Outwood Academy Bishopsgarth, in Stockton-on-Tees, has been recognised for its outstanding careers work. The school has been awarded the national Quality in Careers Standard awarded 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.

Outwood Academy Bishopsgarth is an Ofsted rated ‘Good’ school, continually working to improve the chances and opportunities of 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 the head teacher, governors and leadership team at Outwood Academy Bishopsgarth 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 work of work and help them make decisions about life after school including work experience with local employers, college-based vocational days, careers workshops and regular careers guidance.

Katherine Ralph, Careers Lead for the academy, said:

“As a careers team we have endeavoured to give our pupils every opportunity to experience the world of work. We’ve had guest speakers from local colleges in to discuss further education options, through to the recent workshops which were delivered by Channel 4 to inspire students with career paths they may not have considered. Gaining the Quality in Careers Standard is a wonderful achievement and investment for our future at Outwood Academy Bishopsgarth.”

Jason Rhodes, Head of School at Outwood Academy Bishopsgarth, added:

“This accomplishment exemplifies our dedication to ensuring every student receives consistent support and guidance in making important decisions about their future. It demonstrates our commitment to transforming lives through education.”