Careers

At Thirsk School, our Careers Education, Information, Adviceand Guidance (CEIAG) programme begins in Year 7 and continues throughout school, with support available up to and beyond Year 13 for those who need it. We want every student to feel confident and informed about their future choices, and their future is at the heart of everything we do for them.

Each year, we offer a comprehensive programme of careers-related events, including:

• Opportunities to meet a wide range of employers and apprenticeship providers
• Work experience placements
• University and college talks
• Careers and apprenticeship fairs
• Mock interviews and CV workshops
• Other tailored opportunities to inspire and prepare students

Our aim is to motivate students by helping them understand their strengths, ambitions, and aptitudes, and to plan for progression pathways that suit them. The programme is flexible and adapts as new opportunities arise. Some events are tailored towards specific year groups and others are open to all.

How We Support Your Child

Our CEIAG programme is strengthened by both curriculum and extra-curricular activities. Students can take part in ‘CV-building’ experiences such as leadership roles, music and drama productions, sports teams, volunteering, and school service. These activities develop character and skills that employers value.

We also embed career-linked learning within subjects and focus on developing 21st-century skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and digital literacy—skills that are essential for success in today’s workplace.

Our Commitment to Every Student

Careers education is an entitlement for all students. We provide individual support wherever possible because we believe every child matters equally and deserves access to high-quality advice and guidance.

We encourage students to aim high and consider a broad range of career options. For some, this means preparing for applications to selective universities; for others, it means exploring technical routes, apprenticeships, or direct entry into employment.

Meeting National Standards – The Gatsby Benchmarks

Our work is aligned with the Gatsby Benchmarks, the national framework for excellent careers provision. These eight benchmarks ensure your child receives the best possible guidance:

1. A Stable Careers Programme – Careers education is planned, reviewed, and embedded in school life.
2. Learning from Labour Market Information – Students and parents have access to up-to-date information about jobs and future opportunities.
3. Addressing the Needs of Each Student – Support is tailored to every student, ensuring that individual needs are met and that opportunities are accessible to all, including those with special educational needs, disabilities, or who may face additional challenges.
4. Linking Curriculum Learning to Careers – Teachers show how subjects connect to real jobs and skills.
5. Encounters with Employers – Students meet employers and learn what skills are valued in the workplace.
6. Experiences of Workplaces – Every student has meaningful work experience in Years 10 and 12.
7. Encounters with Further and Higher Education – Students learn about all routes: university, college, apprenticeships, and technical qualifications.
8. Personal Guidance – Every student has at least two one-to-one careers interviews: one by age 16 and another by age 18.

Careers Leadership and Guidance

Careers Leader: Ms K Fulford oversees our careers strategy and ensures compliance with national standards.
Independent Careers Adviser: Emily Robinson provides impartial guidance to students in KS4 and KS5. Students can visit Emily in the Careers Office for advice or book an appointment via Mrs Gill. (sarah.gill@thirskschool.org)

‍Careers Information

The Careers Library is well-stocked with further education and higher education prospectuses. Online platforms such as Xello, icould.com and local labour market information help students research career pathways, apprenticeships, and higher education. Job and apprenticeship vacancies are shared electronically with parents/carers.

Main School Guidance Programme

We deliver a structured programme covering transitions, career areas, labour market information, and employability skills. Curriculum learning is linked to careers, and students have opportunities to develop work-related skills.

We bring in external speakers, arrange visits, and provide tailored placements for Year 10–13 students. Our strong links with local businesses—including our “Business Friends of Thirsk School”—and alumni help us offer meaningful experiences.

We also work with local organisations to support CV writing, mock interviews, and personalised guidance.

Work Experience and Employability

All students undertake work experience in Years 10 and 12. These placements are supported by the North Yorkshire Business Education Partnership (NYBEP) and often lead to lasting employer relationships and future opportunities.

Sixth Form Guidance Programme

Careers support is embedded throughout Sixth Form and delivered through a specialised Guidance Programme. This includes UCAS advice, apprenticeship guidance, and employability skills.

We maintain close links with employers and monitor apprenticeship opportunities to help students choose the right path. The programme also covers support with the UCAS process, writing personal statements and CVs, health and wellbeing, driving safety, and study skills, supported by external speakers and our own pastoral staff.

Parents’ evenings include a Year 12 Welcome Evening and aYear 13 University Application Evening, alongside subject-based evenings. Our team of advisers and tutors work closely with students to track aspirations and support next steps.

Monitoring and Impact

We measure success through destination tracking, student feedback, and engagement data. Our aim is simple: to inspire and encourage every student to achieve their full potential and lead happy, successful lives.

Newsletters

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(This page is currently being updated. Soon, you’ll find a selection of carefully chosen links to useful and inspiring websites designed to support students and their families with careers information, guidance, and opportunities.)

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‍Local Employer's List for Thirsk Area

Spreadsheet

Provider Access Policy – Careers

Key Staff: