Information for Parents & Carers
Within SAIL Academy your child will go through a tailored careers programme to support them with their next steps. As well as this, you can support them with a few simple things you can do at home:
What you can do to help
- Have regular conversations with your child about what they want to do in the future
- Encourage self-awareness with your child (what skills and qualities do they have/could they develop)
- Help them to explore their options by researching a wide range of careers
- Ask them about their 1-1 careers interview (which they will have during the academic year, starting with the Year 11's to Year 7's) and what they talked about
- Find out about entry requirements for sixth form, college and university courses or apprenticeships they are interested in
- Keep an eye on changes in education, job trends and LMI (Labour Market Information)
- Get in touch with the schools careers lead, Mr Fulker, if you need further support for your child
Some useful websites
- https://www.careerpilot.org.uk/ – Great resource to research a wide range of careers in different sectors. There are also a range of job quizzes that you can try for free.
- https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/ – Contains a vast range of information about many different careers. It also offers up to date LMI (local market information).
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the school support my child's career development?
We offer a structured and progressive careers curriculum beginning in Year 7, continuing right through to Year 11. Our aim is to ensure every student gains the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to make informed decisions about their future.
Our careers programme includes:
- Dedicated careers lessons and activities in form time and PSHE
- Employer encounters and talks from professionals across a wide range of industries
- Workplace visits to give students real insight into different working environments
- Careers fairs and events with local and national employers, training providers and higher education institutions
- One-to-one personal guidance interviews with a qualified careers advisor
The programme is built around the Gatsby Benchmarks and the CDI Framework, national standards that ensure careers education is meaningful, high-quality, and tailored to students’ needs.
When will my child have their career's meeting?
All key stage 3 and 4 students are offered an annual personal guidance meeting with our career's advisor.
These meetings are designed to support each student’s individual aspirations, strengths and needs. Additional careers guidance sessions can be arranged where needed, especially for students who require more ongoing support to help them plan their next steps with confidence.
How can I support my child with career planning?
Parents and carers play a vital role in shaping young people’s career thinking. You don’t need to have all the answers — just showing interest and being part of the conversation makes a big difference. Here are some ways you can support your child:
- Talk regularly about their interests, strengths, and future goals — even casual chats at the dinner table can spark ideas and motivation.
- Explore options together using trusted platforms like the National Careers Service. These tools are packed with information on career pathways, university courses, apprenticeships, and more.
- Attend open evenings, college taster days, or careers fairs with your child. Your presence can boost their confidence and help them ask the right questions.
- Encourage them to reflect on in school, what matters to them, and what kind of lifestyle they’d like in future — this can help link their passions to possible careers.
- Check in on key transition points, such as key stage 4 options and post 16 options. We’ll provide information, but your support helps it all click into place.
If you ever feel unsure, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to navigate it without support. We’re always happy to talk through questions or concerns.
What if my child does not know what do to?
That’s completely normal — in fact, most students don’t have a clear career plan straight away, and that’s okay. Our careers programme is built to support exploration and gradually develop confidence and clarity over time.
Here’s how we help students find their way:
- Careers lessons and activities start in Year 7 and continue through school, helping students understand their strengths, interests and values.
- We expose students to a wide variety of careers through employer talks, workplace visits, and encounters with training providers and universities.
- One-to-one guidance interviews give students personalised advice and help them weigh up their options.
- We encourage reflection and open-mindedness – students often discover new ambitions as they grow, and our job is to help them stay curious and informed.
The goal isn’t to have it all figured out at 15 — it’s to be ready to make good decisions, with support, options and confidence. And we’re with them every step of the way.
What options are available after Year 11?
- Further Education Colleges
Colleges offer a wide range of BTECs, T Levels, and technical/vocational courses across different levels (from Entry Level to Level 3). These courses are often more hands-on and linked closely to specific career areas, such as health & social care, construction, digital media, or engineering. - Apprenticeships
A great option for students who want to earn while they learn. Apprenticeships combine paid work with formal training, and are available at various levels depending on a student’s qualifications and career goals.
Will my child do work experience?
Yes. All students will have access to workplace experiences. This might not look like the typical model of a 5-day block, but will include a combination of virtual/hybrid work experience and visits to the workplace to have meaningful encounters with employers. This will be a valuable opportunity to:
- Experience the world of work first-hand
- Develop key employability skills
- Explore career interests in a real-world setting