Careers Programme

The Swindon Academy vision states ‘Business, Enterprise and Employability at Swindon Academy encourages all young people to learn and develop in a way that meets their needs and develops skills for life and skills for work’.

In order to achieve this we offer an extensive Careers Programme which allows students to explore, understand and encounter a range of industries and potential careers paths.

All advice we provide students with is impartial and in their best interests. The programme is overseen by the SLT Careers Lead, Nick Warren (nick.warren@swindon-academy.org) and implemented by the Careers Officer, Daniela King (Daniela.King@swindon-academy.org). The Careers Programme has the approval of the board of governors, is backed by the senior leadership team and is reviewed termly to ensure its efficiency. The governor with Careers Lead responsibilities is listed on the Governance page, here.

The Careers Programme has been written in line with the Government’s Gatsby Benchmarks and takes into consideration the ongoing work and research completed by SWLEP.

The Gatsby Benchmarks

The eight benchmarks are a framework for good career guidance developed to support schools in providing students with the best possible careers education, information, advice, and guidance: Please see illustration below to support the offer.

Screenshot 2026-01-06 162902

The Careers Programme aims to

Inspire and raise the aspirations of all students at Swindon Academy
Provide students with up to date industry information and allow them to explore sectors based upon their strengths, interests and skillsets
Give each student the opportunity to experience one meaningful business encounter each year they are in education with us
By the end of Year 11, all students will have had workplace experience within at least one business and have met with a Careers Advisor
Allow students to make informed decisions about the next stage of their career paths by giving them all the options available and ensuring they have the time to think about, question and consider each pathway

United Learning CEIAG – Entitlements and Competencies

We commit that all students will

CE1 - Have access to impartial Careers guidance that enables them to make informed choices about their future
CE2 - Have access to a personalised plan that helps them to take responsibility for their future that is marched to their academic ability and aspirations
CE3 - Attend at least one visit to a University by the end of Key Stage 4, with further University visits before the end of Year 13
CE4 - Engage in meaningful experiences of the workplace during Key Stage 4 or Key Stage 5
CE5 - Have access to a wide range of providers that enable them to effectively determine the most suitable pathway for their studies post-16and post-18
CE6 - Be provided with opportunities to hear from engaging speakers on a wide range of topics, across varied and diverse sectors and industries to challenge stereotypes and broaden aspirations
CE7 - Be provided with the appropriate resources and oracy skills to support them in undertaking interviews at key transition points
CE8 - Be provided with the appropriate resources and literacy skills to support them in undertaking written tasks (i.e., application forms, CVs)as key transition points
CE9 - Be provided with information in relation to the wider world of work such as finance, budgeting and employability skills
CE10 - Study a curriculum, across all subjects, that has tangible links to Careers and aspirations

We have a range of both whole school, year group and specific student group events that run each year with the aim to support our young people in making positive choices about their future. As part of our Futures Week, every year group will take part in an:

Employer Workshop
University Talk
Futures Fair (over 35 employers, universities and post 16 training providers join us to speak to students about their futures)

Students in Years 9-12 will also take part in a university visit where they are provided with the opportunity to see a university, speak to members of staff and students and learn more about why studying at level 4 and above may be a good option for them.

Support for Years 7-11 as shown below:

Year 12 and 13

My Future, My Self, My Skills, My Knowledge, My Opportunities, My Options

Consider University as an option, introduce job opportunities such as apprenticeship awareness. To engage with a range of Post 18 providers. Guided through UCAS applications.
Preparation for job applications and interviews. Focused on employer engagement through a variety of channels virtual and in person.
Drop down days including Careers, Economics etc
University visits, mock interviews, work experience in Year 12
Access to IT support systems including Unifrog to enhance knowledge for choices.
Supporting their transition to adult life and guiding them from dependence to independence, by equipping students to improve themselves and understand
Students have a dedicated tutor who they meet with daily.
Please visit link for all information Character Programme | Welcome | UnitedCollege6f | Swindon Academy
High Average point student Link to Scholars Programme at UCSF
Career Pathway support- Career Pathways | Welcome | UnitedCollege6f | Swindon Academy

How do we ensure our Careers Programme is effective?

Students, staff and local employers are asked to review each event they attend as part of Swindon Academy’s Career Programme. This allows us to see whether or not the event was beneficial; if students would recommend it to future year groups and how all parties feel the events could be improved.

All statistics are discussed termly at Senior Leadership Meetings and reviewed to ensure each event is meaningful, effective and purposeful. Swindon Academy reviews its careers programme every September, unless further revisions are necessary mid-year.

On both our January and July PRD, students and parents complete a careers questionnaire which helps us to review which elements of our programme are working and where improvements can be made.