Category: Careers Hub

Posted on

Hub Newsletter Education – 25.03.2026

Spotlight: What the 2024/25 Future Skills Questionnaire tells us – and how your school can use its own insights


The South Midlands Careers Hub Career Readiness Insight Briefing draws on the largest dataset we’ve ever had: 12,418 learners across 51 schools took part in 2024/25, giving us unprecedented insight into how young people understand pathways, develop essential skills, and shape their aspirations as they move through secondary education. The regional trends continue to show:

Career readiness improves with age, rising from 48% in Year 7 to 59% by Year 11.

Understanding of apprenticeships more than doubles from Year 7 to Year 11 (37% → 78%).

Essential skills develop unevenly, with creativity and problem‑solving strengthening over time, but teamwork, leadership and listening dipping in KS3–KS4.

Aspirations change significantly post‑16, with large increases in interest in research/science, health, finance and professional services.

A notable proportion of learners still select “none of the above,” signalling the need for continued exposure to diverse pathways.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU AS A CAREER LEADER

While the regional analysis provides helpful context, it’s your individual FSQ data that can directly shape meaningful improvements in your school. Here are some practical ways to use your dashboards:

1. Identify where career readiness dips or accelerates
Look at patterns across year groups to target support where it’s needed most.

2. Understand how essential skills are developing
FSQ provides clear insight into Skills Builder competencies.

3. Align aspirations with local growth sectors
Compare your learners’ top job/sector interests with the South Midlands priority sectors.
Where sectors show lower interest, you can plan targeted encounters, curriculum links or employer engagements.

4. Tailor your support to key groups
Use filters for SEND, pupil premium or individual year groups to spot patterns.
The report shows SEND learners consistently below national benchmarks, so personalised support may be particularly valuable.

5. Use FSQ as evidence to strengthen your strategic careers plan
Your findings can feed directly into: Gatsby Benchmark priorities, Provider Access Legislation (PAL) planning, curriculum development, SLT and governor reporting, employer and alumni engagement plans.

The FSQ provides a powerful evidence base to support schools in designing a careers programme shaped by the needs, aspirations and skills of their learners, enabling them to develop both a strong universal offer for all students and targeted interventions for those who need additional opportunities.

Thank you to those of you that joined us for our latest CPD session BM5 & BM6: Engaging Employers Through Building Trusted Partnerships . A link to the recording is HERE and presentation available to download below.

BM5 & BM6: Engaging Employers Through Building Trusted Partnerships

Compass, compass, compass – as we are sure you are all aware we are fast approaching the end of our spring compass self evaluation window. Please ensure you complete this before the end of term. Reminder that you can copy across your previous evaluation and then make any changes to update it. Yvonne has recorded a handy 60 second demo of how to do this here We have also updated the South Midlands careers Hub question by question guidance which can be found here.

One of the most frequently asked questions we had when supporting autumn self evaluations was around sustained and longer term destination data – we have added some guidance and resources linked to this here

Navigating DfE Destination DataHow to find and use KS4 and 16-18 performance tables to evaluate your careers programmeVideo
Navigating DfE Destination DataHow to find, create and use sustained and longer term destinations data to evaluate your careers programmeVideo
Using destinations data to evaluate your careers programmeReflective questions to consider when using destinations data to evaluate your careers programmeResource

Inclusion Conference
1st July 2026
Sponsored by
South Midlands Local Skills Improvement Plan

South Midlands Careers Hub Inclusion Conference – Wednesday 1st July 2026
We will be hosting our second Inclusion Conference on 1st July 2026 at King’s House, Bedford. With inclusion and impact for every young person embedded throughout the Gatsby Benchmarks, the conference will focus on what effective inclusive practice looks like across our settings. 
We will also explore the Department for Education’s “Every Child Thriving and Achieving” White Paper and consider its implications for Careers Education and Preparation for Adulthood.
The conference is open to Careers Leaders in SEND and AP settings, SENCos from mainstream settings, FE SEND Departments and employers. Careers Leaders from mainstream are welcome to join their SENCo as a plus one if they wish.
Registration link for Careers Leaders in SEND and AP, FE SEND Departments and employers – South Midlands Careers Hub Inclusion Conference Registration Form
Registration link for Mainstream SENCo’s – South Midlands Careers Hub Inclusion Conference Registration Form for Mainstream SENCo’s
📍 King’s House, 245 Ampthill Road, Bedford, MK42 9AZ
🗓 Wednesday 1st July 2026 
🕘 9:30 AM – 14:30 PM 

39%

Career Impact System – Internal Leadership Review & Peer to Peer Reviews
One of our key learnings so far is the importance of involving key stakeholders as part of the ILR process rather than completing this in silo. To aide facilitation of this Catherine Holt, Queensbury Academy has created a sharable presentation that can be shared with staff beforehand so staff can add their initial reflect on where they feel your school is using their allocated colour marker.

Queensbury ILR resourceDownload

Upcoming Peer-to-peer review days  – Our last two Peer to Peer review weeks are running weeks commencing 4th May and 8th of June. Contact your careers consultant to get booked in.

T Levels: what are they and who are they for?

a free CPD opportunity for teaching and support staff across the South Midlands to gain a greater understanding of T-Levels. 24th April 15.00 – 16.30 Book here

University of Northampton Teachers & Advisers Conference

Open to Carers leaders, teachers and advisers across the South Midlands. Friday 24 April, 9.30am-3.15pm, Free to attend. Venue, University of Northampton Waterside Campus. Teachers and Advisers Conference 2026 | University of Northampton

Includes a workshop focusing on Gatsby Benchmark 7: Meaningful Encounters with FE & HE Discover what makes encounters with FE and HE providers genuinely meaningful and compliant with the Gatsby Benchmark criteria. This session shares best‑practice examples, clarifies the requirements of the Provider Access Legislation (PAL), and ends with a practical round‑table to help you plan high‑quality encounters that meet Benchmark 7.

Introducing On Track

Dedicated OnTrack+ training webinar:  25th March | 3.30pm

OnTrack+ is an early insight feature within Compass + that supports sustained learner engagement and Post-16 transition. The feature has been designed to better support early identification of young people from Years 7 to 11 who may be at risk of disengaging from learning and ultimately becoming NEET (Not in Education Employment of Training).

FSQ data analysis & reporting

Growing Learner Voice – FSQ data analysis and reporting – Mar 24, 2026 03:30 PM

Join this small interactive group session to meet with our expert Compass+ trainer to:- – Understand the benefits of using the FSQ reporting feature – Learn how to analyse the data effectively, selecting specific criteria and learner characteristics – Identify how to use FSQ responses to track progress for individual learners and demonstrate how careers activities are having an impact on careers learning – Understand how to identify individual learners who may require more targeted support and intervention – Know where to access further training and support. You can ask our expert any questions you have about FSQ, you may find it helpful to be logged into your Compass+ account during the session. These meetings are offered on an invitation only basis and will be small groups, to allow attendees to have active discussion and sharing of best practice.

