Careers and Transitions

It is our aim for every pupil to complete Year 11, and leave Endeavour Academy prepared for life in the real world with the ability to manage challenges and their own emotions. The Careers programme is created to enhance pupils’ prospects, encouraging them to build positive relationships within our community and create opportunities for them to gain the knowledge and skills for future learning and employment.  

At Endeavour Academy we are committed to providing all pupils with a planned programme, information, advice and guidance preparing them for the challenges and opportunities of further education, training and working life, therefore reducing the risk of becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training). 

Each curriculum area within this school promotes links with the world of work through their; curriculum delivery plans, trips and displays. 

The tutor programme also has a dedicated week to careers each full term where pupils can learn about the different paths they can take post 16 to ensure they have a broad and balanced career understanding of the routes that are available to them.

 

Endeavour Academy Careers Lead:

Emma Seffens

Email: office@endeavour.lseat.org.uk | Tel: 01322 553 787

 

Pupil Zone

It’s never too soon to start thinking about what you want to do after you leave school. 

Things like where you live, what grades you’re likely to get and what you’re interested in can help you make informed choices about your future. Often, the choice is between sixth form, college, an apprenticeship or specialist training provider.

So far, your education has probably been set out for you – from primary to secondary school. You have most-likely not had to think about ‘what next’ – but now you’re expected to know what you want to do?

First – don’t panic! You may feel that this is the most important decision of your life, but it isn’t a final choice for example; if you choose to go to college but find an opportunity within an apprenticeship it is ok to change your mind.

Doing some research into your options is always going to help with making the right choice for you. Try to ignore what your friends are doing (at least just for a moment) and focus on what you want to achieve for yourself. The careers and transition team will help you explore your options and interests and submit applications.

Colleges

Colleges are separate from schools, so everyone turns up on their first day as a new student. Colleges tend to offer A levels, NVQs, Diplomas and Foundation Learning. Sometimes colleges specialise; for example, you might have an agricultural college that does farming and animal care related courses, or a catering college that specialises in cookery courses.

Traineeships

Traineeships are designed to help young people who want to get an apprenticeship or job but don’t yet have appropriate skills or experience.

Traineeships are an ideal opportunity for young people, aged 16 to 24, who are motivated to get a job but lack the skills and experience that employers are looking for.

Those who have been unsuccessful when applying for an apprenticeship or other job due to a lack of skills and experience are most likely to be good candidates for a traineeship.

Apprenticeships

With an apprenticeship, you would be working for an employer, earning a wage (in 2025, the minimum wage for a 16-year-old apprentice is £7.55 an hour) and studying for a qualification (often an NVQ) at the same time. You would be linked with a college or training provider to make sure you get all of your work done for your qualification.

An apprenticeship offers an alternative path into employment. Sure, it hasn’t got the academic edge of going to university, but an apprenticeship should leave you more prepared for the workplace – which is the final destination anyway! An apprenticeship will teach you a skill or trade, while offering on-the-job experience and a pay-packet. There are a surprisingly wide range of apprenticeships available to search now in a variety of job sectors.

Sixth forms

Sixth forms are often attached to a school. There are advantages and disadvantages to this. If it’s the school you’ve already been at for a few years, you’ll feel comfortable and know your way around. Some people can find attending a completely new school a bit scary because lots of people there will already know each other. At sixth form you will work towards achieving A-Levels which are usually needed to attend university. 

What grades do you need?

The table below shows the different qualification levels. Often, to get onto a course at a particular level, you will need to have already achieved the level below the one you’re applying for. For example, to get onto a Level 2 National Diploma you will often be asked to have some GCSEs at grades 4-1. The higher the GCSE grades, the higher the level of course you can start on.

There are some courses where you will need to start on Level 1 or Level 2, even if you get good GCSE results. This is often for practical courses, like hairdressing, construction, catering and animal care.

 

College 

• London South East Colleges https://www.lsec.ac.uk/ 
• Shooters Hill Sixth Form College https://www.shc.ac.uk/ 
• North Kent College https://www.northkent.ac.uk/ 

 

• Traineeship -https://www.gov.uk/find-traineeship 
• Apprenticeships - https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/
• Amazing Apprenticeships – https://amazingapprenticeships.com/about-ask/
• Sixth Forms - https://www.youthemployment.org.uk/advice-for-starting-sixth-form-tips-for-success/
• Online Career Coach -  https://lsec.lightcastcc.com/browse-careers?region=LSEC%20College%20area%20&radius=
• Independent career guidance - https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/

Financial Support - As a 16 to 19 year old student you may be able to get help with money.  

