Careers

The Axis Academy > Careers

Careers Education at The Axis Academy

 

At The Axis Academy, we place every pupil at the centre of their education, creating a personalised experience and providing the right environment for all to succeed. We are dedicated to supporting pupils as they choose their Key Stage 4 qualifications and explore post-16 destinations that suit their interests, strengths and future ambitions.

Across KS3 and KS4, pupils receive impartial guidance on further education, training, and employment, supported by a range of external partners including Reaseheath College, Cheshire College – South & West, the NHS, and the Careers and Enterprise Company (CEC).

We also work closely with Careers Connect, and pupils have access to our dedicated Careers Advisor, Hannah Fox, who provides personalised, independent careers guidance. For support or enquiries, please contact Mr Wright, Careers Lead.

Our Careers Education, Information, Advice, and Guidance (CEIAG) programme is structured around the Gatsby Benchmarks (2025) to ensure all pupils:

  1. Have a stable careers programme with clear planning and coherent learning throughout KS3–KS5.
  2. Learn from career and labour market information, understanding how careers link to their skills and interests.
  3. Address the needs to each pupil, receive personalised guidance tailored to their aspirations, needs and next steps.
  4. Link curriculum learning to careers, making meaningful connections between subjects and real-world pathways.
  5. Experience encounters with employers and employees through workshops, talks and employer-led sessions.
  6. Gain experiences of workplaces through workplace visits, practical activities and work experience opportunities.
  7. Access encounters with further and higher education, exploring all academic, technical and vocational options.
  8. Receive personal guidance from trained and qualified careers professionals to support informed decision making.

Our well planned programme of employer visits, college tours, training provider sessions and structured lessons helps pupils build employability and life skills. This progressive approach develops year on year, helping pupils choose KS4 and KS5 pathways suited to their interests and abilities, and supporting them to secure the right post16 destination.

🏆 The Axis Academy has been awarded the Complete Careers Careers Mark in recognition of our commitment to delivering high-quality careers education, information, advice and guidance.

Careers Leads

Macauley Wright – Careers Lead

m.wright@theaxisacademy.org 

Laura Bridges – SLT Careers Lead

l.bridges@theaxisacademy.org

Hannah Fox – Careers Advisor (Careers Connect) Please contact Mr Wright to arrange an appointment.

If you have any queries about careers, higher education or work experience, please contact us via the emails above or call the school office on 01270 304074.

See Our Axis Provider Access Statement 

Our team work together in order to provide the best careers support for our pupils. We are active members of the Cheshire and Warrington Pledge.

Year 10 Student: “Learning about lots of jobs is helpful to my future”

Teacher: “The opportunities for our pupils to speak with people who work across a range of industries really helps to spark their imagination.”

Our aims:

1 – All pupils will access a range of encounters with employers and educational providers tailored to their individual needs

Gatsby Benchmarks: 3, 4, 5, 6

Pupils will engage with employers and education providers both on-site and through planned trips, giving them a broad understanding of career options and pathways. This year, pupils will participate in activities such as career fairs, Safety Central visits, and trips to institutions such as the Museum of Science and Industry, as well as internal visits from professionals including nurses, emergency services staff and other local professionals. All Key Stage 3 and 4 pupils will have access to at least two encounters with future providers, ensuring exposure to a range of post-16 pathways that support informed decision-making.

2 – Staff embed careers education within their curriculum areas

Gatsby Benchmarks: 1, 2, 3, 4, 7

Staff will plan and deliver curriculum content that actively links subject learning to real-life careers. Each subject area identifies how its content relates to national and local employment opportunities. Pupils will have 30 minutes of dedicated careers education per week, designed and coordinated by Macauley Wright, Careers Lead, to ensure all pupils receive high-quality, relevant, and personalised information about future careers. Lessons include research, discussion, and activities connecting classroom learning with potential pathways, including further education, apprenticeships, and employment.

