At the heart of our career’s education is the belief that every young person, regardless of their individual challenges, deserves the opportunity to explore, aspire to, and achieve a fulfilling future. Inspired by The Discovery Academy's commitment to creating "a place where everybody feels safe, valued and belongs," our careers programme is designed to:

• Provide a nurturing environment that supports individual growth.
• Offer quality-first provision tailored to each student's needs.
• Prepare students to be ready for life beyond school.

Discovery Academy believes it is vitally important to deliver a comprehensive careers education and guidance programme across the school so that learners can build self-awareness and have the information and guidance needed to make informed decisions about their future pathways.

Our careers education offer is reviewed regularly. This takes many forms but includes;

• A yearly strategic development plan
• Shared practice conversations with other schools
• Reviews of the requirements of the Gatsby Benchmarks to ensure we are exceeding expectations
• Use of our career adviser for external validation.
• Compass+ Evaluations in line with The Careers and Enterprise requirements.
• Learner voice and questionnaires
• Parental and staff questionnaires

All documentation related to our careers programme, including policies, can be viewed in this area of our website.

Gatsby Benchmarks

The Gatsby Benchmarks are eight evidence-based standards that define what world-class careers guidance looks like for young people in secondary education across England. The benchmarks were designed to ensure equitable access to high-quality career support and have since been embedded into government careers strategy and statutory guidance.

1. A stable careers programme
2. Learning from career and labour market information
3. Addressing the needs of each pupil
4. Linking curriculum learning to careers
5. Encounters with employers and employees
6. Experiences of workplaces
7. Encounters with further and higher education
8. Personal guidance

These guidelines help structure a cohesive careers programme at Discovery, ensuring students receive the opportunities and support they deserve.

 

In 2025, The Gatsby Benchmarks were updated with the following guidance:

• Careers at the heart of education and leadership: Embedding careers guidance across staff roles, governance, and institutional vision
• Inclusion and impact for each young person: Specific emphasis on SEND and disadvantaged students
• Meaningful and varied encounters and experiences: Balancing in-person and virtual, with preparation and reflection built in.
• Information and data use: Focusing on aspirations, destinations, and tailoring support through data-informed decisions
• Engagement of parents and carers: Involving families proactively in career discussions

All information and updates can be viewed here: The Careers and Enterprise Company

 

In January 2023, the new statutory PAL Provider Access legislation (PAL) was introduced. This legislation requires all schools and academies to provide opportunities for a range of education and training providers to have access to pupils, ensuring they are informed about approved technical education qualifications and apprenticeships. 

Discovery Academy’s Provider Access Policy Statement can be viewed on the careers page of this website.

Curriculum

At Discovery, we have developed a curriculum offer that sees a range of vocational opportunities on offer in recognition of this route being a likely pathway for many of our learners. With qualifications in areas such as Hospitality and Catering, Enterprise, Construction and Travel and tourism, not only do these appeal to the interests of our learners but, in addition, they complement the reliable labour market information (LMI) data for our locality in terms of workforce needs.

Discrete careers lessons are offered to all learners across Years 5 through to 14 with dedicated PSHE lessons throughout the spring term relating to 'ready for life'. We look to ensure that learners are engaged in accessing a wide variety of information and guidance. We have the support of a number of external partners, including the Careers and enterprise team who are able to support our staff in delivering careers with confidence. We are in partnership with Severn Trent who offer a unique insight into the industry at their head quarters in Coventry, as well as mock interviews.  We also work closely with the Department of Work And Pensions who offer a wide range of sessions to our older learners including the 'Labour Market' and 'ready for work'. 

Skills we actively promote throughout Discovery are vital for a person being fully equipped for the working world. These skills are:

• Listening
• Speaking
• Problem-Solving
• Creativity
• Staying Positive
• Aiming High
• Leadership
• Teamwork

 

Work Experience

In line with the DfE’s updated work experience expectations for learners from Year 7 onwards, Discovery Academy is committed to providing a wide range of work experience opportunities that meet the individual needs, interests and abilities of all our learners.

These opportunities include our annual Employer Activity Days, employer-led workshops, mock interviews and virtual work experience using VR headsets. These experiences help learners to develop their understanding of the world of work, build confidence and explore potential career pathways in an accessible and supportive way.

Our Year 10 learners have the opportunity to complete a two-day work experience placement at a local café, allowing them to gain practical experience and explore the hospitality industry.

In Year 11 and Post-16, we recognise the importance of making the world of work as meaningful and realistic as possible. We actively encourage learners to access work experience placements that reflect their individual interests, aspirations and future goals.

We are fortunate to have developed strong partnerships with a diverse range of businesses and organisations across Warwickshire. These include both large employers and smaller local businesses, offering our learners access to a wide variety of experiences and opportunities to explore different industries and career pathways.

Careers Advice

Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance is an entitlement for ALL of our learners. In working on the “Presumption of employability for all,” it is imperative that our learners are well-equipped and prepared for this.

Our learners will meet with a qualified Level 6 (or above) Careers Advisor in Year 11 and again in Year 13.

All students and their families can access careers advice throughout the year by contacting Roxanne Ashby at roxanne.ashby@macintyreacademies.org

 

Further Education

At Discovery Academy, we believe it is never too early to start thinking about life after school. There are many different education, training and employment opportunities available to young people after their GCSEs, and we want to help every learner explore the options available to them.