There are two types of 16 to 19 bursary:

Vulnerable student bursary

Depending on your circumstances you could get a bursary of up to £1,200 to help with living costs, such as books, specialist clothing, transport, and food. 

This group includes: 

• People in care
• Care leavers
• People claiming income support 
• Disabled young people who receive Employment Support Allowance and Disability Living Allowance

 

Discretionary bursary 
You could get a discretionary bursary if you need financial help but don’t qualify for a vulnerable student bursary. Your education or training provider decides how much you get and what it’s used for. 

 

How is your bursary paid? 
Your education or training provider will decide how you get your bursary. You might be: 

• Paid in full or in instalments 
• Paid in cash, by cheque or through a bank account 
• Given things like a travel pass, free meals or books instead of money 
• Some providers also offer one off payments to cover study trips or travel for university interviews. 

 

Your provider will set conditions that students should meet to receive a bursary, for example, linked to behaviour or attendance and your bursary can be stopped if you break the rules. For more information please visit https://www.gov.uk/1619-bursary-fund/what-youll-get

Post 16

Due to the changes in Government legislation to raise the participation age to 18 years, the Careers and Transition team also support and track our school leavers through guidance, support and the monitoring of placement progress.

We also work in liaison with support services and agencies such the Youth Offending Team, CSC, Porchlight, St Giles and more, in relation to those most at risk of or who have become NEET. All work with post-statutory students adheres to the expectations outlined in the Academies Safeguarding Policy and as such all safeguarding concerns are responded to accordingly.

Students are tracked and supported for two years once they have completed their education. During their third year support is only available upon students request.

Post Statutory - Year 1 (School - Year 12) Support Service		Post Statutory - Year 2 (School - Year 13) Support Service		Post Statutory - Year 3 (School - Year 14) Support Service
Young people that are EET (in Education, employment or training)	Young people that are NEET (not in Education, employment or training)	Young people that are EET (in Education, employment or training)	Young people that are NEET (not in Education, employment or training)	Young people that are EET (in Education, employment or training)	Young people that are NEET (not in Education, employment or training)
Termly calls / emails to confirm destination and progress.   Professional 1:1 support advice and guidance meetings available upon request.   Communication with professionals when required	Termly  calls / emails to confirm destination and progress.   Professional 1:1 support advice and guidance meetings available upon request   Communication with professionals when required   Contact to support student needs   Support with signposting and referrals to suitable education or training providers	Calls / emails to confirm destination and progression Terms 1, 3 and 5.   Professional 1:1 support advice and guidance meetings available upon request   Communication with professionals when required	Termly calls / emails to confirm destination and progress.   Professional 1:1 support advice and guidance meetings offered    Communication with professionals when required   Contact to support student needs   Support with signposting and referrals to suitable education or training providers	Calls / emails to confirm destination and progress between Terms 1 and 2 (Sept - Dec).   Professional 1:1 support advice and guidance meetings available upon request.	Calls / emails to confirm destination and progress between Terms 1 and 2 (Sept - Dec).   Professional 1:1 support advice and guidance meetings available upon request.

Parents and Carers

Parent/Carer checklist:

• Encourage your child to research their options
• Check the dates of Post-16 & college open events and put them in your diary
• Encourage your child to discuss their options with their school’s careers and transition team, or contact the National Careers Service
• Ensure application forms are completed and submitted on time, sixth form and college applications typically open in October
• If your child is interested in an apprenticeship or traineeship get them to register with the National Apprenticeship Service – a number of larger companies advertise their apprenticeship opportunities for school leavers between November and February
• Sign-up for the London Borough of Bexley’s Jobs & Opportunities for Young People Newsletter to receive information and inspiration on post-16 opportunities, and encourage your son or daughter to do the same
• If you are worried about finances contact sixth forms, colleges and training providers and ask about the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund
• Support your child to develop a back-up plan, just in case

