The Gateway School
Careers Education & Future Destinations
Careers Education
Vision: To help shape every young person’s tomorrow - starting today.
The Gateway School is part of the Creating Tomorrow education family, where we are committed to ensuring all our students receive high-quality careers education and preparation for adulthood. This includes:
- Access to meaningful employer encounters
- Impartial and personalised careers advice
- Opportunities to explore a variety of post-16 pathways
Our shared vision is for every learner to become a confident, capable, and aspirational member of their community. We aim to empower all learners to be successful learners, confident individuals, and responsible citizens through a dynamic, supportive learning environment. Our goal is to deliver excellent careers education and real-world preparation through collaboration, mutual support, and challenge.
Our Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) programme is aligned to the Gatsby Benchmarks, which are outlined in the Department for Education’s Careers Strategy and statutory guidance. We also ensure compliance with Section 42A of the Education Act 1997, which requires independent careers guidance for pupils in Years 7–13.
Our approach is shaped by each young person’s Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), ensuring their career journey is tailored to their unique needs, strengths, and aspirations.
Careers Leader: Naveen Maharaj
Why Careers Education Matters
Careers education is essential in helping young people understand the world of work and what it takes to succeed. It:
- Prepares students for employment and adult life
- Builds knowledge of different job roles and career pathways
- Encourages the development of core skills such as communication, decision-making, and resilience
- Supports learners to make informed choices that lead to positive outcomes
Key Careers Themes
We embed the following key themes throughout our career’s curriculum and wider school life:
- Going Beyond Your Borders – encouraging ambition and exploration
- Communication – building confidence and effective interactions
- Balance – supporting well-being and time management
- Independence – developing self-belief and ownership
- Resilience – fostering persistence and problem-solving
- Reflection – helping pupils learn from their experiences
Careers Opportunities at The Gateway School
All pupils have access to a comprehensive careers programme, which includes:
Vocational Opportunities
From Key Stage 3 onwards, learners can access vocational learning in different formats:
- Vocational Learning Centre (VLC) offering construction, motor mechanics, bike repair club, and hair & beauty
- Working Kitchen – supporting hospitality and life skills
- External Interventions – such as garden kitchen projects and work-based learning environments
Broader Curriculum Integration
Dedicated career-based lessons and enrichment activities develop awareness and preparation for future pathways.
Career learning is embedded in:
- PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education)
- Accredited qualifications (e.g. BTEC at KS4)
- Targeted interventions
Key Stage 4 Career Preparation
- Regular 1:1 meetings with our Vocational Coordinator
- College placements for real-world learning
- A varied work experience and workplace exposure
- External Independent careers advice by a level 6 trained practitioner
- All work experience placements are risk-assessed and organised by our Vocational Co-ordinator in collaboration with the CSW work experience database. Families are kept informed throughout the process and all placements are covered by the employer’s insurance.
Career programme overview
Our Careers Education Partners
Delivering meaningful careers education takes strong partnerships. At The Gateway School, we’re proud to work alongside a range of dedicated organisations to bring careers learning to life for our pupils. Together, we help every young person take confident steps toward their future.
Employer Partners
We collaborate with a growing network of local and national employers who offer inspiring opportunities for our students. From workplace visits and talks to supported internships and work experience placements, these employers help our learners build skills, confidence, and a clearer understanding of the world of work.
South Midlands Careers Hub
As active members of the South Midlands Careers Hub, we benefit from expert guidance, resources, and training to ensure we meet the Gatsby Benchmarks for careers education. The hub connects schools, employers, and stakeholders to improve outcomes and create consistent, high-quality experiences for every learner.
Creating Tomorrow Central Team
Our careers strategy is shaped and supported by the Creating Tomorrow central team, who offer specialist knowledge in SEND and post-16 pathways. They provide leadership, training, and tools that enable staff across the trust to deliver inclusive, impactful careers education tailored to each learner’s needs.
Education Partners
We work closely with our wider Creating Tomorrow Education Partner schools and colleges, sharing best practice and aligning our vision for careers education. This collaborative approach strengthens our curriculum and helps us prepare learners for further education, training, or employment—whatever their chosen path.
Careers Resources
Creating Tomorrow Futures Hub
Created by Creating Tomorrow, the Futures Hub is here to support everyone in our community—learners, staff, families, and employers.
The Hub offers:
- Up-to-date Labour Market Information (LMI) to help inform future choices
- Signposting to helpful support services and resources
- Guidance for navigating career pathways, further education, and employment opportunities
Whether you're a young person planning your next steps, a family member looking for advice, an educator seeking tools, or an employer wanting to engage with schools, we're here to help connect education with the world of work.
Future Destinations is a digital platform designed to help young people with disabilities explore their options after leaving school. It offers clear, accessible information and signposting to education, training, and employment opportunities beyond age 16.
Explore local job sectors through engaging broadcasts and insights from employers. Gain access to reliable and current labour market information (LMI) to support informed choices about training and careers.
Discover what different jobs involve, what skills they require, and whether they might suit you.
Watch real stories and videos to get inspired about different career paths. Learn from others’ journeys and access guides on making career decisions.
The Ask Programme supports schools, special schools and colleges in England to raise awareness of apprenticeships and T-levels. The programme offers a variety of activities to inspire learners.