Our careers programme encourages learners to discover their interests, develop their aspirations and understand the different pathways they can take. We work closely with parents and carers to help them have meaningful conversations with their young person about their future and make informed decisions about their next steps.

Further Education and Training

We have developed strong links with colleges, training providers, employers and specialist organisations across Warwickshire and the surrounding areas. These partnerships help us provide learners with information about a wide range of opportunities, including vocational qualifications, apprenticeships, supported internships and other post-16 pathways.

We regularly engage with providers to keep up to date with their courses and opportunities, and encourage our learners to attend open days, workshops and events.

Understanding Your Options After GCSEs

There are many different pathways available after Year 11. The right option will depend on each learner’s interests, strengths, aspirations and individual needs.

Level 1–3 Qualifications

Further Education colleges offer a wide range of academic, technical and vocational qualifications. Courses can vary in length, and the level of study will depend on the course requirements and each learner’s prior qualifications and experience.

Vocational courses provide opportunities to develop practical skills and explore specific industries, such as hospitality, construction, childcare, business, ICT and many more.

A Levels

A Levels are academic qualifications that are usually studied over two years. Many students choose three subjects, although individual study programmes may vary.

A Levels can support progression to university, further study, apprenticeships and a range of career pathways.

T Levels

T Levels are two-year, technical qualifications designed with employers to prepare young people for skilled employment, further study or higher apprenticeships.

Students typically spend approximately 80% of their time in the classroom and 20% completing an industry placement, where they can develop practical skills and experience in the workplace.

A T Level is broadly equivalent to three A Levels.

V Levels

V Levels are new Level 3 vocational qualifications being introduced in England from September 2027. They are designed for young people who want to explore vocational subjects and develop practical knowledge while keeping their future options open.

Unlike T Levels, which focus on preparing students for a specific occupational area, V Levels are designed to offer a broader vocational pathway. Each V Level is equivalent in size to one A Level, allowing students to combine V Levels with other qualifications where appropriate.

The first V Levels are planned in subjects including Education, Accounting and Finance, and Digital Systems and Data.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships combine paid employment with structured training and study. Apprentices spend most of their time working with an employer and at least 20% of their working time undertaking training or study.

Apprenticeships are available at different levels, from intermediate through to higher and degree apprenticeships. The level available will depend on the role, entry requirements and the individual’s qualifications.

Colleges and training providers can offer advice and support with apprenticeship applications.

New apprenticeship vacancies are advertised throughout the year, so it is important to check regularly for opportunities.

Useful link:

Find an apprenticeship – GOV.UK

Supported Internships

Supported internships are structured work-based learning programmes designed to help young people with SEND develop the skills and experience they need to move towards paid employment.

They typically include a substantial work placement, alongside personalised support to help the young person build confidence, develop workplace skills and work towards their employment goals.

At Discovery Academy, we work with organisations including North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College and Creating Tomorrow College to help our learners explore supported internship opportunities.

You can find out more about supported internships in Warwickshire through the link below:

Supported internships in Warwickshire – Warwickshire County Council

Work Experience and Internships

Work experience gives young people the opportunity to explore different industries, develop new skills and gain an insight into the world of work.

At Discovery Academy, we work with a range of employers to provide meaningful work-related experiences that reflect our learners’ interests and aspirations.

We have developed valuable links with organisations such as Severn Trent, which offers opportunities to learn about careers and explore potential apprenticeship pathways.

Longer-term internships may also be available through employers and specialist programmes. The length, structure and eligibility requirements will vary depending on the opportunity.

Discovery Academy Post-16

At Discovery Academy, we offer our own Post-16 provision, providing learners with the opportunity to continue their education in a familiar, supportive and nurturing environment.

Our Post-16 curriculum includes:

• English and Maths.
• GCSE qualifications.
• Vocational qualifications.
• Work experience opportunities.
• Independence and preparation-for-adulthood skills.

Our Commitment to Every Learner

At Discovery Academy, we want every learner to leave school feeling confident about their future and equipped with the skills, knowledge and experiences they need to succeed.

Whether a learner chooses further education, vocational training, an apprenticeship, a supported internship, employment or another pathway, we are committed to helping them explore their options and achieve their individual potential.

 

Post 16 Destinations:

Surname	First Name	Year in Sept 25	Going on to….
A	A	12	NWSLC Nuneaton
B	B	12	Warwickshire College Group
C	C	14	Creating Tomorrow College
D	D	14	Hereward College
E	E	12	Positive Impact
F	F	12	Fast Forward Training

 

 

Each year work is undertaken to ensure that our learners are successful in gaining the college / provision of their choosing as well as a positive transition to a Post 16 Provider. Our close connections with local FE, allow us to create a smoother transition. Please see above for previous learner destinations.

Roxanne Ashby, our dedicated careers person, is committed to supporting learners and their families with their next steps in terms of Post 16 / further education transitions. As well as finding suitable work experience placements for students in Year 11–13 and the organisation of on-site and off-site careers events. Roxanne has a Level 6 qualification as a career lead and ensures Discovery stays up to date with all DFE and CEC updates regarding careers.

For any additional information or help required, please contact our careers team on:

discovery.careers@macintyreacademies.org

Telephone number: 02477103370