Careers

Careers education is an important part of a young person's development. At Montsaye Academy, we are committed to providing high quality careers education and guidance as an integral part of every student’s education. We will seek to ensure that the provision is appropriate to the age, stage, ability and educational needs of every individual and is underpinned by equality of opportunity. The academy is committed to providing a planned programme for all students in Years 7-13 in partnership with relevant external organisations.  

Our careers programme is developed in line with the Gatsby Benchmarks. As part of our careers programme, we offer the following: 

Education and Learning

We work with learners of all ages, leaders and teachers to transform the quality and impact of education. 

Below is a list of some of the activities, support and events that our students will receive, please note this is not an exhaustive list. 

• Assembly Presentation 
• Options at 16 Presentation – overview of the pathways open to students. Sessions will also outline the support available throughout the year. 
• 1:1 Career interview (all KS4 students, KS3 on request via pastoral mentors 
• Sixth Form Apprenticeship Presentation and 1:1 interview 
• Whole school Careers Fair or similar event 
• Parental support – careers advisor in attendance at GCSE Options Evening, Year 11 Parent Evening and Sixth Form Information Evening 

Unifrog

Montsaye Academy uses the Unifrog careers platform to support students from Year 7 through to Year 13 in exploring and planning their future pathways. Unifrog allows learners to independently research post‑GCSE and post‑16 options, including careers, courses, apprenticeships, and universities. Alongside this independent access, students take part in guided sessions during Character Development lessons and dedicated careers days, where they learn how to make informed decisions and build the skills needed for their next steps. This whole‑school approach ensures every student receives high‑quality careers education, information, advice, and guidance throughout their journey with us.

Gatsby Benchmarks 

• A stable careers programme 
• Learning from career and labour market information 
• Addressing the needs of each pupil 
• Linking curriculum learning to careers 
• Encounters with employers and employees 
• Experiences of workplaces 
• Encounters with further and higher education 
• Personal guidance 

Provider Access Legislation

Alongside the Gatsby benchmarks, our careers provision is also fully compliant with the Provider Access Legislation which states that all students from Year 8 to Year 13 must have access to colleges and training providers to discuss non-academic routes including apprenticeships. This is to ensure that all students receive the careers advice which is most relevant and useful to them. 

The effectiveness of our careers and raising aspiration activities is assessed using the Gatsby benchmarks and attainment and destination data for students. Success will be reflected in higher numbers progressing to apprenticeships, universities, traineeships and other positive destinations such as employment or a further education college. Destination data (DfE) is also used to assess how successfully students make the transition into the next stage of education or training, or into employment. 

The academy measures the impact of the careers programme using the “The eight Gatsby benchmarks of Good Career Guidance” through the Career and Enterprise Compass Tool. The programme is evaluated three times a year during the Autum, Spring and Summer term.  

We need your help

We are looking for passionate employers from businesses and other organisations to help our students and bring the world of work to life for the next generation. We would particularly value: 

• Employer talks 
• Business site visits 
• Mock interviews 
• CV and cover letter support 
• Mentoring 
• Work experience or job shadowing 
• Enterprise activities

If you are passionate about shaping the workforce of the future or for further information, please contact Montsaye Academy on 01536 418844 and read our Provider Access Policy here.