Careers Education, Information, Advice & Guidance

At Bishop Perowne C of E College, we place a high value on preparing our students for their future lives and potential careers

We aim to provide a strategic and integral approach to careers education, information, advice and guidance, inspiring students to think more broadly about career options.

Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) forms an integral part of student life at Bishop Perowne. Our careers strategy feeds into our pastoral work and the planning and implementation of both our Key Stage Three and Key Stage Four Curriculum.

Learn more

As well as the CEIAG programme that all students experience in Years 7-11 there is also a bespoke targeted programme run for specific student groups, such as pupil premium, SEND, and those at risk of NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training). We encourage all students to develop high aspirations and consider a broad and ambitious range of careers, whilst also considering the local labour market.
We use contacts with the world of work and further education to help students to understand where different choices can take them in the future. Each year group is given opportunities to engage with business through industry days, work experience, careers fairs, and classroom workshops.
Every department within the school has a Careers Champion and CEAIG links are fully embedded throughout our curriculum. Our Alumni are actively encouraged to discuss their careers and the routes they took to them during our success fairs. We are proud of our Gatsby Benchmark status, having so far fully achieved 7 of the 8 Gatsby Benchmarks.
We work very closely with the Careers and Enterprise Company to ensure that our careers programme is the best available in the local area. We also work very closely with our Careers and Enterprise advisors to ensure a wide variety of enterprise activities are offered throughout the academic year.
In order to measure and assess the impact of our career’s program, we use a range of indicators such as GCSE outcomes, destinations data, and the Compass tool. The Compass tool is updated on a termly basis and helps us to measure our progress against the Gatsby Benchmarks. The Gatsby Benchmarks are a framework of eight guidelines that stipulate what makes the best careers provision in schools. Further information on the Gatsby Benchmarks can be found by clicking on the link here
For further information on how we are ensuring that all of our students acquire the skills, knowledge and attitudes to manage their learning and career progression please see our CIAG Policy. This document is reviewed and updated on a termly basis.

Meet our Careers Advisor

Paul Holmes - Career Advisor

As the school Careers Advisor, Paul meets with over 250 students a year to help them with their post-16 and post-18 options and beyond.

This includes providing advice on local sixth form, college and apprenticeship offerings, as well as general career advice so that students make the right A level and college choices, that will enable them to take their chosen career path.

He has over twenty years’ experience of providing career services to individuals to help them succeed, working both in the UK and internationally. He is a Member of the Career Development Insitute and has a Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance & Development as well as an Honours Degree in Biochemistry.

He is particularly interested in the impact that AI and digital technology is having on the future of work and what your career journey make look like in the future.

Learning Journeys

Learning Journey - Year 7

In Year 7 students participate in careers week where all departments stand down the scheme of work and complete careers based lessons related to their subject (Gatsby Benchmark 4).

Students also participate in the Success Fair where alumni come and speak to students about their careers and pathways (Gatsby Benchmarks 3 and 5). As this is a carousel event all students get a choice over which of over 20 companies/ industries they wish to explore. Year 7 and 8 will also visit The University of Birmingham and the University of Oxford (Gatsby Benchmark 7) in order to raise aspirations.

Later in the Year 7 students participate in a Gender Stereotyping event where students are challenged to think about traditional job roles for each gender and to challenge this thinking (Gatsby Benchmark 5 and 6).

Finally, in the Summer Term students get to interview local Industries as part of a Speed Dating activity (Gatsby Benchmark 5 and 6). There is module around CIAG in both PSRE and Tutor time.

Learning Journey - Year 8

In Year 8 students participate in careers week where all departments stand down the scheme of work and complete careers-based lessons related to their subject (Gatsby Benchmark 4).

Students also participate in the Success Fair where alumni come and speak to students about their careers and pathways (Gatsby Benchmarks 3 and 5). As this is a carousel event all students get a choice over which of over 20 companies/ industries they wish to explore.

Year 8 students have also had subject specific CIAG events such as the photographed visit from Worcester Warriors to all pupils in Year 8.

Year 7 and 8 will also visit The University of Birmingham and the University of Oxford (Gatsby Benchmark 7) in order to raise aspirations.

Later in the Year 8 students participate in a Gender Stereotyping event where students are challenged to think about traditional job roles for each gender and to challenge this thinking (Gatsby Benchmark 5 and 6).

Finally, in the Summer Term students get to interview local Industries as part of a Speed Dating activity (Gatsby Benchmark 5 and 6). There is module around CIAG in both PSRE and Tutor time.

Learning Journey - Year 9

In Year 9 students participate in a Dragons Den activity (Gatsby Benchmark 5) where they pitch their ideas to local industries and businesses.

They also benefit from a visit from Medical Mavericks where they get to experience a variety of medical careers (Gatsby Benchmarks 5 and 6).

As students take their options in Year 9 they receive support at both parents evening and options evening from local further education providers so as to assist all students with making a decision about their curriculum (Gatsby Benchmarks 7).

