Our Lady's Catholic High School
One-to-One Careers Guidance
At Our Lady’s Catholic High School, we recognise that every pupil is an individual. Pupils have different strengths, interests, aspirations and circumstances, and it is important that they have an opportunity to explore these when making decisions about their future.
Personal guidance for every pupil
Every pupil will receive a one-to-one careers guidance appointment during Years 10-11 with a fully qualified careers adviser.
The appointment provides dedicated time for pupils to discuss their individual aspirations and receive impartial careers guidance tailored to their needs.
- Career ideas and aspirations
- Individual strengths and interests
- Post-16 options and college courses
- Apprenticeships and technical pathways
- Entry requirements and qualifications
- Employment and career opportunities
- Applications and next steps
- Any concerns or uncertainty about future choices
Involving parents and carers
Careers conversations should continue beyond the school gates. Following the one-to-one careers appointment, information from the meeting is shared with both the pupil and their parents/carers. This enables families to discuss the guidance together at home, explore the options identified and support the pupil in making informed decisions about their future.
Careers provision for pupils with SEND
Our Careers and SEND teams work closely together to ensure that careers guidance and transition planning are personalised for pupils with SEND and reflect their individual needs, strengths and aspirations.
Preparation for the next stage begins early. Where progression to college is the most appropriate next step, additional transition support can be carefully planned in partnership with the pupil, their family, the SEND team and the receiving provider.
- Additional or earlier visits to the college or provider
- Opportunities to become familiar with the new environment
- Meeting key members of staff before transition
- Developing an understanding of new routines and expectations
- Additional guidance when considering courses and pathways
- Close communication between school, families and the receiving provider
- A carefully planned transition programme tailored to the individual pupil
Our aim is for every pupil to leave Our Lady’s with a clear, appropriate and aspirational next step and to feel well prepared and supported as they move into the next stage of education, training or their future career.
