Aspirations and Careers

Meet the Careers Team at York High School

Entitlement Statement

The main aims of careers provision at York High School are to:

• Prepare pupils for life post-16 and post‐education.
• Inform and develop pupils’ understanding of different career paths.
• To highlight the relevance and importance of school.
• Develop pupils’ understanding of the differences between school and work.
• Inspire pupils to have high aspirations and to work towards achieving them.
• Help pupils to access information on the full range of post‐16 education and training opportunities.
• Support pupils after leaving school.
• Offer targeted support for vulnerable and disadvantaged young people.
• Instil a healthy attitude towards work.

This policy is underpinned by Sections 42A and 45A of the Education Act 1997, and has regard to the DfE’s statutory guidance, ‘Careers guidance and inspiration in schools’, which was last updated in October 2018.

Our Careers Programme – Y7-11 (2026-2027)

Below outlines the intended programme of events for students at York High School to develop their knowledge, understanding, and interest in the options for the future, including Post-16 provision. We are keen to work with a range of employers, employees, businesses, and education providers, so more events may be added over the year.

These activities are shaped around the needs of our students, the Provider Access Legislation, as well as the updated Gatsby Benchmarks, which are statutory from September 2025. They are also shaped with the intention of the government for KS3 and KS4 students to each have 5 days of work place experiences across the key stage.

Each year is themed, with more details below:

• Year 7: the theme of this year is to Engage students with understanding themselves and their interests, as well as the world of work around them.

In addition to the above, there will be Careers discussed in every subject at least twice across the academic year within curriculum areas. 

• Year 8: the theme of this year is to encourage students to Aspire to the highest levels, through understanding the range of options open to them, and the diversity of careers sectors out there

• Year 9: the theme of this year is to Explore the opportunities and start to apply them to the path students could see themselves taking.

 In addition to the above, there will be Careers discussed in every subject at least twice across the academic year within curriculum areas.

• Year 10: the theme of this year is to Connect Careers learning to students and their current position, and to create a plan to progress forwards.

In addition to the above, there will be Careers discussed in every subject at least twice across the academic year within curriculum areas.

• Year 11: the theme of this year is supporting students to Progress to their Post-16 choice, with the support required for them to be independent members of society.

 In addition to the above, there will be Careers discussed in every subject at least twice across the academic year within curriculum areas.

You can find our Provider Access Policy here.

You can find our full Careers Policy here.

How we measure and assess the impact of the careers programme

We will evaluate the success of the careers programme by:

• Published data: The Department for Education publishes a range of data on pupil destinations at 16 and 18, and we compare our school with all schools in England.
• Evaluating activities: We evaluate the success of each activity by asking our students and providers for feedback on the impact of all activities.

Through our strong partnership with NCOP, YHS students will meet with employers and other outside agencies to gain independent and impartial advice about the options which are best suited to them as individuals.

The careers curriculum is enriched through external support with opportunities to engage with external teams on a regular basis.

Should you wish to contact our aspirations and careers team to give feedback, or seek help, please contact Miss Bettney via email: v.bettney@yorkhigh.elt.org.uk or contacting school on 01904 806600

This information was updated in September 2026. It is next due for review in September 2027.