Careers and transitions

Follow the link to our Provider Access Policy

Introduction to our School Careers Lead & Advisor 

Sally Leck is our onsite careers adviser, working with all students on their individual career pathways. Career’s guidance is tailored to each student to ensure a successful transition is achieved at the end of their Breckenbrough school journey.  

Breckenbrough has an excellent working relationship with North Yorkshire Business & Education Partnership (NYBEP). NYBEP representatives and Sally Leck, work together to arrange employer visits in school to provide interactive talks for the students. Employer talks are based around student interests and are well attended. Group/individual visits to workplaces are organised throughout the year to give students a flavour of different working environments.  

Students meet with Sally for short groupwork sessions in primary and group sessions continue in Years 7 and 8. Students from Year 5-8 can self-refer, or teachers/parents can refer students for Careers Guidance if students are ready to begin discussing career aspirations.  

Prior to the Year 9 annual reviews, Sally meets with students for an individual career’s guidance appointment. Students are welcome to attend a group session about their GCSE option choices and how to make informed decisions. 

In Years 10/11 some students benefit from spending part of the week out of school, for example completing a practical qualification, often supported by a member of staff. Students return to the school site to complete academic qualifications. Students meet with Sally for a one-to-one Careers Guidance session to continue planning out their career pathway. The sessions are informal at the outset and taken at the student’s pace. Sally reassures the students she will not dictate but support their career ideas. The aim is for students to feel comfortable talking about career aspirations as well as gaining an understanding of Sally’s role within school. Students have regular opportunities to see Sally and can drop in with questions about option choices/transitions. A Careers Action Plan (CAP) is produced which sets out the steps required towards the student’s career aspiration.  

In Year 10 Sally ensures links are made with local area Career Advisers/transition Teams. Communication with students and parents is paramount when exploring Post 16 options and possible pathways for the future. Visits to Colleges and other providers are arranged. Sally will accompany students on visits in Years 10/11. All options are explored in an impartial, student led manner. 

Year 11 students focus on working towards the NCFE Employability Skills Level 1 Award during their weekly careers lesson. Students work on skills required for a successful transition into Further Education/Apprenticeships and beyond. Topics covered include. 

• CV writing 
• Interview techniques
• Application forms 
• Job profiles 
• Apprenticeship/Job searches 
• Exploring College and University ideas 
• Employability skills 

Students have the opportunity to access work experience if they feel ready to do so. This is flexible and can take place 1 day a week or as a block placement (for 1 or 2 weeks). Students have regular appointments with Sally in Year 11 to ensure a clear Post 16 path is established. Some students stay on the school roll and complete A/AS levels or access one of our partner Colleges (currently York College and Darlington College) to study offsite, with the discreet support of Breckenbrough staff. All Sixth Form students have timetabled lessons to work on Independent Living Skills. Breckenbrough Sixth Form placements are subject to the Local Authority funding. Students ready to make a transition at the end of Year 11 typically move onto College, Specialist College, work or an apprenticeship. 

Post 16 students receive Careers Guidance with University Applications as well as looking at Further Education, Apprenticeships and gap years. Sally facilitates visits to all providers, including University visits.  

Beyond Breckenbrough offers support via our aftercare charity.  This is available to students irrespective of whether they stay up to or past Year 11. Students or parents can contact Sally Leck for advice and guidance until the age of 25. All Students will receive a transitional pack when they leave. Beyond Breckenbrough is also a provision for life, and goes beyond the age of 25, but in line with the government’s EHCP guidelines, the focus is up to the age of 25. 

If you would like to contact Sally you can do so on [email protected] or on the School number 01845 587238 Ext 139. Sally is also happy to arrange face to face meetings with parents. 

USEFUL LINKS

Information on post 16 and post 18 options for education and training, both locally and nationally.  The latest labour market information can be found here.

Your choices at 16

University exploration

Higher Education student finance

National Careers Service

Unifrog

Amazing Apprenticeships

Are you the parent or partner of someone applying for student finance? Here’s everything you need to know. Content provided by Student Finance England.

Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs) are grants to help with any extra essential costs you may have as a direct result of your disability. Content provided by Student Finance England.