Careers Education, Information, Advice And Guidance
At Abbey Manor College, we aim to prepare our students for further and higher education or for a job with a significant and positive contribution to society. By ensuring that students are aware of the paths available to them and by equipping them with the skills and attributes to succeed in the workplace, we believe that our students are well prepared and empowered to make informed choices about their future.
We are proud that every year, 98 percent of Abbey Manor College's students go onto Sixth Form, College or Apprenticeships each and every year.
Provider Access Policy Statement
Abbey Manor College Provider access policy statement describes the school's commitment to providing students with information on different educational and training options, including technical and vocational training. In line with legal obligations, the policy provides opportunities for students to learn about the various paths through workshops with providers, information evenings and other events. The aim is to equip students with the knowledge and awareness necessary to make informed choices about their future and to contribute to the economy. At Abbey Manor College we encourages parental involvement and We work in partnership with Lewisham Council to secure high-quality, safe, and appropriate placements that reflect students’ interests and career goals.
Provider Access Policy Statement
Associated Staff
- Isabel Miguel (Leader of CEIAG)
- Matthew Gilliland (Deputy Head Teacher)
- Deborah tucker (Link Governor)
The Careers Programme is designed around the following key themes for each year group, so that students learn about the range of opportunities available to them and are empowered to make positive choices for their future:
Year 7: Introduction to careers, aspiration, strengths, and basic employability skills.
Year 8: Explore pathways, aspirations, and employer experiences.
Year 9: Preparing for GCSE Options and understanding the impact of these upon my future
Year 10: Exploring what is right for me, preparing for my future and work experience
Year 11: Prepare for post-16 with CVs, interviews, and work experience. Secure next steps through applications, guidance, and transition prep.
1-2-1 Guidance meetings are compulsory for all Year 11 students regarding the Post 16 Transition, and are also available for all students and/or parents at any time. Please contact Isabel Miguel via email to find out more: i.miguel@abbeymanorcollege.com
We are committed to providing students with high-quality face-to-face meetings with employers and workplaces. If you are interested in contributing to this strand, please contact Isabel Miguel by e-mail. For more information on access, facilities and security, see the Provider Access Policy Statement.
Careers Education Programme
Careers education is embedded in all areas of the curriculum at Abbey Manor College in order to help inform and inspire our students. Activities and events include:
- University and College visits and workshops
- Work Experience for all Year 10 and Year 11 students
- Sixth Form taster day experience for all Year 10 and Year 11 students
- 1-2-1 guidance for all Year 8 and Year 11 students, in line with Key Stage transitions
- KS4-5 Transition Information Evening for all Year 11 Parents and Students
- Subject specific careers displays in all classrooms and across the school
- Apprenticeship information displays
- Subject-specific activities throughout subject curriculums
- Extra-curricular and enrichment activities provided by subject departments
- Tutor-time careers activities embedded into the tutor programme across the school
- BETC Masterclasses at local Independent Sixth Form Providers
- Careers advisor available to all students
- Meaningful encounters with employers – through seminars and assemblies
- Active alumni network
For more detail about our careers programme, and how it links to the Gatsby Benchmarks, please see the attached Careers Plan.
Student engagement in CEIAG (Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance) activities is tracked, monitored and evaluated throughout their time at Abbey Manor College, which means we can ensure that all of the Gatsby Benchmarks are met for each and every child.
We continue to review and improve our CEIAG provision in line with the Gatsby Benchmarks. The next review will take place in September 2026.
Or call on 020 8297 7060
Year 9 Curriculum Choices
Students at Abbey Manor College are supported in making important curriculum decisions during Year 9. All students study English, English Literature, Mathematics, and Religious Education, alongside selecting three additional option subjects to continue into Key Stage 4.
Students receive guidance to help them make the most suitable individual choices through:
- Assemblies led by the Careers Lead explaining curriculum choices and how they link to future career pathways
- Talks and assemblies from employers
- Development of decision-making skills during tutor time and PSHE lessons
- Personalised careers guidance from the Careers Lead and Tutors
- A Parents’ and Carers Coffee Morning with the Careers Lead and Wellbeing Coordinator
By ensuring students understand the significance of these decisions and the pathways available to them after Abbey Manor College, we aim to help them make informed curriculum choices that enable them to make a positive contribution to society.
