Outwood Academy Freeston in Normanton 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 Freeston continually works to improve the chances and opportunities for all 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 demonstrates that the principal, governors and leadership team at the academy 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 including visits to local businesses, colleges and universities, mock interviews, careers events and delivery of careers content in the curriculum - all of which help students make decisions about their futures.

Tom Daniels, Vice Principal, at Outwood Academy Freeston said:

“We are delighted to achieve the Quality in Careers Standard as it confirms the importance we place on careers education. It was lovely to read the report and see students comment on their experiences in the academy.

“Our work on careers is vital as it highlights all the different future opportunities available to students when they leave us. It is fantastic to see students develop throughout their time with us to ensure they have a positive destination when they leave Year 11.”

Lisa Allott, Principal, added:

“I am extremely proud of how far our careers programme has come since the academy joined Outwood Grange Academies Trust in 2018. We chose to take the national Quality in Careers Standard to show our ongoing commitment to careers, benchmark our current practice and look at future developments. The process has been fantastic for us.

“We recognise the important role school plays in helping students develop their knowledge, skills and experience so they are equipped to go out into the world and achieve personal success. This standard has provided a flexible framework that enabled us to audit our work on careers and ensure our students are receiving advice, practical support and experience so they are prepared for the next stage of their education, employment, self-employment or training.”