Lizzie Sowden (Assistant Headteacher) is the careers lead for the school and oversees the careers programme. Lizzie can be contacted via email on lizzie.sowden@longdonhallschool.co.uk or via telephone on 01543 491 051
Careers education is an important part of our work with children and young people at Longdon Hall School. We work to give all pupils a clear overview of the possible career choices open to them and support them in preparing for their chosen career(s) whilst also supporting them to gain a broad range of experiences and skills so their choices are kept wide open.
Pupils in Key Stage 4 have a dedicated Careers lesson on their timetable each week and work towards the Prince’s Trust Award which supports pupils in developing their understanding around careers and the world of work alongside employability skills.
All pupils in the senior school have careers interviews annually in which their future employment hopes and expectations are explored in detail and plans are produced to support each child in their individual journey. When pupils reach Key Stage 4 they are supported and encouraged to take part in meaningful work experience placements; placements in 2023-24 included a car repair garage, a childcare centre, a hair and beauty salon and a social housing electrical contractor.
The Gatsby Benchmarks are framed for good careers guidance and form the basis of all the careers work we have in place at the school. Employability skills are embedded throughout the school’s formal and informal curricula. We are well supported by experts in careers education from Outcomes First Group, our parent company, and look to be leaders in this field.
We work hard with each individual pupil and their parents and carers to help identify and access the most appropriate next destination on leaving Longdon Hall School. For many pupils this a vocational placement in a college or apprenticeship whilst for others it may be continued education in another school or college or entering the world of work.