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Joseph Clarke School

Careers Programme

Careers at Joseph Clarke School

Preparing learners for the future. No aspiration is too high.

Our vision

Careers education is not a one-off event or an extra lesson. It is part of how we prepare learners for adulthood. We support learners’ aspirations and help them make informed decisions about their next steps towards their career ambitions.

Meet the Team

Sam McCarthy -Careers Leader/Advisor (sam.mccarthy@lihtrust.uk)

Ross Burrell - SLT Careers Leader (ross.burrell@lihtrust.uk)

Reach out to us:

Suggestion box: please support us with making any suggestions this could be as simple as a contact for a careers fair

Providers are welcome to leave a copy of their prospectus or other relevant course literature with Ross Burrell or Sam McCarthy, Career Leader.  This will be made available to pupils and families as appropriate.

What does Careers look like at Joseph Clarke School?

Schools are required to ensure that there is an opportunity for a range of education and training providers to access students in years 7 to 13 for the purposes of informing them about approved technical education, qualifications or apprenticeships.

Schools must also have a policy statement that outlines the circumstances in which education and training providers will be given access to these students.

This is outlined in section 42B of the Education Act 1997, the Skills and Post-16 Education Act 2022 and on page 43 of guidance from the Department for Education (DfE) on careers guidance and access for education and training providers.

We have dedicated careers lessons, a Calendar of Careers activities including Careers fairs, Workshops, Trips and Visits. Curriculum content and lessons make links to Careers wherever possible. We also support learners through dedicated careers lessons. Learners can access one-to-one Careers Interviews by a trained professional tailored to meet the needs of our learners. Through high-quality Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG), we inspire every learner to recognise their potential, raise their aspirations and confidently shape their future. We are committed to equipping our young people with the knowledge, skills, experiences and resilience they need to make informed choices, embrace opportunities and thrive in life beyond school.

A future shaped around our learners

Success looks different for every learner. Whether their next step involves further education, a supported internship or greater independence in the community, we work with each young person and their family to plan a meaningful path forward.

Gatsby benchmarks are used as a Framework for Careers, and we record careers-related activities using Compass+.

Impact of the Career Programme at Joseph Clarke

The career programme at Joseph Clarke helps pupils build practical skills, explore their interests and prepare for life after school. It offers experiences and guidance tailored to each pupil’s strengths, needs and aspirations.

Skills and work readiness. Pupils develop communication, teamwork and time management skills through activities such as school-based work experience. These opportunities help them understand workplace routines and different job roles.

Individual career pathways. Staff use EHC plans, observations and conversations with pupils to identify their interests and aspirations. Parents and carers also contribute, helping to shape a career profile and plan that reflects each pupil.

Career awareness. Storytelling, role-play and discussion introduce pupils to different careers. Guest speakers, career videos, virtual visits and employer workshops give them further opportunities to explore the world of work.

Experience and employment options. Career fairs, workplace visits and partnerships with local employers help pupils meet professionals and try practical activities. Pupils also learn about apprenticeships, supported employment and other pathways suited to their needs.

Transitions after school. Personalised guidance helps pupils consider college, vocational training, supported internships and other post-16 options. College visits and meetings with careers advisers support pupils and families in planning their next steps.

How the school measures and assesses the impact of the careers programme on pupils

Evaluations of the careers programme are taken at various times, to include the following:

  • Weekly during careers lessons - learners reflect on tasks and activities  
  • After learners complete a careers work experience.
  • Learners have one-page career profiles. 
  • Weekly updating of a Careers Tracker
  • Learners complete a feedback form on their careers tracker.
  • All pupils are asked each year what they are aspiring to do when they leave Joseph Clarke. Class teams support pupils to learn skills throughout their time in school, working towards their goals. 
  • These are reviewed and evaluated at yearly EHCP Reviews and Personal Learning Goals are set to support these.
  •  Some learners will complete BTEC Work skills.
  • Internal work experience is reviewed with the learners and feedback forms completed. Hours are logged with the Tracker and notes recorded. 
  • Mock interviews are completed through workshops.
  • Feedback forms are completed by both the pupils and employers. All the aspects of the careers tasks are adjusted to support learners to improve skills such as communication.

Key Documents

Work Experience

We offer different work-related opportunities both internally and externally - including within our Louis Training Cafe, which is open to the public, our primary classes at school, the Reprographics department and with our Site Services Team. External work-related opportunities include local shops such as The Community Store and Tesco. We also have a partnership with a local horticulture co-operative, Organiclea.

We support learners to access work-related experiences that focus on their interests where possible. Last term, one of our learners with an interest in politics and diplomacy worked in the office of a local Member of Parliament - Sir Iain Duncan Smith. The learner reflected on this as being an amazing experience.

Working with Organisations

We work with a range of organisations who offer mentoring to our learners, including Blind in Business, OrganicLea, Aston Group Employer workshops, DWP Financial literacy/Employability Workshops, and the Heaven House Enterprise project. We have also had a successful visit to Leyton Orient Football Club and attended a Pizza Express Workshop.

Upcoming Activities - Learners and Parents/Carers

  • 15th October 2026 - Information Morning - Careers Lead to offer support and guidance to young people and their families. A variety of local colleges have been invited to explain their application processes.
  • 15th January 2027 - Careers Fair - 9.30-11.30am. Please check the school newsletter for regular updates of attendees.

Next Scheduled Review of this Information

This information has been reviewed in September 2026. The next scheduled review for this information is in July 2027.

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