Careers
What Makes Careers Education at Northcroft Different
At Northcroft School, our approach to Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) is not an add-on — it is woven into the fabric of our inclusive, therapeutic, and aspirational curriculum.
We are a school dedicated to inclusion. Many of our learners have faced barriers to education, confidence, or belonging, and we believe that every young person, regardless of background or need, deserves the same access to aspiration and opportunity.
For us, careers education is not simply about choosing a job it is about discovering purpose, building identity, and finding connection within the community.
Careers as a Core Part of the Curriculum
Careers learning is embedded across every subject, not confined to PSHE or themed weeks.
Teachers explicitly link skills in English, Maths, Science, and vocational areas to real-world careers, supported by local labour market information and employer examples. This helps students understand why learning matters and how it connects to life beyond school.
A Therapeutic and Individualised Approach
Our students’ personal development sits at the heart of every careers conversation.
Through our Parental Figure model, Thrive, and PACE approaches, staff build trusted relationships that enable open dialogue about ambitions, fears, and aspirations. Each student’s careers journey is highly personalised, aligned to their EHCP outcomes and B² progression steps.
Real-World, Hands-On Experiences
We believe that meaningful experience drives motivation.
Students regularly visit local employers, farms, colleges, and training providers, take part in enterprise projects, and contribute to community-based initiatives. Every encounter is carefully planned and risk-assessed to ensure it provides authentic insight into the world of work.
Careers Woven Through Personal Development
Careers education is integrated throughout our wider Personal Development Curriculum, which includes PSHE, ASDAN, Forest School, and Stable Futures.
Through these opportunities, students develop vital employability skills — teamwork, leadership, communication, and resilience — while building confidence and self-awareness through reflective practice and community engagement.
Early and Continuous Exposure to Possibilities
At Northcroft, careers education begins in Year 7, not Year 9.
From the start, students explore their strengths, interests, and values, supported by Adviza, local employers, and community partners. This early focus nurtures aspiration and ensures students are well-prepared for informed post-16 planning and work experience by Key Stage 4.
Partnership with Local Employers and Providers
We are proud of our strong and growing partnerships with local and regional employers, FE colleges, and training providers.
These relationships give our students repeated, meaningful encounters with inspirational professionals, challenging stereotypes and broadening horizons. Our collaboration with Adviza Careers Advisers ensures all guidance is independent, impartial, and high-quality.
Evidence and Tracking
Every student has a Careers Passport — a live record of experiences, encounters, and achievements.
This portfolio supports EHCP reviews, post-16 applications, and transition planning, providing tangible evidence of each learner’s growth and aspiration.
In Summary
At Northcroft, careers education is a culture, not a programme.
We don’t ask, “What job do you want?” we ask, “Who do you want to become?”
Through this approach, our students leave with confidence, purpose, and the belief that they have valuable contributions to make to society.