rated ‘Good’ in all areas by Ofsted, is continually working to improve the chances and opportunities for all the students. Recognising the importance of preparing students for their future careers, the school began working towards the national Quality in Careers Standard.

There is a statutory duty to ‘secure independent careers guidance’ for all students from year 8 onwards and the Government also recommends that all schools should be required to work towards the national Quality in Careers Standard.

Achieving the national Quality in Careers Standard shows that the head teacher, governors, and leadership team embrace, promote and endorse quality careers education and recognise the part it plays in the overall success of the school and its students. The school offers a range of activities to introduce students to the world of work and help them make decisions about life after school, such as careers fairs, college visits, CV skills workshops, work experience, one-to-one careers advice, and talks from external companies across a wide range of industries.

Graham Birrell, vice principal at Outwood Academy Acklam, said:

“We are immensely proud that we’ve achieved this prestigious award. It serves as a powerful recognition of our dedication to equipping students with the tools and foresight they need for their futures; a process we believe is crucial to begin as early as possible.”