UTC Reading is delighted to have once again achieved the national Gold Quality in Careers Standard using the Career Mark approach provided by Complete Careers. This recognises the quality and breadth of the school’s careers provision.
The assessor was impressed by the structure and processes in place to lead, manage and deliver careers education, information, advice and guidance (CEIAG) across the school, stating in the report:
“Careers sits at the heart of the UTC being firmly embedded in the school improvement plan and supported by an extensive network of employer partnerships. There is a range of excellent practice evident at UTC Reading and it is clear that learners feel very well supported by the careers team and wider staff members.
“It is extremely encouraging to note that increasing numbers of learners Post 18 are pursuing and securing some excellent degree apprenticeships.
“The comprehensive careers and futures programme ensures that learners are well prepared to take their next steps beyond the UTC.”
To achieve the award the school had to supply sufficient evidence to demonstrate that it is meeting all of its national accreditation criteria in overall careers provision, with the accreditation assessment carried out by external specialists.
The DfE strongly recommends that all schools should work towards a quality award for CEIAG as an effective means of carrying out a self-review and evaluation of a school’s career programme.
This is the fourth time UTC Reading has achieved the Career Mark award, and this year sees it maintain the Gold standard, fully achieving all eight of the Gatsby Benchmarks and demonstrating a sustained commitment to high-quality careers education. It comes after the school was Ofsted rated ‘Good’ in all categories in February.
Stephanie Mitchell, Careers Lead at the school said: “We are very proud of our careers provision and the positive impact it has in supporting our students to develop the skills they need to make informed decisions about their future.”