Throughout the year pupils will participate in the Big Bang Fair, Worcester Skills Show, NEC Skills show and the Post 16 Fair (Gatsby Benchmarks 5,6,7).

Additionally, as students begin their option choices in Year 9 they are given the opportunity to meet Further Education providers at both Parents Evening and Options Evening (Gatsby Benchmark 7).

Students who require additional support with making their options process are in receipt of a bespoke package from the Senior Leadership Team (Gatsby Benchmark 3).

Learning Journey - Year 10

In Year 10 students participate in Mock Interviews with local industries (Gatsby Benchmark 5). Students are interviewed about their educational experiences and skill set.

Year 10 also complete a week of full time Work Experience and they will be supported by the CIAG team to secure a placement of interest to them (Gatsby Benchmarks 5 and 6).

At parents evening for Year 10 local further education providers are in attendance so as to discuss Post 16 options (Gatsby Benchmarks 7).

In the Summer Term students participate in the Post 16 Fair (Gatsby Benchmarks 5,6,7).

Work Experience - Year 10

At Bishop Perowne, we see work experience as a key opportunity for students to grow in confidence, develop employability skills, and gain real insight into the world of work.

Our programme is designed to help students explore career pathways, understand workplace expectations, and connect their learning in school to life beyond the classroom.

Through careful guidance, preparation, and support, students are encouraged to take ownership of their placements, reflect on their experiences, and identify their strengths and aspirations.

Whether gaining hands-on experience or simply exploring new environments, our approach empowers students to make informed decisions about their futures and thrive in a fast-changing world.

It is a requirement that all Year 10 students get a meaningful and purposeful work experience placement. If your son or daughter requires support for their work experience placement then please contact: workexperience@bishopperowne.co.uk

Additionally, many career areas are offering virtual work experience. If your child is interested in a career in veterinary or medicine please take the time to consider these placements as some university courses require the applicant to have a certain amount of logged work experience hours.

Learning Journey - Year 11

In Year 11 the Autumn term is mainly focused on students participating in assemblies from all the local Further Education providers (Gatsby Benchmark 7). This is run on a rotation basis and ensures that Bishop Perowne is meeting the requirements of the Baker Clause.

Year 11 also begin their one to one careers advisers appointments and these run throughout the year (Gatsby Benchmark 8).

In the Spring Term students meet the National Citizenship Service and are supported in applying for the scheme. Bishop Perowne are proud to be Gold level for the number of students that participate in the National Citizenship scheme each year.

In Year 11 are also supported via apprenticeship talks and workshops as well as CV writing and interview technique sessions with Uniconnect Gatsby Benchmark 7).

Those that require additional support in applying for further education will receive support from their tutor or SENCO team (Gatsby Benchmark 3).

During the Summer Term students are invited to attend additional workshops about post 18 choices including talks from the army and many higher apprenticeship providers (Gatsby Benchmarks 5 and 6).

Post 16 Education

EXTERNAL CAREER ADVISOR SUPPORT

We have a strong ongoing programme of external Careers Education Advice, Information and Guidance (CEIAG). Our students continue to benefit from a fully qualified and experienced enterprise adviser, Robert Price.

All Year 11 students are provided with one, two or three individual interviews and can book appointments.

College Application Website:

mychoice16.co.uk : This website is used by students to apply to Post 16 colleges in Year 11.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROVIDERS

The Careers Education and Guidance within Bishop Perowne is greatly enhanced through links with a number of partners who help the school to provide up to date information on all education and training providers within the local area.

As well as the strong links with Worcester Apprenticeship Hub and local FE and HE colleges, the school constantly strives to expand and improve links with employers and other local groups.

This involvement includes the provision of work experience placements, focus groups, assembly talks, careers workshops and mock interview sessions.

College Application Website:

mychoice16.co.uk : This website is used by students to apply to Post 16 colleges in Year 11.

Thinking about going to university?

The UCAS website for students, parents & teachers provides advice and guidance on application into higher education. Explore your options.

Thinking about Performing Arts at a Conservatoire?

Study at a conservatoire – here the emphasis is on practical development with individual tuition and performance opportunities to help you towards a career in the creative arts.

Thinking about apprenticeships?

An apprenticeship is a great way to both gain qualifications and valuable work experience whilst earning money. National Apprenticeship website provides information on apprenticeship options and current vacancies.

Not going to uni?

A website featuring a range of apprenticeship and other opportunities aimed at those students who may not wish to continue into Higher Education.

Thinking about a career in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM)?

EDT is an independent registered charity, established in 1984, running schemes to inspire and motivate young people to choose a career in STEM subjects.

Thinking about a career in law?

The UK’s most used law careers information resource providing students with legal careers information.

Thinking about TLevels?

T Levels are a brand new, 2-year qualification designed to give you a head start towards the career you want. You can do T Levels as an alternative to A levels, apprenticeships, or other post-16 courses.

They bring classroom learning and an extended industry placement together on a course designed with businesses and employers.