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Vision: Learn. Dream. Achieve.

At Sharples School, all students will learn about the world of work. They will develop the essential skills, knowledge and understanding of what opportunities are available to them. Our aim is to give every student the confidence and ambition to dream big about their future—regardless of personal barriers—so they can become successful citizens and achieve their full potential.

Helping You Plan Your Future

At Sharples School, we understand that navigating your post-16 options can feel overwhelming. That’s why we offer a comprehensive and inclusive careers programme designed to support you at every stage of your journey.

Our dedicated Careers Advisor, Oona Banner, provides impartial 1:1 guidance throughout key stages of your education. Whether you’re choosing your GCSEs in Year 9, preparing for work experience and mock interviews in Year 10, or making final post-16 decisions in Year 11, we are here to help you explore your options and reach your goals.

Unveiling Your Future: A World of Possibilities Awaits

Today’s students have more choices than ever before—and we’re here to help you explore them all. Sharples School’s CEIAG programme goes beyond listing careers; it’s about engaging you in real experiences that will shape your future.

What You Can Expect:

  • Careers Fairs – Meet representatives from universities, colleges, training providers, and businesses. Ask questions, gather ideas, and explore new opportunities.
  • Work Experience – Step into the world of work with a meaningful placement. Learn essential skills, test your interests, and build your network.
  • Guest Speaker Sessions – Hear from industry professionals, alumni, and inspirational speakers who share their real-life journeys and advice.
  • College, Sixth Form, and University Visits – Explore different learning environments, attend talks, and find out what best suits your future plans.
  • College Taster Days – Try out college courses, meet tutors, and experience campus life to help you make informed choices.
  • Mock Interviews – Take part in realistic interview simulations and receive feedback to help you build confidence and professionalism.
  • Industry Day Visits – Get a behind-the-scenes look at workplaces and see how different careers function in real-world settings.

Our Careers Programme

Our CEIAG programme is carefully planned and fully aligned with the Gatsby Benchmarks, giving every student regular, meaningful encounters with employers and experiences of workplaces.

Summary of the Programme:

Year Group Key Activities
Year 7 Introduction to careers, personal goal setting, learning about different roles and workplaces
Year 8 Enterprise activities,, careers in the curriculum, careers fair
Year 9 1:1 careers meetings, skills development, GCSE options support,developing soft skills
Year 10 1:1 careers meetings, work experience, mock interviews, post-16 pathways research
Year 11 1:1 careers meetings, application support, transition planning to post-16 pathways

 

Measuring the Impact

We assess the effectiveness of our careers programme through:

  • Feedback from students, parents, employers and staff
  • Yearly reviews using the Compass+ tool
  • Monitoring participation in key careers events
  • Tracking student destinations after Year 11

Careers Contacts

Careers Leader:
Mr Sam Jackson
Assistant Headteacher
careers@sharplesschool.co.uk
01204 333000

Careers Advisor:
Ms Oona Banner
Impartial Careers Guidance Practitioner
obanner@sharplesschool.co.uk

Provider Access Policy (Baker Clause)

We welcome training providers, colleges, employers and universities into school to help students learn about all available pathways.

To request access to students, please read our [Provider Access Policy] and contact Mr Sam Jackson (details above). We offer access through:

  • Careers fairs
  • Assemblies
  • Workshops
  • Work experience placements
  • Small group or 1:1 sessions

All visitors must comply with school safeguarding procedures.

For Students

Explore, discover, and take control of your future!

Our careers programme gives you:

  • Access to impartial advice and guidance
  • The chance to meet real employers and professionals
  • Tools to write your CV, prepare for interviews, and build confidence
  • Guidance on choosing GCSEs, post-16 courses, apprenticeships, and more

Useful links:

For Parents and Carers

We know how important your role is in guiding your child.

Our support includes:

  • Information evenings and guidance for options and post-16 decisions
  • Resources on the current labour market and progression routes
  • Ongoing communication through newsletters, social media and school events

Parent resources:

For Teachers

CEIAG is a shared responsibility, and every teacher has a role to play.

  • Careers is embedded across subject areas
  • Teachers signpost pathways linked to their subject
  • Opportunities for CPD in CEIAG
  • Staff can request employer links to enhance their curriculum

For Employers and Providers

We invite you to work with us to inspire the next generation.

You can support students by:

  • Hosting workplace visits
  • Giving talks or running workshops
  • Offering work placements or job-shadowing
  • Conducting mock interviews

Why get involved?

  • Give back to your community
  • Raise awareness of your industry
  • Identify potential future talent

To get involved, contact careers@sharplesschool.co.uk

Student Destinations

Our students go on to a wide range of destinations including:

  • Runshaw College, Bolton 6th, Bolton College, Wigan & Leigh College, Salford City College
  • Apprenticeships in Health, Engineering, Construction, Business, and IT
  • Employment with training and development opportunities

We monitor and support all student destinations for three years after they leave Sharples.

Key Documents and Downloads

  • [Sharples Careers Programme PDF]
  • [Careers Policy PDF]
  • [Provider Access Statement PDF]
  • [Work Experience Guide PDF]
  • [Apprenticeship Parent Guide PDF]
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