Careers

Our Careers Programme

At New Mills School, our careers programme provides students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to pursue their ambitions and achieve their dreams. We aim to equip them with the tools to succeed in life beyond the classroom, empowering them to Think Big, Do the Right Thing, and demonstrate Team Spirit as they take their next steps.

We have both a statutory and moral duty to provide high-quality Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) for students in Years 8–11. At New Mills School, this entitlement is extended to Year 7, as we believe that every student deserves access to quality careers education from the very start of their journey with us.

We aim to provide students — and those supporting them at home — with the information required to make strong choices about their futures, while encouraging achievable but aspirational goals.

 

The Gatsby Benchmarks

Our programme is planned around the 8 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

 

Our Vision

At New Mills School, we believe that every student has the potential to excel. Our careers programme is designed to:

  • Inspire ambition

  • Foster determination and resilience

  • Equip students with the skills needed for future success

 

Career Guidance and Support

Personalised Career Counselling

Our dedicated Careers Advisor is available every Friday to provide one-to-one guidance, helping students explore career options, set goals, and plan the steps to achieve them.

 

Career Workshops

We provide workshops led by industry professionals throughout the year, giving students insight into different careers and the skills required to succeed.

 

Work Experience

In Year 10, every student takes part in a work placement week. Students are encouraged to secure placements that will enhance their career aspirations and develop real-world experience.

 

Unifrog – Career Exploration Tool

All students (and parents on request) have access to Unifrog, an online platform that brings together information on careers, apprenticeships, and university courses, making career exploration simple and accessible.

 

CV and Interview Preparation

During Key Stage 4, students receive support in creating personal CVs and developing interview skills through tailored workshops and mock interview sessions.

 

Upcoming Events

  • Careers Fair – Our annual fair offers students the chance to meet representatives from a wide range of industries and attend informative sessions.

  • University Visits – Students can experience campus life and learn more about courses and pathways.

  • Year 10 College Taster Sessions – Local colleges provide taster sessions to give students a feel for post-16 learning environments and courses.

 

Careers Plans

Year 7 Careers Curriculum Overview

Year 8 Careers Curriculum Overview

Year 9 Careers Curriculum Overview

Year 10 Careers Curriculum Overview

Year 11 Careers Curriculum Overview

 

Assessing Impact

Why We Evaluate

Our careers programme is evaluated annually to assess its impact and identify areas for improvement. Feedback is collected from students, parents, teachers, and employers through surveys, focus groups, and questionnaires.

 

How We Evaluate

An evaluation stakeholder group — chaired by Headteacher Mrs Heather Watts with members of the Senior Leadership Team — meets once a year to review evidence. The Careers Leader provides an evidence pack and, following the review, prepares a short report with recommendations for continuous improvement.

 

What We Evaluate

  • Stakeholder Feedback – Insights from students, parents, and partners after careers activities

  • Implementation – What was delivered against the planned programme, and how effectively

  • Impact – Key performance indicators linked to our vision and student outcomes

 

Provider Access Legislation

We welcome employers, colleges, training providers, and universities into school to provide encounters that inspire and inform our students. For details on how to access students at New Mills School, please see our Provider Access Policy below:

Provider Access Policy

 

Contact Us

For more information, please contact our Careers Team:

Careers Lead Teacher – Mr D Lytham
 📧 dlytham@newmillsschool.co.uk | ☎️ 01663 743 284

Careers Advisor – Ms G Brannelly
 📧 gbrannelly@newmillsschool.co.uk | ☎️ 01663 743 284
 🕒 Office Hours: Friday, 8:30am – 4:00pm