For further information, please refer to the Student Guide or contact Ms Miguel via email i.miguel@abbeymanorcollege.com
KS5 Transition - Student Information
All Year 11 students at Abbey Manor College are required to apply for an appropriate Post-16 destination, as young people must remain in education, employment, or training until the age of 18.
This does not mean students have to stay in school. They can choose from a range of pathways, including:
- Studying full time at a school, college, or with a training provider
- Working or volunteering full time while completing part-time accredited education or training
- Starting an apprenticeship or traineeship
Supporting your child through the Key Stage 5 transition can feel overwhelming, as it differs greatly from the move to secondary school and there are many routes available. The websites listed, along with the “Parents’ Guide to Helping Your Child Begin Their Career Journey” below, offer helpful information. You can also contact Ms Miguel via email, who will be happy to arrange a meeting to provide personalised information, advice, and guidance for your child.
Online Careers Information, Advice and Guidance: A Parents Guide
You may find the following documents and websites useful when helping your child think about what/where they would like to study, and what they would like to do in later life.
The Parents Guide: Getting Ahead in the Summer Holidays
- helps parents/carers further understand the education, work and training options available to teenagers.
- suggests key questions and topics to discuss with your child to help them make positive decisions.
- provides information, advice and guidance to help students make decisions about learning, training and work opportunities.
- offers 1-2-1 guidance via online messenger or telephone calls.
- gives detailed information about jobs, careers and courses, including entry requirements, average salary and working hours.
- careers videos from a range of careers, including jobs that may be more unusual.
- buzz quiz for students to identify what subjects or careers they may be best suited to.
- information for parents and carers on how to support young people making careers decisions.
- explains what apprenticeships are and the different levels they can be studied at.
- search for local apprenticeship vacancies.
- live broadcasts from current apprentices sharing their experiences and advice.
- information for parents and carers.
- careers quizzes to help students choose careers, courses or apprenticeships.
- provides information about vacancies, entry requirements, wages and working hours.
Staff Information
Linking Curriculum Learning to Careers
At Abbey Manor College, we believe careers education should start in the classroom and be embedded throughout the curriculum. In addition, dedicated careers events are organised to complement this learning and respond to specific student needs.
Curriculum Leaders are encouraged to invite employers into lessons to enrich subject learning and, where possible, arrange workplace visits for students. Alongside the development of key employability skills, this approach helps prepare students effectively for the world of work.
This integrated approach offers several advantages:
- Motivation – Students gain a clearer understanding of how their studies connect to real-life careers, helping them see the value and purpose of their lessons.
- Inspiration – Engagement with employers and exposure to different workplaces gives students experiences they may not otherwise access, encouraging them to explore future pathways and make informed decisions.
- Time efficiency – Embedding careers education within lessons reduces the need for students to miss curriculum time to attend separate careers events.
Staff are welcome to invite their own professional contacts into school or contact Ms Miguel (Leader of Careers and Transition) for assistance in finding suitable employer links.
Employer Engagement
At Abbey Manor College, we place great importance on working with both local and national employers. Opportunities for students to meet professionals and visit workplaces help bring the world of work to life. Students who engage with employers and feel inspired by these experiences are better prepared to make informed decisions about their futures.
Employers can support Abbey Manor College students in a variety of ways, including:
- Delivering assemblies
- Working with Curriculum Leaders to add real-world context to specific topics
- Providing mock interviews
- Delivering careers insight talks
- Hosting workplace visits
- Offering work experience placements
- Taking part in speed networking sessions
- Supporting business mentoring
We are proud to have built strong relationships with professionals from a range of organisations who contribute to the Careers Programme at Abbey Manor College in many different ways. If you would like to become part of our employer network, please contact Ms Miguel (Leader of Careers and Transition).