Useful links –

• Talking Futures -  https://www.talkingfutures.org.uk/

Careers Programme

Year 11
	Learning Intent	Activity	Gatsby Benchmark
Autumn Term Sept-Feb	To discuss career interests and aspirations with a professional independent advisor in line with LMI and create a career action plan that supports EHCP. To encourage parental / guardian support with exploring opportunities and making career decisions. To gain information and knowledge of local and national; further education, higher education and employer opportunities. To have an insight on what local colleges offer and the entry requirements The opportunity to develop communication skills needed in interviews.	1:1 Career Guidance Session Parent information session London Job Show  Further & Higher education visits / open days/online presentations Talk the Talk Skills and strengths oracy workshop (Jack Petchey)	2,3,5,7,8
Spring Term  Feb-April	To have knowledge around a variety of career paths and understanding of routes to meet goals including Apprenticeships and T Levels. To link Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths to careers and challenging stereotypes.  To identify interview techniques and how to implement them. Personal Development, Careers exploration and Aspiration raising.	Provider / Employer Assembly  Further & Higher education visits / open days.  External STEM demonstration activity Mock Interviews Careers Drop down day – Whole School First aid training Year 10 and 11	2,3,4,5,7
Summer Term  April- July	To be informed of what an employer expects to see on a CV To improve confidence around transitioning to new provision.	CV Workshop College transition tours / taster days.	3,8
Year 10
Autumn Term	To identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. To gain information and knowledge of local and national; further education, higher education and employer opportunities.	1:1 / Group SWOT Analysis  KS4 Residential  The King’s Trust London Job Show	3,5,7,8
Spring Term	To have knowledge around a variety of career paths and understanding of routes to meet goals including Apprenticeships and T Levels. Linking Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths to careers and challenging stereotypes.  To identify interview techniques and how to implement them. Personal Development, Careers exploration and Aspiration raising.	Provider / Employer Assembly (x2) External STEM demonstration activity Mock Interviews Careers Drop down day – Whole School First aid training  Tate Modern Museum Science Museum	2,4,5,7
Summer Term	To understand how to open a bank account, manage money and credit. To gain first-hand experience in a workplace environment To discuss career interests with a professional independent advisor in line with LMI and create a personalised career action plan	External Banking workshop Work Experience/ work shadowing (1:1 support will be given to those pupils that need it)  1:1 Career Guidance Session – Action planning	2,3,6,8
KS3
Autumn Term	Grow throughout life Grow throughout life by learning and reflecting on yourself, your background, and your strengths. Identify personal skills and strengths	PSHE Lessons: Developing resilience and emotional literacy.  Managing behaviour.  British Values.	3,5
Spring Term	Personal development, Careers exploration and aspiration raising. Create opportunities by being proactive and building positive relationships with others.	Careers Drop down day – Whole School Provider Visit PSHE Lessons:  Leadership qualities Create a personal development plan	2,3,5,7
Summer Term	Explore the full range of possibilities open to you and learn about recruitment processes and the culture of different workplaces Linking Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths to careers and challenging stereotypes	PSHE Lessons: Stereotypes and prejudice Finance, income and expenditure Year 9 Tutor group assembly- Q&A all things work experience ahead of going out on work experience next year.  1:1 meetings	2,4

Careers Policy

 

 

 

Careers & Transition Policy

academic year 2025/26

1. Statement of Intention

It is our aim for every pupil to complete year 11, prepared for life in modern Britain. This policy framework aims to enhance pupils' prospects, encouraging them to contribute to their communities and preparing them for the challenges and opportunities of further education, training and working life including local and national labour market information to reduce their risk of becoming NEET (not in Education, Employment or Training). This will be delivered through a programme of careers education, information, advice and guidance that is in line with the updated Statutory Careers Guidance for Schools (updated 8th May 2025).

 

Our Careers policy is set up to provide each pupil with the skills and confidence to make well

informed decisions regarding their future. We encourage every individual to have high aspirations for themselves and we provide support and encouragement every step of the way.

 

The Careers Leader at Endeavour Academy Bexley is Emma Seffens.

1. Delivery 

High quality, careers guidance is crucial in helping and ensuring our pupils emerge from school fully rounded and ready for the world of work. It is our intention to ensure that our pupils are well-informed when making pathway choices and career decisions. 

 

Impartial advice and guidance sessions are offered to all pupils that attend Endeavour in KS3 & KS4 and are adapted in order to meet pupils' individual needs where required. Pupils will be encouraged to set goals and create personal action plans to support their decision making which is reviewed regularly. 

 

Careers is delivered via:

• PSHE Lessons KS3 and via Personal Growth lessons in KS4.
• Activities during Tutor times for all year groups to promote awareness of a wide range of

   career opportunities and progression routes.

• Career displays around the schools and in each department area.
• Work Experience/ Work Shadowing
• Guest speakers
• Visits to and by local post 16 providers
• Careers information for parents at Academic Review days
• Careers action planning – one to one Careers interviews
• School website has a dedicated Careers area.

In order to ensure we are compliant with the careers guidance and legal duties we follow the 8 Gatsby Benchmarks with the aim to meet 100% in all 8 areas. The 8 benchmarks are: 

                                     Further information regarding the Benchmarks can be found at:

http://www.gatsby.org.uk/education/focus-areas/good-career-guidance

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/664319/Careers_strategy.pdf

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/careers-guidance-provision-for-young-people-in-schools

 

*Example delivery plan

 

3.0 School responsibility

• To ensure pupils receive independent and impartial career guidance and advice that covers a wide range of education and training options.
• To provide careers, financial and enterprise awareness through lessons, assemblies, tutor time and/or 1-2-1 sessions.
• To use a variety of methods to engage and inspire pupils based on their individual learning styles and needs. 
• To provide an encounter with further education, higher education (including T Levels), traineeships, apprenticeships and employers. 
• To prepare pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life.
• To arm pupils with careers information in a variety of formats to meet individual needs.
• To enable pupils to understand and interpret local and national careers information to assist them in making informed choices. 
• To help pupils develop their further education and career awareness to enable them to manage personal career development and make appropriate choices.
• To enable pupils to manage transitions such as the change from school to further education or to apprenticeships within the workplace. 
• To enable Year 10 pupils to experience the world of work through Work Experience or Work Shadowing.
• To offer support for pupils to engage and maintain post statutory placements.
• To introduce and encourage consideration of Apprenticeships, T Levels and University.
• To work with Prospects, as the Bexley SEN commissioned service. 

• To provide staff with access to resources to support the delivery of career related lessons and any relevant qualifications.

• To work in liaison with local and national partnership agencies in order to promote Education, Employment and Training (EET) and reduce pupils from becoming Not in Education, Employment and Training (NEET). 

 

4.0 Post Statutory Support Offer 

As part of the Careers Strategy 2017 and the 8 Gatsby Benchmarks 2018, there is a responsibility to offer support, track and monitor pupils who complete their year 11 statutory education with Endeavour for three years. We offer a voluntary programme where students are offered support and guidance. 

• All pupils (16-17 years) are tracked and offered support every term throughout the first academic year post leaving  year 11. 
• Second year, pupils (17–18 years) will be contacted every other term and support offered to those that are NEET or at High risk of becoming NEET. Pupils that are EET may also request further support at any point throughout the academic year if required. 
• Final third year (18-19 years), young people will be tracked and signposted within the first three terms of the academic year (Sept – Dec). However pupils may contact the service for support or signposting until the end of the academic year.

This process is on a voluntary basis, young people have the ability to revoke the agreement at any stage. Equally, the agreement may be terminated should the pupil not engage with the service and all methods of engagement have been exhausted. 

In this scenario, pupils will be formally informed of this decision and signposted to an alternative support service.  

The Careers Lead will work in partnership with relevant SEN departments within Local Authorities ensuring pupils with Education Health Care Plans (EHCP) are completed thoroughly and promptly and shared with proposed Colleges or training providers within specified timeframes (prior to March). It is the responsibility of the Local Authority to ensure consultations take place with providers and to work in partnership with the Careers Lead to ensure providers are named on pupil’s plans before the end of the academic year. This should be undertaken in a timely manner to prevent our young peoples’ future pathways being negatively affected. 

