Careers Education (CEIAG)
There is a comprehensive programme of careers education activities for Year 7 to Year 13, including timetabled lessons, alumnae talks, careers interviews, newsletters, work experience, and support with options and higher education choices. We also provide students with many opportunities to link their curriculum learning to future careers through participation in industry and higher education-led schemes, particularly in STEM subjects.
We are working towards meeting the Gatsby Benchmarks, a framework of eight guidelines that defines the best careers provision in secondary schools. Our programme is aimed at preparing our students for the transition to life beyond secondary school and supporting them to make informed decisions which are suitable and ambitious for them. The school has committed to working towards Quality in Careers Standard accreditation. The Quality in Careers Standard is the national quality award for careers education and guidance provision in secondary schools.
The Careers Hub
Students and parents have access to the school’s Careers Hub, a one-stop-shop for information about the school’s careers programme, as well as the latest information on education pathways, sources of careers information and careers news, and links to external careers-related events, such as webinars, competitions, and virtual work experience opportunities, and a page specifically to keep parents about latest developments.
The careers programme is led by Mr Henry, our Careers Leader, who should be the first point of contact for any careers-related enquiries from parents, employers, or education and training providers on [email protected] or by telephone on 0208 657 8935.
The school assesses the impact of its careers programme by surveying students and parents regularly, obtaining student feedback following key events and careers lessons, and using the Future Skills Questionnaire to assess students’ careers knowledge and preparedness. In addition, we make use of the CEC’s Compass+ careers benchmarking tool and Careers Leadership Review and Year 13 destinations data.
Work Experience
We offer a structured work experience programme for our Year 10, Year 11 and Sixth Form students, which is carefully planned and embedded within our academic calendar. Students are encouraged to secure their own placements through family connections or by contacting organisations they are interested in directly. In addition, we actively welcome approaches from employers who are able to provide meaningful work experience opportunities for our students. We use platforms such as Unifrog to support students in sourcing placements, preparing applications, and tracking their progress.
Careers Programme
This Careers Programme document outlines The Quest Academy’s strategic schedule for 2025-2026, detailing the wide range of trips, events and employer encounters available to students from Years 7-13. It demonstrates how the school delivers a structured and progressive programme, helping students explore different pathways, develop key employability skills and make informed decisions about their future. All activities are mapped against the Gatsby Benchmarks, ensuring students receive a broad and balanced careers education with meaningful encounters with employers, workplaces and further education providers.
Careers Policy
Our Careers Policy reflects The Quest Academy’s strong commitment to ensuring every student is fully prepared for their future. Through a well-planned and inclusive programme from Years 7-13, students are supported to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to make informed decisions about education, employment and training. Our approach is built around the Gatsby Benchmarks and provides access to impartial guidance, meaningful employer encounters and a wide range of experiences that raise aspirations and broaden horizons. We are dedicated to ensuring all students, regardless of background, have equal opportunities and leave us ready to successfully manage their next steps in education and the world of work.
Provider Access Statement
The Provider Access Statement explains how The Quest Academy gives education and training providers access to students as part of its careers programme. It ensures the school meets its legal duty to provide students with information about all post-16 and post-18 pathways, including apprenticeships, college courses and university routes. It outlines students’ entitlement to meet a range of providers, how these encounters are organised, and how providers can request access to the school.
Careers Newsletters
Our Careers Newsletter keeps students and families up to date with the wide range of opportunities available at The Quest Academy. It celebrates key experiences such as employer encounters, trips, work experience and university visits, while also sharing upcoming events and useful information about future pathways. Through the newsletter, we highlight how our careers programme (guided by the Gatsby Benchmarks) helps students connect their learning to real-world opportunities, raise aspirations and build the skills needed for success beyond school.
Autumn Term 2025 | Spring Term 2026 | Summer Term 2026
Labour Market Information (LMI) Bulletins
Our monthly Labour Market Information (LMI) bulletins provide students, parents and carers with up-to-date insights into the world of work. They highlight key employment trends, growing industries, in-demand skills, and local and national career opportunities. By sharing this information regularly, we help students make informed decisions about their future pathways, including GCSE options, post-16 choices and career ambitions. The bulletins also support families in understanding how education links to employment, ensuring our students are well-prepared for a rapidly changing job market.
November 2025 | January 2026 | February 2026 | March 2026 | April 2026 | May 2026 | June 2026 | July 2026