Sign up here – Meeting Registration – Zoom

Careers Hub events – Summer Term

CPD Session BM4 – Careers in the curriculum12.30 – 13.1515/04
Term 3 kick off3.15 – 16.0020/04
FSQ for Send masterclass15.30 – 16.1521/04
North Northants CL network meeting14.00 – 16.0023/04
Wex employer showcase15.30 – 16.3029/04
Opportunities on your doorstep (Beds, Luton & MK)17.30 – 19.0012/05
FSQ & Evaluation15.30 – 16.1514/05
Creating Alumni for send15.30 – 16.1519/05
Summer provider showcase12.30 – 13.3020/05
West Northants CL network meeting15.00 – 17.3017/06
Bedfordshire CL network meeting                 TBC24/06
MK CL network meeting8.30 – 11.0025/06
Inclusion Conference9.00 – 14.3001/07
Parental engagement05.30 – 16.1515/07

Latest Resources

Small Business Summer Toolkit

Brand new careers campaign brought to you by Amazing Apprenticeships and supported by Edge Foundation. The aim is to support young people in years 7-13 to increase their awareness of small businesses in their local community, and to understand the unique benefits of being an apprentice in a smaller organisation. Resources can be chosen and adapted depending on your cohort needs, or can be used to support going out into the community and spotting local businesses (Benchmark 2). Resources for schools and colleges can be found here – Small Business Summer – For Schools & Colleges – Amazing Apprenticeships

My Skills, My Future (SEND)

The CEC’s ‘My Skills, My Future’ resource has been recently updated by IncludED Careers to reflect the updated Gatsby Benchmarks, and include links to the Equalex Framework. It is designed to give young people with SEND the tools, experiences, and inspiration they need to prepare for work and adulthood. Fully mapped to the equalex framework, it helps learners build confidence in their skills, explore future pathways, and connect classroom learning to real-world opportunities The resource collection includes:

  • Lesson Materials – Building workplace skills and knowledge in the classroom.
  • Projects & Employer Briefs – Opportunities for learners to create, develop, or design something based on a real or simulated employer brief, linking skills to career pathways.
  • Workplace Engagement Videos & Role Models – Inspiring stories and sector insights to raise aspirations Access resources for free here – My Journey, My Future | CEC Resource Directory

Posted on

Hub Newsletter Education – 24.02.2026

We hope you had a good half term break. It was great to see so many fantastic events taking place across the hub during National Apprenticeships Week, raising the awareness and uptake of apprenticeships and T-levels.

Thank you to those of you that joined us for our spring term provider showcase. A link to the recording is HERE and presentations are available to download below.

Proactive Young People Slides
Northampton Saints Foundation Slides
T Level Ambassador Network Slides

39%

Career Impact System – Internal Leadership Review & Peer to Peer Reviews
39% of institutions across the South Midlands have now undertaken the internal leadership review process to inform their strategic plans for the development of careers within their school/college. The internal leadership review is designed to be undertaken annually, allowing you to reflect on the maturity of your careers offer and whole school approach. Undertaken on an annual basis it will support you to see progress and should be followed up with a peer-to-peer review every three years. Our aim is for every institution in the South Midlands to have taken part in a peer to peer review and be on a 3 year review cycle by 2028/29.

What is a Careers Impact internal leadership review?

59 schools and colleges have already completed Internal Leadership Reviews – if you have not done this yet please reach out to your careers consultant for advice and support asap and take a look below at how this can help ensure careers is embedded in the school/college culture and leadership priorities. Everything you need to know and links to resources and guides can be found HERE

The careers impact internal leadership review needs a collaborative approach and is a reflection on the maturity of careers leadership across your school, special school or college. There is limited benefit in completing this independently without the input of key stakeholders.

Who should take part? all those involved in the distributed leadership of careers should be involved in the review process e.g.

  • Careers Adviser
  • Careers Coordinator
  • Central Strategic Careers Leader          
  • Enterprise Adviser         
  • Head(s) of Year/Head(s) of Department             
  • Headteacher/Principal Careers Leader
  • Link Governor  
  • PSHE Lead
  • SENCo/Head of SEND
  • SLT; Pastoral, Personal Development, Curriculum, Progress, Teaching & Learning
  • SLT; Vice Principal/Assistant Principal Head of Inclusion
  • Student Support/Student Services

What is a Peer to Peer Review?

Peer-to-peer review days 

Engaging in a careers impact peer-to-peer review supports the quality assurance of careers provision and encourages continuous improvement aligned to school, special school or college improvement priorities.

The hub will facilitate peer-to-peer reviews with schools who have already undertaken an internal leadership review. Three schools will participate in the peer-to-peer review.

A member of the senior leadership team must be present from the school to participate on the day

If you have completed your internal leadership review, or are planning to and would like to book in for a Peer to Peer review this May or June speak to your Careers Consultant asap.

  • “Today has been incredibly useful – I have gained an understanding that I need to drive this more whole school from SLT level. I can see how it is linked into raising attainment and other key priority areas.”

    Senior Leader (2025)
    Following involvement in a peer-to-peer review
24/0214.00 – 16.00FE COP
25/029.30 – 11.30MK Cornerstone Employer Group meeting
26/029.00 – 11.00MK Career Leader Network Meeting
02/03Spring compass evaluations begin
03/039.30 – 11.30Northants Cornerstone Employer Group meeting
04/039.30 – 11.30Central Bedfordshire Career Leader Network Meeting
05/0315:30 – 16.30Inclusion COP
09/0315:30 – 16.30CPD session – how to engage employers (BM5 & 6)
10/039.00 – 11.00Bedford Borough Career Leader Network Meeting
11/0312:00 – 14.30West Northants Career Leader Network Meeting
12/0309:30 – 15:00Peer to Peer Review – fully booked
17/0309:30 – 15:00Peer to Peer Review – fully booked
17/0315:30 – 16.30Equalex & Modern Work Experience- What Works
18/039.30 – 11.30Bedfordshire Cornerstone Employer Group meeting
23/0309:30 – 15:00Peer to Peer review – fully booked fully booked
27/03 Last day of spring term

National CPD Opportunities

Dedicated OnTrack+ training webinar:  25th March | 3.30pm

OnTrack+ is an early insight feature within Compass + that supports sustained learner engagement and Post-16 transition. The feature has been designed to better support early identification of young people from Years 7 to 11 who may be at risk of disengaging from learning and ultimately becoming NEET (Not in Education Employment of Training).

Growing Learner Voice – FSQ data analysis and reporting

Join this small interactive group session to meet with our expert Compass+ trainer to:- – Understand the benefits of using the FSQ reporting feature – Learn how to analyse the data effectively, selecting specific criteria and learner characteristics – Identify how to use FSQ responses to track progress for individual learners and demonstrate how careers activities are having an impact on careers learning – Understand how to identify individual learners who may require more targeted support and intervention – Know where to access further training and support. You can ask our expert any questions you have about FSQ, you may find it helpful to be logged into your Compass+ account during the session. These meetings are offered on an invitation only basis and will be small groups, to allow attendees to have active discussion and sharing of best practice.

You can choose to attend one or more of the following sessions.

  • Feb 24, 2026 03:30 PM
  • Mar 3, 2026 03:30 PM
  • Mar 17, 2026 03:30 PM
  • Mar 24, 2026 03:30 PM

Sign up here – Meeting Registration – Zoom

T-Levels: What are they and who are they for

This free-of-charge webinar will enable delegates to understand how vocational policy has evolved to where it is now and how it is likely to evolve in the immediate future. In this fast-changing vocational landscape, the webinar will include the very latest government updates on T Levels implementation and planning and how T Levels link with new AAQs and the proposed V Levels.

Learning outcomes – at the end of the workshop all delegates will:

  • understand how today’s post-16 vocational landscape has been shaped by government policies and priorities for skills and training since the turn of the century
  • understand the likely implications of the Government white paper on Post 16 and skills (October 2025), and the Curriculum and Assessment Review (published in November 2025) on their own school’s vocational and technical curriculum, particularly on AGQs such as BTECs.
  • be aware of the range of T Levels and their timeline for implementation
  • understand the key structure, content, assessment, awarding and grading of T Levels 
  • consider what their own school’s or college’s learners need to know and understand about T Levels, in order for them to be able to make effective and fully-informed post-16 choices

This webinar will be delivered by Dr Anne Murdoch from ASCL on behalf of the Education and Training Foundation (ETF). Please sign up here: T Levels: What are they and who are they for? South Midlands Careers Hub – 25 Mar – Fill in form

Opportunities

Provider Opportunities Round-Up – February 2026 – South Midlands Careers Hub

Latest Resources

National

South Midlands

SMCH Website Spotlight

  • Provider Access Legislation (PAL) – Specific PAL page with info/resources 
  • ‘Request a Volunteer’ – volunteering opportunities page added to the drop-down menu for schools/colleges for easy access. Please add any events for this and next term asap, planning mailout to volunteers soon.    
  • Hub CPD and Masterclasses – New page added to drop down menu ‘news & events’ with recordings and slides of our hub’s CPD. 
  • Labour Market Information – Includes links to local, national and sector-specific resources 
  • Gatsby Benchmarks – Underneath each Gatsby Benchmark is a table of supporting resources.