 

5.0 Partnership working / Stakeholders

Our aim is to ensure pupils are able to make informed choices that are appropriate and sustainable. In order for this to be achieved, Careers & Transition staff are required to have a wide range of local knowledge and excellent professional working relationships both internally and externally.  Partners may include, but not limited to;

 

• Parents/carers
• Bexley & surrounding area Colleges (Kent, Greenwich etc)
• 6th Form Schools
• Prospects (Independent Careers Advisers)
• Bexley SEN Department 
• Local Training Providers 
• Local/National Employers 
• Bexley Children's Social Care
• Bexley Youth Offending Team
• Community Safety
• Virtual Schools
• School Welfare Officers 
• Heads of School 
• London Enterprise Advisor Network

The Careers and Transition staff work closely with services commissioned by the Local Authority safeguarding pupils by sharing destination data which prevents young people from being NEET within the community. 

 

Careers education and inspiration is the responsibility of all staff within Endeavour Academy and we aim to embed a common careers thread through our curriculum.

 

Endeavour Academy advocates appropriate work experience/ work shadowing opportunities for KS4 pupils. Families are informed and communicated with throughout the process and work experience forms are completed.  All pupils on placement are covered by the employers’ insurance and places of work are risk assessed prior to commencement regarding suitability. Pupils who do not take part in work experience must attend schools as usual. Staff work collaboratively to ensure safeguarding concerns and risk factors are taken into consideration and work is delivered in line with Working Together to Safeguard Children March 2015 (updated May 2025). The careers lead will communicate and work with external agencies with a common aim of working in the pupils best interest. 

6.0 Governor Responsibilities

The governing body will ensure that the School has a clear policy on Careers Education, Information and Guidance (CEIAG) and that this is clearly communicated to all stakeholders. They should ensure that this policy is based on the eight Gatsby Benchmarks and is meeting the school’s legal requirements

The governing body will ensure that arrangements are in place to allow a range of educational and training providers to access pupils in Years 7 – 11.

There will be a member of the governing body who takes a strategic interest in CEIAG and encourages employer engagement.

 

7.0 Provider Access

All pupils in years 7-11 are entitled: 

- To find out about technical education qualifications and apprenticeships opportunities, as part  of our careers programme which provides information on the full range of education and training options available at each transition point.

- To hear from local providers about the opportunities they offer, including technical education and apprenticeships – through options events, assemblies and discussions.

- To understand how to make applications for the full range of academic and technical courses. 

 

8.0 Evaluation, Monitoring & CPD

The careers programme is monitored through a range of processes including: 

• Careers Development plan 
• The use of Career and Enterprise Compass Tool to assess provision against the Gatsby benchmarks. This allows us to quickly and easily assess our strengths and identify areas for improvement. 
• Attainment and achievement
• Post statutory destination sustainability
• NEET / EET Data
• Pupil, Staff, Parent and external visitor feedback 

 

As stated in the Statutory Careers guidance for governing bodies, school leaders and school staff. We provide relevant information about all pupils to local authority support services. This includes:

1. basic information such as the pupil’s name, address and date of birth;
2. intended post statutory destinations

Data is collected, stored and shared in line with GDPR expectations and guidelines. 

 

Statutory Delivery & Engagement Data – Collected Termly (1-6)

Key Stage 3

Workshop / activities,  Pupil contact including; home visits, emails and telephone calls. External contact including; meetings, emails and telephone calls.

Key Stage 4

1:1 sessions,  Workshop / activities,  Pupil contact including; home visits, emails and telephone calls. External contact; meetings, emails and telephone calls. Work experience/ Work Shadowing Applications made

 

Post Statutory Delivery & Engagement Data – Collected Termly (1-6)

Age 16-19 years (3 year post statutory period)

Pupil contact including; home visits, emails and telephone calls. External contact; meetings, emails and telephone calls. Current status (EET/NEET) including a brief update summary of support given/offered.

 

9.0 Staff CPD

Staff training and CPD needs in relation to CEIAG are identified in conjunction with school INSET/CPD and through performance management and staff appraisals. Careers Leader attends Careers meetings hosted by relevant providers.

 

Document Revision

Date	Who	Description
Sep 2015	JB	Initial Version
Sep 2016	JB	Reviewed
Sep 2017	JB	Reviewed
Dec 2017	JH	Re-formatted
Dec 2018	JB & AP	Reviewed
Sep 2019	JB & AP	Reviewed
Nov 2019	Governors	Ratified
Dec 2020	JB & AP	Reviewed
Sep 2021	AP	Reviewed
Sep 2022	AP	Reviewed
Sep 2023	AP	Reviewed
Jan 2023	AP	Reviewed
May 2025	CR	Reviewed