Careers

Careers at Meldreth

Careers Lead – Amanda Walker

Curriculum intent: “Our curriculum is designed to empower every student to achieve their full potential by fostering a sense of self-worth, independence, and belonging. We are committed to providing a high-quality, inclusive education that is personalised, purposeful, and prepares students for life beyond school.”

Our curriculum intent is clearly focused on preparing students for life beyond school. This includes fulfilling our statutory responsibility to provide a high-quality careers programme and access to independent careers advice. Our careers programme is delivered from Year 7 onwards.

The Gatsby Benchmarks ensure that students learn about a range of careers, engage with employers, gain meaningful experience, and receive personalised guidance. Our careers programme is thoughtfully adapted to be inclusive, meeting the diverse needs and aspirations of our students through a realistic, skills-based approach.

The Gatsby Benchmarks

A stable career programme	The school has a clear, planned careers programme for all students.
Learning from career and labour market information	Students learn about different jobs and what skills are needed.
Addressing the needs of each student	Careers support is tailored to each student (especially for SEND).
Linking curriculum learning to careers	Lessons show how subjects connect to real jobs.
Encounters with employers and employees	Students meet people who work in different jobs.
Experiences of workplaces	Students get first-hand experience of work (e.g. visits, work experience).
Encounters with further and higher education	Students learn about college, training, apprenticeships and university.
Personal guidance	Students receive 1:1 career advice from a trained advisor.

Students’ understanding is rooted in exploring a wide range of careers and roles across different industries, while developing the skills and attributes required for these pathways. Through this approach, students build both competence and confidence, which is particularly important for our learners.

Students are assessed throughout each half term on a range of skills, enabling them to develop recognition, aspiration, and confidence in a meaningful and sustained way.

Independent Careers Advice at Meldreth Manor School

At Meldreth Manor School, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to think positively about their future. We provide access to independent, impartial careers advice to help each student explore their aspirations and consider the pathways available to them.

We recognise that our learners have a wide range of strengths, needs, and ambitions. For some, this may include employment, further education, or training. For others, the focus may be on developing independence, life skills, and meaningful participation in their community, including pathways such as supported or assisted living. We value all outcomes and work closely with students and families to define what a fulfilling and appropriate future looks like for each individual.

Our careers guidance is delivered with care and sensitivity. We aim to support aspiration while also ensuring that advice is realistic, personalised, and appropriate. Independent advisers work alongside school staff, families, and other professionals to help students understand their options and plan next steps that are achievable and meaningful.

Communication is adapted to meet each student’s needs, ensuring they can take part in discussions about their future in a way that suits them. Whether a young person is working towards employment, greater independence, or supported living, we are committed to helping them make informed choices and prepare for adulthood with confidence.

Meldreth Manor currently uses Innervate Careers