Posted on

Careers Hub Newsletter – Industry 10.02.2026

Careers Hub News

We hope you have all had a productive start to 2026 – The careers leaders across our 153 schools and colleges have been busy getting to grips with the update statutory requirements for careers alongside beginning to prepare for the governments intention to implement two weeks worth of work experience for all young people – more detail in the national update later on.

We have been busy too – we have recruited 3 new members of our team. Sam Baker joins us as an Operational Hub Lead, Olivia Dams as Careers Consultant – Work Experience and Lorraine Emerton Careers Consultant – Bedford Borough & Central Bedfordshire. We have some exciting projects taking place this year too, further details about how you can get involved to follow .

Finally, our schools currently need volunteers to support 14 career fairs, 1 apprenticeship evening, 1 industry immersion day, 1 mock interview day and 1 speed networking event. We have updated the Volunteering Opportunities area of our website, adding this to the dropdown menu for employers/volunteers for easy access, so you can see opportunities to get involved. Please add to your favourites now and share across your networks.   

Upcoming Volunteering Opportunities

Opportunities to support Careers Hub projects

Growth Sector Taster Experiences in partnership with The Inspirational Learning Group (TILG)

A school based modern work experience activity for students in years 7 & 8, (aged 11-13) designed to equip young people with essential career knowledge whilst providing an opportunity to develop sector-relevant employability skills. The Inspirational Learning Group (TILG) will provide 20 schools in the South Midlands region with resources to build their own interactive South Midlands Key Growth Sectors Taster Experience.

Schools will select up to 5 one hour workshops of their choice from from key growth
sectors such as Advanced Manufacturing, Cyber Security, Creative Industries, Logistics and Agro-food
which have been developed in conjunction with leading employers. These workshops will be delivered
in school as part of a hands-on, carousel taster experience, providing students with an opportunity to
apply their skills to sector specific challenges and activities.

How can Employers/Volunteers get involved?
– Support the delivery of workshops.
– Inform students of your own professional journey and the skills you use in your own role,
– Provide students with 1:1 feedback as they engage in various sector- specific activities and employer-led challenges.
– Opportunity to promote the various progression routes into each sector.

Interested? contact sam@tilg.co.uk to sign up

Growth Sector Taster Experience – Further Information

Making Work Experience Work – Live Business Challenge
Delivered by Working Options in partnership ​with South Midlands Careers Hub

The Live Business Challenge is an in-school alternative to traditional work experience for students in year 9 (13-14) Students work in teams to respond to real business briefs from employers like yourselves, gaining hands-on experience and building their CVs.

Whats the commitment?

  • One half day school visit to launch the challenge, one half day visit to hear the pitches – provide a real, engaging brief. Visit a local school to introduce your company and the challenge. Share your business context and answer questions
  • Skills Workshops – optional involvement and delivery of 2 or 3 employability skills workshops or pitch judging.
  • No financial cost – just your time, challenge and expertise.

Interested? contact claire@workingoptions.org.uk

Live Business Challenge – Further Information

Working Options – Further Information

Exhibit your Apprenticeship & T Level opportunities for free at the ‘Opportunities on your Doorstep Virtual Careers Fair’ in partnership with Amazing Apprenticeships

Tuesday 12th May, 5.30pm – 7pm

What is the virtual careers fair? The Opportunities on your doorstep Virtual Careers Fair is a free event for exhibitors to showcase their apprenticeships and T Level opportunities to parents, carers and students who want to hear directly from local employers and training providers.

Who should exhibit – training providers of apprenticeships and/or T Levels or any employer
based in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes with future opportunities who want to meet potential applicants.

How does it work? Each exhibitor has a dedicated breakout room. Attendees will rotate every 10 minutes to their chosen exhibitors to hear a presentation and have an opportunity for Q&A.

For more information, contact: Rebecca@Amazingapprenticeships.com

Complete the form HERE to secure your place to exhibit and showcase your opportunities by 17/03/26

Exhibitor Information

School volunteer requests

DateActivitySchoolLocal AuthorityFurther details
12 Feb 2026Careers DaySir Christopher Hatton AcademyNorth NorthamptonshireFurther details here
02 Mar 2026Careers and Pathways FairMoulton School and Science CollegeWest NorthamptonshireFurther details here
02 Mar 2026Public Services, Sports and Active Careers DayChelveston Road School (SEN)North NorthamptonshireFurther details here
03 Mar 2026Careers in CareMilton Keynes CollegeMilton KeynesFurther details here
04 Mar 2026Careers and Providers Next Steps FairChelveston Road SchoolNorth NorthamptonshireFurther details here
05 Mar 2026Sir Herbert Leon Careers FairSir Herbert Leon AcademyMilton KeynesFurther details here
11 Mar 2026Guilsborough Academy Careers FairGuilsborough AcademyWest NorthamptonshireFurther details here
12 Mar 2026Year 10 Mock InterviewsThe Duston SchoolWest NorthamptonshireFurther details here
12 Mar 2026Rushden Academy Careers FestivalRushden AcademyNorth NorthamptonshireFurther details here
17 Mar 2026Employment and Opportunities EveningNorthampton School for BoysWest NorthamptonshireFurther details here
17 Mar 2026Brooke Weston Academy Careers FairBrooke Weston AcademyNorth NorthamptonshireFurther details here
23 Mar 2026Malcolm Arnold Academy Careers FairMalcolm Arnold AcademyNorth NorthamptonshireFurther details here
16 Apr 2026Sponne School Careers FairSponne SchoolWest NorthamptonshireFurther details here
21 Apr 2026Apprenticeship EveningNorthampton School for BoysWest NorthamptonshireFurther details here
23 Apr 2026Yr12 CV WorkshopSponne SchoolWest NorthamptonshireFurther details here
01 Jul 2026Abbeyfield School Careers FairAbbeyfield SchoolWest NorthamptonshireFurther details here

Raising awareness of the logistics industry to a younger audience and plugging the significant skills gap. How can you do this and what are the benefits.

Raising awareness of the logistics industry to a younger audience and plugging the significant skills gap are two seismic challenges for the sector. Step forward the South Midlands Careers Hub, with the objective of building career ready young people, creating a brighter future for industry. So, join the CILT East Midlands as we showcase how the hub can help tackle the two underlying problems, in a practical and manageable way.

Presenters: 

Clare Coles – Careers Consultant, South Midlands Careers Hub
Vikki Morton – Careers Consultant, South Midlands Careers Hub
Michelle Warner – CILT East Midlands Group Member
David Gilmour -General Manager, Helix
Carla Dufty – Careers Lead, Careers Lead, Abbeyfield School

Elaine Kendall or Kori Construction will also be sharing her approach to work experience and the gains for Business Leaders in the Construction industry and Empress Burgess, Degree Apprentice: Production team leader for Wincanton, now part of GXO, will be talking about her volunteering role as a ‘Young Inspirer’ and how this has helped her to develop confidence in public speaking in addition to sharing advice on researching careers, decision making and taking that first step into the workplace.

Schedule

  • Overview of a career’s hub.
  • A student’s perspective on the career journey.
  • The role of industry, through industry partners.
  • Understanding the part that school career’s department play.

