Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance
At Sir William Stanier School, our careers programme is designed to inspire ambition, broaden horizons and prepare students for their future.
From Year 7 to Year 11, students follow a structured journey that helps them explore their interests, understand the opportunities available to them and develop the confidence to make informed decisions about their next steps. Careers education forms part of our GROWTH Framework, supporting students to develop purpose, responsibility and ambition.
Our Careers Programme
Our programme is guided by the Gatsby Benchmarks for Good Career Guidance and provides students with a progressive range of careers experiences throughout their time at SWS.
Careers learning is embedded across the curriculum and supported by up-to-date information about education, training and employment pathways. Students benefit from employer encounters, workshops, careers activities, workplace experiences and opportunities to engage with colleges and universities.
By Year 11, all students receive personalised guidance from a qualified careers adviser, helping them make informed choices and prepare for a successful transition to post-16 education, employment or training.
Careers Contact
For further information about careers education at Sir William Stanier School, please contact:
Jess Sheridan
Assistant Headteacher (Careers Leader)
Telephone: 01270 660880
Email: jess.sheridan@sws.cheshire.sch.uk
The Gatsby Benchmarks
| Benchmark | Focus |
|---|---|
| 1. A stable careers programme | A planned and progressive programme of careers education |
| 2. Learning from career and labour market information | Understanding careers, employment trends and future opportunities |
| 3. Addressing the needs of each young person | Providing careers support that responds to individual needs and aspirations |
| 4. Linking curriculum learning to careers | Helping students understand how their subjects connect to future pathways |
| 5. Encounters with employers and employees | Learning directly from people in the world of work |
| 6. Experiences of workplaces | Gaining meaningful insight into workplace environments |
| 7. Encounters with further and higher education | Exploring the full range of education and training pathways |
| 8. Personal guidance | Accessing impartial, individual careers guidance |
Local Colleges and Post-16 Providers
Students are encouraged to explore a range of post-16 options and attend open days and events before making their choices.
| Provider | Website |
|---|---|
| Cheshire College South & West | Visit website |
| Reaseheath College | Visit website |
| Sir John Deane's Sixth Form College | Visit website |
| Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group | Visit website |
| Warrington & Vale Royal College | Visit website |
Students interested in joining a school sixth form should also explore the websites and open events of local schools.
Universities
Students considering higher education can explore the following universities as useful starting points when researching courses, entry requirements and future opportunities.
| University | Website |
|---|---|
| University of Chester | Visit website |
| Manchester Metropolitan University | Visit website |
| The University of Manchester | Visit website |
| Edge Hill University | Visit website |
| Keele University | Visit website |
| Liverpool John Moores University | Visit website |
| University of Liverpool | Visit website |
Careers Resources
The following websites provide useful information for students and families exploring careers, education, training and employment opportunities.
| Resource | What you'll find |
|---|---|
| Start Profile | Explore careers based on interests and strengths, with information about jobs, sectors and labour market opportunities. |
| National Careers Service | Independent careers advice, job profiles and guidance on education, training and employment pathways. |
| UCAS | Information about university courses, higher education, apprenticeships and career pathways. |
| Find an Apprenticeship | Search and apply for apprenticeship opportunities across England. |
| Barclays LifeSkills | Resources to develop employability, financial and workplace skills. |
| Springpod | Virtual work experience and opportunities to explore different careers and industries. |
| LMI for All | Labour market information, including employment trends, occupations and earnings. |
| Amazing Apprenticeships | Information and resources about apprenticeships and technical education pathways. |
| BBC Bitesize Careers | Career ideas, job profiles and guidance for young people. |
| NHS Health Careers | Explore careers and pathways within the NHS and healthcare sector. |