Register for the event HERE

National Update

Full guidance for Employers: Gatsby Benchmark updates available here. We have included some headlines below.

Defining Meaningful

The updated statutory guidance for careers clarified what meaningful looks like in practice, providing a simple to use checklist for employer encounters, experiences of workplaces and encounters with further and higher education. These checklists can be used as a helpful planning tool to maximise impact when volunteering in schools and colleges.

Encounters with employers and employees (Gatsby Benchmark 5) – an updated definition of ‘meaningful’ for Benchmark 5 clarifies that young people should encounter employers of various sizes and specialisms, and could focus on workplace skills or what it takes to be successful. There should also be time for learners to reflect on their learning afterwards.

A meaningful encounter will:

  • have a clear purpose, which is shared with the employer and the young person
  • be underpinned by learning outcomes that are appropriate to the needs of the young person
  • have opportunities for two-way interactions between the young person and the employer
  • be followed by time for the young person to reflect on the insights, knowledge or skills gained through the encounter

Experiences of Workplaces (Gatsby Benchmark 6) – experiences of Workplaces – Pre-16 experiences of workplaces have been pluralised, rather than specifying a minimum requirement of at least one, highlighting the value of progressive experiences throughout a young person’s time in education.

A definition of ‘meaningful’ has now been added to experiences of workplaces and clarity that experiences can take many forms, including through visits to workplaces, work shadowing and/or work experience. It clarifies that virtual experiences can complement but not wholly replace in person experiences.

A meaningful experience will:

  • have a clear purpose, which is shared with the employer and the young person
  • be underpinned by learning outcomes that are appropriate to the needs of the young person
  • involve extensive two-way interactions between the young person and employees
  • include opportunities for young people to meet a range of different people from the workplace
  • include opportunities for young people to perform a task set by the employer or to produce a piece of work relevant to that workplace
  • include the employer providing feedback to the young person about their work
  • be followed by opportunities for the young person to reflect on the insights, knowledge or skills gained through their experience

Schools, colleges and independent training providers (ITPs) can take into account any part-time work a young person may have, if it genuinely offers them a meaningful experience.

Encounters with Further and Higher Education (Gatsby Benchmark 7) now explicitly includes independent training providers and technical education. An expanded definition of ‘meaningful’ encounters notes they should have a clear agreed purpose, with appropriate learning outcomes, and involve two-way interaction and the opportunity to meet both staff and learners.

A meaningful encounter will:

  • have a clear purpose, which is shared with the provider and the young person
  • be underpinned by learning outcomes that are appropriate to the needs of the young person
  • involve a two-way interaction between the young person and the provider
  • include information about the provider, such as their recruitment and selection processes, the qualifications that provider offers and the careers these could lead to
  • describe what learning or training with the provider is like
  • be followed by opportunities for the young person to reflect on the insights, knowledge or skills gained through the encounter

For further information view our twenty minute overview of the updated Statutory Guidance for Careers more details on the Gatsby Benchmarks available HERE

Modern Work Experience

Extract from May 25 updated statutory guidance

‘Young people want more opportunities to experience a wider range of workplaces to help them to make more informed decisions about their future. So, in addition to the strengthened Gatsby Benchmark, the government is reforming work experience to break down barriers to opportunity so that every pupil will have the opportunity to take part in 2 weeks’ worth of work experience during key stages 3 and 4.‘

Implementing 2 weeks’ worth of work experience

Our vision is that 2 weeks’ worth of work experience will be based on the following set of principles, building on the benchmark 6 definition of meaningful.

Two weeks’ worth of work experience should be broken down into:

  • one weeks’ worth of work experience activities in years 7 to 9
  • one weeks’ worth of work experience placement(s) in years 10 to 11

Experiences should be aspirational and inspirational, giving young people the opportunity to access a wide range of career opportunities, aligned to their interests and talents, local skills needs and national growth sectors. Opportunity should go beyond the horizons of their immediate friends and family.

They should be co-designed and delivered in partnership with schools and involve two-way employer-pupil interaction.

Work experience activities in years 7 to 9

Work experience activities in years 7 to 9 should consist of multiple, varied and meaningful employer-led activities to explore different industries and careers and involve active engagement with a diverse range of employers, including small and medium sized enterprises. Activities could include:

  • multi-day work visits involving employer-set tasks or projects
  • work shadowing
  • in-person or virtual employer talks in the workplace, including technical demonstrations or tours of working premises.

These could be undertaken individually or as part of a group or class-based activity. Some or all of the activities can be in person, with virtual activities contributing but not replacing in person.  

Work experience placement(s) in years 10 to 11

Work experience placement(s) in years 10 to 11 should allow pupils to experience a real working environment and begin to develop work-based skills and behaviours.

Pupils should be free to undertake their 5 days’ worth of work experience placement(s) in years 10 to 11 with more than one employer, irrespective of sector, and be able to spread their placement time across a number of days or weeks at any point during the year 10 to 11 curriculum. This might be advantageous to young people who are undecided on their careers interests, by offering scope to try more employers and sectors.

‘We expect that the work experience placement(s) in years 10 to 11 be in-person, but acknowledge that in exceptional circumstances meaningful hybrid or virtual approaches may be impactful in removing barriers to access. In those circumstances, we would expect best endeavours to use remote engagement alongside, but not instead of, in-person activity.

Planning work experience programmes

From September 2025, schools should be planning and, where able, reforming their work experience programmes according to these principles so that all pupils can benefit from the opportunities, development and learning that work experience provides.‘

Equalex Framework – The equalex framework, defines learning outcomes and objectives and allows educators to embed meaningful workplace experiences within a progressive whole school careers programme. Further details HERE

Let’s make it work: The Podcast
Each episode shares practical insights, real examples and actionable takeaways – including a closer look at equalex, our framework for high-quality, progressive workplace experiences

Employer Standards – easily plan, improve and compare results for careers education outreach

The Employer Standards provide a clear framework to businesses of all shapes and sizes to maximise the impact of employer engagement with young people, ensuring mutual value and long-term business success. Take the 25 minute self assessment here

Celebrating Success

Celebrating an Inspiring Day with Volkswagen Group UK
A huge thank you to Volkswagen Group UK for hosting an incredible Experience of the Workplace event for students. From practicing real interview skills, to meeting current apprentices, to discovering the amazing range of career pathways from Data and Business to IT, Motor Vehicle, and Finance, students were given invaluable insights into what their futures could look like.
The team at VW created a welcoming, energising environment that truly sparked curiosity and ambition. Opportunities like this make a genuine difference, helping young people understand their strengths, grow in confidence, and explore the world of work in a meaningful way. Their fantastic apprenticeship scheme is about to launch – all in time for National Apprenticeship Week!
Thank you, Volkswagen Group UK Ltd for inspiring the next generation and opening the door to such exciting possibilities

Mandy Browning, Careers Consultant Milton Keynes, South Midlands Careers Hub

It was an absolute pleasure to attend Kettering Science Academy this morning to meet six apprentices who shared their career journeys’ with students currently in Year 10. Assistant Principal & Careers Leader, Steven Scragg organised the Young Inspirers’ event in partnership with the South Midlands Careers Hub

This event forms part of the commitment for each school to promote apprenticeship and technical education. Real life insights provided by apprentices bring vocational learning to life and helps students to understand the breadth of options available to them.

All six apprentices provided honest and excellent responses to students’ questions, providing insight on how they prepared for interview, what it was like to start work in an unfamiliar environment, and integrate into a new team. Many thanks to Luke Heaviside of JLR, Dillon Considine of Office Mango, Louis Askew & George Smith of Weetabix, Sophia Wilson of Kier Group & Kim Pooni of Streets.

Thanks also to our apprentices employers for supporting their attendance and involvement.

Claire Coles, Careers Consultant North Northants, South Midlands Careers Hub

What a brilliant morning at Stadium MK Year 9 students from different schools across the city went to Stadium MK. Huge thanks to the Milton Keynes Dons Community Trust team who continue to show what it means to be at the heart of the city – opening doors, inspiring young people and helping them build real work‑ready skills.
In just a couple of hours, students explored teamwork, communication, confidence and problem‑solving in a setting that was supportive, inclusive and genuinely exciting. Mornings like this are such a powerful reminder of what’s possible when education and employers come together.
There are so many flexible ways for employers to offer workplace experiences. Two days or two hours, in‑school or on‑site, there’s always a way to give back and inspire future talent. Be part of the change

Mandy Browning, Careers Consultant Milton Keynes, South Midlands Careers Hub

Do you have a good news story to share – upload your news story direct to our website HERE

Posted on

Hub Newsletter Education 19.01.2026

We hope you have had a good start to the year. We welcome Sam Baker, who has joined us as Operational Hub Lead and Lorraine Emmerton who joins us on 02/02 as our Bedfordshire Careers Consultant. Find out more about them in the term 2 kick off slide deck.

Huge shout out to everyone that took part in Peer to Peer reviews last week! Great collaboration by the 11 schools and special schools that took part – Abbeyfield School, Academy of Central Bedfordshire, Challney High School for Girls, Isebrook School, Lord Grey, Maplefields Academy, Sandy Secondary School, Sir Herbert Leon, The Duston School, The Gateway School and Wrenn School.

'Really enjoyed today and myself and James got loads out of it. Lots of thought provoking conversation and lots of ideas moving forward.'  
Paul Lamb, Maplefields Academy

'A brilliant day looking at the strategic priorities for our provision and alignment with broader school development priorities.' 
Shana Iqbal, Challney High School for Girls'

'The peer-to-peer review was extremely valuable and provided an excellent opportunity for collaborative reflection and professional learning. We began by sharing the context of our schools, including our careers priorities, leadership structures, and the time and resources invested into our provision. This opened up a productive discussion around institutional aims, strengths, and the challenges we each face in delivering high‑quality careers education.

Hearing about Duston School’s approach allowed us to compare practice, celebrate areas of success, and identify meaningful points for development. Together, we agreed one clear strength and three achievable development areas, giving us a focused plan for continuous improvement.

Overall, the review was constructive, supportive, and highly beneficial to both me as a careers leader and our SLT. It reinforced the importance of collaboration across schools and highlighted shared commitments to raising the standard of careers provision for all students. Thank you again for facilitating such a purposeful professional exchange'
Carla Dufty, Abbeyfield School

Thanks to those of you that joined us for our spring term kick off and Benchmark 2 & LMI CPD session. Slides available to download below, recording of spring term kick off HERE and BM2 & LMI recording HERE

Term 2 Kick Off Download
CPD Session Benchmark 2 & LMIDownload
48%

Career Impact System – Internal Leadership Review

We are now really close to over half of our schools completing their internal leadership review. 48% of schools and colleges across the region have already completed theirs – have you? The Internal Leadership Review, available on Compass and Compass+ looks inward at leadership, governance, and strategic impact – how careers education is embedded in the school/college culture and leadership priorities.

If you have completed your ILR, or are planning to and would like to book in for a Peer to Peer review – see available dates below!

Date Time Event 
20/0115.30Inclusive apprenticeships masterclass
03/02 – 04/02 All day Career Leader training, local cohort 
04/0212.30Provider Showcase (Apprenticeship Ambassadors, T-level ambassadors & Proactive Education, Northampton Saints Foundation)
05/0214.30Inclusion COP
05/0214.00North Northants CL Network Meeting
12/0212.30SMCH Careers Hub – Data & insights, learning from best practice
24/0214.00FE COP
02/03Spring compass evaluations begin
05/0315:30Inclusion COP
09/0315:30BM5 & BM6 – how to engage employers
11/0312:00West Northants CL Network Meeting
12/0309:30 – 15:00Peer to Peer review – spaces available
17/0309:30 – 15:00Peer to Peer review – spaces available
17/0315:30Equalex – what works
23/0309:30 – 15:00Peer to Peer review – fully booked
25/0315:30FSQ for SEND

Compass Live Webinars

Resources

National

South Midlands

Opportunities

NAW webinar with Morgan Sindall

Date: 12TH February 2026

⏰ Time: 11am – 12pm

📍 Location: Online – free registration via the QR code on the attached flyer or click  this link NAW 2026 at Morgan Sindall Group Virtual Webinar Session on Thursday 12th February @ 11am – Fill in form

During this session they will:

•             Learn about the different apprenticeship programs/offer within Morgan Sindall Group

•             Gain an insight from current apprentices and T level Students

•             Get Hints and Tips from our HR Partner

Opportunity to join the 4YP careers team for an hour of discussion, reflection, networking and information as we gather online to improve our shared knowledge and our practice. Wednesday 11th February at 3.30pm. 💡 This term’s topic: Exploring career guidance strategies for supporting with special educational needs in mainstream settings. All Level 6 or trainee Level 6 Career Advisers and Coaches working with young people across our area welcome. Please RSVP info@4ypuk.com at your earliest convenience and we will send all participants a Teams link to join.

Amazing apprenticeships upcoming webinars – opportunity for parents and students to hear directly about amazing apprenticeship programmes and get hints and tips on applying https://www.amazingapprenticeships.com/workshops-webinars/

STEM Opportunities update – please share with STEM lead and any other relevant staff

STEM Learning’s 2026 placements programme is open. Next summer, eligible Year 12 or equivalent students can participate in a hands-on UK workplace experience. Students benefit from a bursary, and STEM Learning takes care of all the logistics, from securing placements to providing resources and support – so you can focus on encouraging participation. For further details, visit STEM Learning’s website or contact the programme team directly via students@stem.org.uk.

STEM Learning’s Spring mentoring now ready for sign ups a chance for your students to join STEM Learning’s high-impact mentoring programme launching in February. It’s open to young people aged 13–19, completely free, simple to promote, and fully supported throughout. Discover more here or contact students@stem.org.uk to see how to get your students involved.

Winter virtual national Professional careers forum 27/01/26 15.30 – 16.30 Hosted by Julie Poppleton, Director of careers at Terrance Chase Academy. For a meeting link email J.Poppleton@chaseterraceacademy.co.uk Guest speakers include Emma Bridge IDP, Katherine Jennick, – Whats My Strength, Romario Ellis – The Outer Circle, and Matthew Williams – Futures for all.

ERIC’s Netflix-style on-demand library of creative career talks – For National Apprenticeship Week & National Careers Week, ERIC is centralising talks designed for schools, colleges and universities to help students aged 14–21 explore creative career pathways.

👉 Library launching Monday 9 February to kick off National Apprenticeship Week
👉 More talks dropping Monday 2 March for National Careers Week
👉 The library will be available all year round, with new talks added regularly
👉 Register your school, college or university now to get access and launch-day updates

Link to further details HERE

British Racing School January 2026 Careers PackDownload

Website updates

Posted on

Hub Newsletter Education 08/12/25

Phew – what a term it’s been with the implementation of the refreshed Gatsby Benchmarks, the updated statutory guidance and the updated Compass evaluation too!

Thank you to all of you that joined us last week for our first online Modern Work Experience Showcase 03.12.2025. The recording and slides are available on the newly updated HUB CPD & Masterclasses area our our website HERE along with recording and slides from our Benchmark 1: Frameworks and Tools 27.11.2025 session, CPD session, SMCH Twilight Webinar: Careers in Radiotherapy 18.11.2025, Mid Term 1 Kick Off 05.11.2025, and How to use Inset Days to Drive Careers 14.10.2025

We also hosted our first Training Provider Showcase on 26.11.2025 and were joined by Starting Off, Young Enterprise and SSG. Recording will be available soon & slides are available to download below.

Wishing you and your families a happy ‘careersmas’ when it comes and we look forward to continuing to support you through 2026 and beyond!

SSG Community CollegeDownload
Young EnterpriseDownload
Starting Off Careers ServicesDownload
53%

The New Compass Evaluation is Live!

The updated Compass evaluation is now available on both Compass and Compass+.

53% of schools and colleges across the region have already completed theirs – have you? Please make sure to complete your evaluation with the support of your Careers Consultant before the end of term. If you haven’t booked a meeting yet, reach out to them as soon as possible. This is your first chance to benchmark your current careers provision against the refreshed framework – don’t miss it!

To help you prepare, we’ve compiled: 
– A ‘How to Prepare’ guide for your Compass evaluation  – Compass Questions Preparation – Nov 2025
– Link to CEC guidance for each type of Compass evaluation

46%

Career Impact System – Internal Leadership Review

46% of schools and colleges across the region have already completed theirs – have you? The Internal Leadership Review, available on Compass and Compass+ looks inward at leadership, governance, and strategic impact – how careers education is embedded in the school/college culture and leadership priorities.

Save the date – Tuesday 12th May 2026, 5:30pm – 7pm – online live apprenticeship and T-level event showcasing opportunities across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes – working in partnership with Amazing Apprenticeships

Date Time Event 
15/12/25 12.30 CPD Session Benchmark 7 
12/01/26 15.00 Term 2 Kick Off 
13/01 – 15/01 All day  Peer to Peer Reviews 
14/01/26 15.30 CPD Session Benchmark 2 
20/01/2615.30Inclusive Apprenticeships Masterclass
03/02 – 04/02 All day Career Leader training, local cohort 
12/02/2512.30Benchmark 5 and 6: How to engage employers

For all upcoming dates please view our hub calendar.

New ATE Resources for Teachers and Careers Leaders 

Amazing Apprenticeships is working in partnership with The Careers & Enterprise Company to launch an exciting new suite of digital, adaptable Apprenticeships & Technical Education (ATE) resources for schools and colleges.

Available now – designed for anyone to be able to pick up and use – careers leaders, teachers employers. The resource decks include delivery notes, presentation script and animation.

Amazing Apprenticeships What is technical education FAQs

What is technical education? FAQs
What is technical education? KS3/4 slide deck
What is technical education? KS5 slide deck

Coming soon

  • Regionalised slide decks
  • Industry sector films
  • T Level assembly and animation

Further information available in the webinar recording Introducing New ATE Resources for Teachers and Careers Leaders Webinar – Amazing Apprenticeships

Bedford Borough LMI update for schools

You can access the most up-to-date LMI shared by Bedford Borough Council for Q2 2025 using the slides linked here – Bedford Borough LMI Q2 2025

MYPATH short video – Who’s involved in a pantomime? in collaboration with Theatrecraft 

MYPATH has created a short video called Who’s involved in a pantomime? in collaboration with Theatrecraft in Central London, which is now live on our YouTube channel. It is completely free for schools to use and is ideal to show in class or assembly before any school trip to a pantomime.

The video:

  • Introduces the key on-stage roles (actors, dancers, etc.)
  • Highlights the off-stage roles that make the show possible (directors, set designers, technicians, front of house and more)
  • Helps children see the range of jobs and skills involved in putting on a performance

You can watch it here: Who’s Involved In A Pantomime?

Ofsted inspection framework

The Ofsted inspection framework has been updated. The CEC has developed a guide to support educators and Careers Leaders with understanding the key changes to inspecting careers education frpm November 2025

Ofsted – Education Inspection Framework Guide | CEC Resource Directory

Posted on

Hub Newsletter Education 11/11/25

Thank you to all of you that joined us for our mid term kick off last week, download the slides below and watch the recording here.

Mid Term 1 Kick Off – 25_26

For Action

The new Compass evaluation is now live on Compass and Compass+. 

Over the past month, the South Midlands Careers Hub team has been reviewing the updated questions and working to ensure a consistent approach to self-evaluation across the South Midlands. This has included: 

  • Workshops at the Careers Hub conference in September 
  • Additional sessions during Career Leader Network meetings 
  • Gathering frequently asked questions 

While we’re making good progress, this is a significant change and one that will continue to evolve. We’re committed to supporting all schools and colleges through their first Compass evaluation under the new framework this term. 

Thank you to everyone who has already booked their Compass evaluation support meeting – we’ll complete the evaluation together during that session. To ensure we can support you effectively and complete the Autumn evaluation within the allotted time, it is imperative that you review the compass questions in advance, to familiarise yourself with the updates and changes that have been made.

If you haven’t yet booked, please do so asap with your Careers Consultant to ensure timely support. 

To help you prepare, we’ve compiled: 

  • Link to CEC guidance for each type of Compass evaluation 

Please be assured that this is a change for everyone, and we’re here to support you through it. We won’t have all the answers straight away and want to thank you for your patience as we continue to adapt and respond to emerging questions. Once the first round of evaluations is complete, we aim to produce a more comprehensive guide to support ongoing self-evaluation.  

Upcoming Dates

For all upcoming dates please view our hub calendar.

For Info

New ATE resources webinar 02/12/25

Amazing Apprenticeships is working in partnership with The Careers & Enterprise Company to launch an exciting new suite of digital, adaptable Apprenticeships & Technical Education (ATE) resources for schools and colleges. Join this webinar to ensure you feel confident and knowledgeable ahead of presenting the resources in your setting.– Amazing Apprenticeships link to attend

Upcoming Compass+ webinars

Using Compass+ and Unifrog together effectively Wednesday 26th November 2025, 3.30pm to 4.30pm

Compass+ integrates with Unifrog to help support planning and delivering a progressive careers programme.

Explore how to use Compass+ and Unifrog together – Learn how to prepare effectively for exporting data from Unifrog into Compass+ – Understand the value of uploading this data into Compass+ – Know where to access further support and guidance.

Keen to explore how to use Compass+ and Unifrog together now? Take a look at our supporting resources before the webinar: How to upload your data from Unifrog Troubleshooting : Using Compass+ with a Partner Platform

Wednesday 12th November 3.30pm – 4.30pm 

The Future Skills Questionnaire – 5 steps to success

Thursday 13th November 3.30pm – 4.30pm 

Using Compass+ effectively to support Careers Impact Internal leadership reviews

Thursday 20th November 3.30pm – 4.30pm 

Compass+ data and reporting

Thursday 27th November 3.30pm – 4.30pm 

Fully optimising Compass+

Posted on

Hub Newsletter Education – 13/10/2025

Hello and a very warm welcome to the first edition of our newly formatted Education Newsletter! We know it’s already been a busy start to the academic year, and we’re excited to reconnect and keep you updated monthly moving forward. This refreshed newsletter will now feature three recurring sections to help you stay informed and organised:

– For Action – Key tasks and deadlines to support your careers provision.
– For Info – Updates, resources, and insights to keep you in the loop.
– Upcoming Dates – Events and opportunities to add to your calendar.

Our aim is to make this newsletter a useful, time-saving tool that supports your work and helps you stay ahead of what’s coming up. If there’s anything you’d like to see included in future editions, we’d love to hear from you. Thank you for all you do to inspire and guide your students – we’re looking forward to working more closely with you this year.

For Action

Autumn Term Compass Evaluations

The new compass evaluation questions will be live in Compass and Compass+ after October half term. As we head into adopting the updated Gatsby Benchmarks our team will be supporting all autumn term compass completions.
If you have not already booked your compass evaluation support meeting for November/December please get in touch with your Careers Consultant asap. For (Central Bedfordshire & Bedford Borough mainstream schools please email careershub@southmidlaands.org.uk)

Updated Compass Questions

  • Read the updated compass questions
  • Ensure your leaderships team and governors are aware that autumn term compass evaluations will be a recalibration of data and that compass scores are expected to drop. Meeting the updated benchmarks will take strategic planning, a whole school approach and time – especially for benchmarks 5, 6 & 7 where there is now specific guidance for each benchmark defining meaningful. A copy of the letter we have sent to head teachers is available HERE

Share our new What Next & Send Guides

Please share our new Year 11 What Next in the South Midlands and Send post 16 options guides with students, staff and teachers. Links are available in the information section below

  • Add them to your website
  • Send a parent group call
  • Add to the next school newsletter
  • Add to next staff update
  • Ask pastoral team to add to tutor notices
  • Incorporate into existing PHSE lessons and post 16 transition plans

Upcoming Dates

Our first online CPD session this academic year is focusing on how to use inset days to drive careers. Careers Consultants Mandy Browning and Louise Lynch along with Nadia Mahmood, Careers & Opportunities Lead at Watling Academy will be sharing details of an inset session they created and delivered to teachers this September, focusing on the updates to Gatsby benchmark 4, that now require young people in every year and every subject to learn how the skills and knowledge developed in their subject helps them to gain entry to and be more effective workers within a wide range of careers.

14/10/25How to use INSET days to drive careers
15/10/25Career Leader Training, local cohort workshop 1
16/10/25Career Leader Training, local cohort workshop 2
21/10/25West Northants Careers Leader Network Meeting
21/10/25Inclusion Community of Practice
23/10/25North Northants Careers Leader Network Meeting
23/10/25MK Careers Leader Network Meeting
03/11/25Supported Compass evaluations begin
04/11/25Careers Hub Induction
11/11/25Career Leader Training, local cohort workshop 3
13/11/25How to create a strategic careers plan

For Information

Updated Compass Questions

As may of you will already be aware in response to the updated Gatsby Benchmarks and statutory guidance. Three new Compass evaluations will be available on Compass+ and Compass from the 03/11/25 November 2025 . You can view the updated questions and accompanying guidance for special settings, schools and FE & ITPs HERE

South Midlands Parent & Carer Survey 2025

South Midlands Careers Hub commissioned a survey to be conducted by Amazing
Apprenticeships of parents and carers with secondary school-aged children, regarding
their confidence, interest and awareness of post-16 and post-18 options. The survey
generated 5,978 responses from across 53 schools.

Summary of recommendations

  • Support schools to consider and implement ways to increase parental awareness and understanding of the school’s careers programme, the support available, and how to access it.
  • Increase parent/carer access to local labour market information and build understanding of the skills and competencies being sought at a local level, by providing opportunities for parents/carers to interact with employers/providers.
  • Identifying proven approaches and curating quality resources to support schools to embed best practice and enhance the role of families in careers education.

Read the full report HERE

Autumn Conference

Presentations, accompanying resources and delegate list available HERE

New Resource – Year 11 What Next in the South Midlands

We’re excited to launch the first edition of the Year 11 What Next Guide – a comprehensive resource created in collaboration with Resourceful Careers to support young people, parents/carers/families, and educators across Bedfordshire, Luton, Milton Keynes, and Northamptonshire.
Explore the guide HERE

New Resource for Parents & Carers of SEND Students: Understanding Post-16 Options

We’re proud to launch the South Midlands Parents’ Guide to Post-16 Options – a supportive, easy-to-follow resource created especially for families of young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
View the guide HERE

National CPD opportunities

Posted on

Hub Newsletter – Celebrating Success

South Midlands Careers Hub Inclusion Conference 2025

On 1st July 2025, the South Midlands Careers Hub held its very first Inclusion Conference. It was truly inspiring to see such a passionate mix of educators from SEND settings, mainstream schools, FE SEND teams, employers, and wider stakeholders come together with a shared commitment: improving outcomes for young people with SEND. Throughout the day, we celebrated the incredible work happening across our network to ensure young people are confident, prepared, and supported as they take their next steps.

We were honoured to welcome a fantastic lineup of guest speakers and schools showcasing great practice, including:

  • Kelly Dillon, Senior Manager Progression, Transition and Removal of Barriers at The Careers & Enterprise Company: sharing national updates and resources for learners with SEND
  • Gareth Ivett, Principal of Creating Tomorrow College: promoting the incredible work being delivered across their colleges
  • Louise Worts, Assistant Head at Careers Lead at Daventry Hill School and Beccy Brown, Careers Lead at The Woodlands School MK: highlighting how they meet Provider Access Legislation in their schools
  • Lee Nelson, Work Experience Coordinator and Careers Lead at Woodlands Secondary School: delivering practical and creative ideas around embedding enterprise for learners with SEND

In addition, a huge thank you also goes to our inspiring panellists who discussed and explored two key themes that emerged from the Gatsby 10 Year review – parental engagement in careers, and meaningful encounters and experiences with employers. Our panellists included:

  • Roger Williams, Assistant Headteacher and Careers Lead at Ivel Valley School & College
  • Josh Bell, Deputy Headteacher and Careers Lead at the Academy of Central Bedfordshire
  • Lorraine Emerton, Partner & Recruitment, Social Values & Early Careers Section Manager at John Lewis Partnership
  • Sarah-Jane and Bertie from Creating Tomorrow College – two incredible young voices, sharing their insights and experiences

We would also like to thank Bedford Academy’s work experience students, Liam and Finlay, for capturing the day as our photographers.

This event marked the exciting launch of our Inclusion Community of Practice – a space for continued collaboration, learning, and innovation for our practitioners working in SEND. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed – this is just the beginning!

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Inspiring futures across MK

This term has been packed with exciting opportunities and achievements as students across Milton Keynes schools continue to develop vital skills for their futures.

Spotlight on Oakgrove School

  • Year 9: Took part in a dynamic STEM workshop with NiftyLift and emerged winners of the Robotics Competition!
  • Year 8: Engaged in a hands-on Enterprise Activity Day, exploring business ideas and building creativity, teamwork, and entrepreneurial thinking.
  • Year 7: Began their careers journey through PSHE and Unifrog, focusing on communication, problem-solving, and resilience.

DHL Employability Programme at Lord Grey School

  • 24 Year 10 students were selected from 41 applicants to join this transformative programme.
  • Activities included employability workshops and a week at the Outward Bound Facility in Wales.
  • Students gained confidence and leadership skills—one student was even praised for stepping up as a group leader!

Speed Interview & Networking Events

  • Held across MK schools, including Ousedale School, where students connected with parents and local enterprise volunteers.
  • Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with students gaining valuable insights and confidence for the world of work.

Celebrating Excellence

  • Ousedale School: Re-awarded the Quality in Careers Standard for their continued commitment to high-quality careers education.
  • Kents Hill Park School: Achieved the QiC Standard for the first time—an exciting milestone for their careers team!

Fond Farewells

  • Emma Barnett-Vincent: Moving on to a new role at Northampton School in September—wishing her every success!
  • Karen (Stantonbury) and Renuka (Lord Grey): Retiring this year. Thank you for your passion and dedication—you’ve made a lasting impact!

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Celebrating activity across West Northants

Welcome Sophie Allan – Wootton Park School
Sophie Allan joins Wootton Park School as the new Careers Officer, bringing a wealth of experience from Norfolk. She’s passionate about helping students explore and engage with the world of work. Welcome, Sophie!

CE Academy Business Breakfast
On 18th June, CE Academy in Northampton hosted a vibrant Business Breakfast, welcoming 13 local employers. Attendees heard inspiring stories from Headteacher James Thomas, Careers Leader Paul Kairis, and former student-turned-staff Lorna. Industry Partner Dave Gilmour highlighted the school’s commitment to preparing students for diverse career paths. The event sparked new partnerships in sectors like healthcare, retail, security, and construction—offering students more real-world experiences. This model of schools organising a business breakfast to develop employer networks works well, giving schools the opportunity to build a story behind their students and their aspirations.

Young Inspirer Dillon’s Apprenticeship Workshop
On 8th July, Dillon Considine led his first apprenticeship session at Malcolm Arnold Academy for Year 8 students. Sharing his personal journey, Dillon introduced students to apprenticeship pathways and sparked conversations about future choices. Key takeaway: only 25% of people end up in their dream job from school—so exploring options is key! Highlights included a “Week in the life of Dillon’s apprenticeship” and started to make them think that finding and applying for an apprenticeship is competitive.  We had a look at the latest apprenticeship vacancies in Northampton, and they were surprised to find that there were not as many as they would have expected.  

Dillon said “Honestly, it was very much out my comfort zone to be speaking with Year 8’s and being back in school, but I really enjoyed hearing their thoughts, having them engage and answering their questions.”  

DSLV Academy at National Careers Challenge Finals
Six students from DSLV E-ACT Academy in Daventry competed in the National Careers Challenge finals at London’s Barbican Centre. Senior Deputy Head Teacher Bev Maughan said “their hard work, creativity and ambition have brought them to this prestigious stage, and we couldn’t be prouder! “ The National Career Challenge offers a dedicated challenge per year group; each aligned to the Gatsby Benchmarks. Each challenge is designed in response to our sponsor’s real, business-critical needs, and students build the skills required for the world of work.  Find out more here The National Careers Challenge | The Inspirational Learning Group 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

North Northants Highlights

Celebrating Shona Smart – Corby Technical School
Following two years of study, this term Careers Leader, Shona Smart was successful in completing her Level 6 Certificate in Careers Leadership. This qualification requires a long term commitment to study and is a significant achievement which supports Shona’s ability to continue her development of Corby Technical School’s Careers Programme. Well done, Shona! Congratulations!

Montsaye Academy: Provider Access Legislation

This term Year 8 & 9 students from Montsaye Academy, Raunds continued their apprenticeship journey supported by the Young Inspirers Project.

Having welcomed Engineer Apprentices from Tresham College to their school earlier in the term for an introduction and activity session, staff and students enjoyed the opportunity of experiencing an apprenticeship lesson at the Corby campus. The apprentices took the lead by delivering a workshop tour and demonstration of engineering equipment and materials.

The students greatly enjoyed this ‘hands on’ experience.

A huge thanks to Clare Beevis-Shemilt for making the visit possible, Zak Lowe of Zeeco, Inc. Lewis Chandler and Will Owen of Tata Group. for such a fantastic guided tour- the learners loved asking lots of questions as they were taken around!

Also thank you to Tresham College – Engineering Department for providing students with access to the impressive facilities. It was a wonderful day and we are confident that students went away feeling extremely inspired about their future plans!

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

For Action

Please ensure you complete you final Compass evaluation by the the end of term.

South Midlands Careers Hub Annual Conference 2025 – 75% of places now booked

Date: Thursday 25th September 2025
Time: 9:00am – 3:00pm
Venue: Delta by Marriott, Milton Keynes

This year’s theme, Careers Reimagined: Innovation, Impact, Inclusion reflects our mission to continuously improve careers provision and embed meaningful, modern work experience into every young person’s journey.

For more information and to book now click here.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

For Information

Recording of our recent LinkedIn Masterclass from Dale Willis, My Great First Job available here

https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/ysD2XVF8ENgIkyOE8OChXjvzIEZO-Ieok2lxg_tS87sdDW7TA_T-l8JyLjwV5F7j.8THAWHrzHC8cQjn1

Posted on

Hub Newsletter Education – 30/06/25

Good morning, we are looking forward to seeing many of you tomorrow at our first Inclusion Conference. To those of you that have booked to attend final reminder to let us know if you can no longer make it as we still have a waiting list.

For Action

South Midlands Careers Hub Annual Conference 2025 – priority bookings now open!

Date: Thursday 25th September 2025
Time: 9:00am – 3:00pm
Venue: Delta by Marriott, Milton Keynes

This year’s theme, Careers Reimagined: Innovation, Impact, Inclusion reflects our mission to continuously improve careers provision and embed meaningful, modern work experience into every young person’s journey.

What to Expect

  • Inspiring keynotes
  • Interactive workshops
  • Collaborative networking
  • Opportunities to shape the day – tell us what content and workshops you’d like to see!

A full agenda and the opportunity to sign up for specific workshops will be published in mid July.

One week of priority booking for South Midlands Career Leaders remaining, book now here.

Compass Time!

As we head towards the end of term, please plan in time to complete what will be your final compass evaluation against the original Gatsby Benchmarks. 

Please be aware that from May 2025, additional questions have been added to the Benchmark 6 section of Compass evaluations to establish a national baseline to support measuring progress against the future work experience guarantee policy. These questions do not contribute towards an institution’s Gatsby Benchmark score. We have added the additional questions in the ‘For Information’ section below.

In September Compass evaluations will be paused until after Autumn 2025 half term, at which point the questions will be updated to reflect the updated benchmarks. The new questions are currently being piloted nationally and the schools in our hub that have engaged with Peer to Peer reviews have been invited to express an interest in being part of that testing.

Last call – Hub Buddy requests

As we mentioned in our statutory guidance briefings, we are pairing up professionals supporting careers in schools and colleges across our six local authority areas. If you or a member of staff at your school would like a Hub Buddy please complete a request here by 03/07 as we will be pairing people up and sending out introductions on Friday 4/07.

We have had a few questions about where to find the updated Gatsby ‘making it meaningful’ checklists you can find these on the Gatsby website (senior leader summary, pages 6 & 7). To make these easier to find, we have added to our FAQ Padlet under BM6 & 7.

Upcoming Dates

Hub Induction – today, 30/06 15.30 – 16.15 link to join here

Employer Engagement masterclass 09/07/25 15.45 – 16.45 link to join here

Career Leader Training – local cohort – register your EOI here

  • 17/09 @16.00 – Information webinar including course content, sign up funding conditions
  • Part one – workshop 1 – 15/10/25
  • Part one – workshop 2 – 16/10/25
  • Part one – workshop 3 – 11/11/25

For Information

As mentioned earlier, from May 2025, additional questions have been added to the Benchmark 6 section of Compass evaluations to establish a national baseline to support measuring progress against the future work experience guarantee policy. These questions do not contribute towards an institution’s Gatsby Benchmark score.

The additional questions are;

  1. Approximately what proportion of pupils have accessed a variety of meaningful workplace experiences by the end of KS3 totalling:
  • 5 or more days, or equivalent
  • 3-4 days, or equivalent
  • 2 or less days, or equivalent
  • No workplace experiences

2. Approximately what proportion of FSM pupils have accessed a variety of meaningful workplace experiences by the end of KS3 totalling:

  • 5 or more days, or equivalent
  • 3-4 days, or equivalent
  • 2 or less days, or equivalent
  • No workplace experiences

3. Approximately what proportion of pupils have accessed a variety of meaningful work placements by the end of KS4 totalling:

  • 5 or more days, or equivalent
  • 3-4 days, or equivalent
  • 2 or less days, or equivalent
  • No workplace experiences

4. Approximately what proportion of FSM pupils have accessed a variety of meaningful workplace experiences by the end of KS4 totalling:

  • 5 or more days, or equivalent
  • 3-4 days, or equivalent
  • 2 or less days, or equivalent
  • No workplace experiences

Response options for all four questions are:

  • None
  • A few (1-25%)
  • Some (26-50%)
  • Most (51-75%)
  • Overwhelming majority (76-90%)
  • Almost All (91-99%)
  • All (100%)
  • Don’t know