3 – Parents and carers are empowered with information to support their child’s career decision-making

Gatsby Benchmarks: 2, 3, 6

Pupils will receive independent, personalised careers guidance from a fully trained Careers Adviser. Parents and carers are provided with clear, accessible information through the school website, Dojo updates, and targeted communications, ensuring they can support their child in making informed decisions about post-16 education, training, and employment. Year 9 parents and carers are invited to options evenings, and regular updates include information about careers fairs, local opportunities, and pathways aligned with pupils’ interests and abilities.

Gatsby Benchmarks

Benchmark 1: A Stable Careers Programme

  • Definition: Establish a well-structured, coherent careers programme that is known and understood by pupils, parents, teachers, and employers.
  • Key Features:
    • A long-term careers plan embedded across the school.
    • Regular updates and evaluations to ensure relevance and effectiveness.
    • Clear communication of the programme’s objectives and activities to all stakeholders.
    • Alignment with the school’s overall educational goals and development plans.

Benchmark 2: Learning from Career and Labour Market Information

  • Definition: Provide pupils and their parents with access to high-quality, up-to-date information about future study options and labour market opportunities.
  • Key Features:
    • Regular dissemination of labour market information (LMI) to inform career choices.
    • Integration of LMI into career discussions and planning.
    • Support for pupils to interpret and use LMI effectively in decision-making.
    • Encouragement of parental engagement with LMI to support informed choices.

Benchmark 3: Addressing the Needs of Each Student

  • Definition: Tailor career guidance to meet the individual needs of each pupil, considering their strengths, interests, and aspirations.
  • Key Features:
    • Personalised career advice and support.
    • Identification of specific support requirements for pupils with additional needs.
    • Regular reviews of individual progress and adjustments to support as necessary.
    • Promotion of equality and diversity in career opportunities and guidance.

Benchmark 4: Linking Curriculum Learning to Careers

  • Definition: Ensure that all teachers link curriculum learning with careers, helping pupils to understand the relevance of their studies to future career paths.
  • Key Features:
    • Integration of career-related discussions into subject lessons.
    • Highlighting the real-world applications of subject knowledge and skills.
    • Collaboration between subject teachers and careers staff to design career-relevant learning experiences.
    • Encouragement of pupils to make connections between their learning and potential careers.

Benchmark 5: Encounters with Employers and Employees

  • Definition: Provide pupils with multiple opportunities to learn from employers about work, employment, and the skills that are valued in the workplace.
  • Key Features:
    • Organised employer visits, talks, and workshops.
    • Opportunities for pupils to interact with employees from various sectors.
    • Involvement of employers in curriculum planning and delivery.
    • Encouragement of pupils to explore a wide range of career options through employer engagement.

Benchmark 6: Experiences of Workplaces

  • Definition: Provide pupils with firsthand experiences of the workplace through work visits, work shadowing, and/or work experience to help their exploration of career opportunities.
  • Key Features:
    • Structured work experience placements aligned with pupils’ interests and career aspirations.
    • Preparation and debrief sessions to maximise learning from workplace experiences.
    • Partnerships with local businesses and organisations to facilitate placements.
    • Support for pupils to reflect on and document their workplace experiences.

Benchmark 7: Encounters with Further and Higher Education

  • Definition: Ensure that all pupils understand the full range of learning opportunities that are available to them, including both academic and vocational routes and learning in schools, colleges, universities, and in the workplace.
  • Key Features:
    • Visits to further and higher education institutions.
    • Information sessions on post-16 and post-18 options.
    • Discussions about the benefits and challenges of different educational pathways.
    • Support for pupils to make informed decisions about their future educational choices.

Benchmark 8: Personal Guidance

  • Definition: Provide pupils with opportunities to receive guidance interviews with a careers adviser, who can help them to make informed decisions about their future.
  • Key Features:
    • Access to qualified careers advisers for one-to-one guidance sessions.
    • Support for pupils in setting realistic and achievable career goals.
    • Use of assessment tools to help pupils understand their strengths and preferences.
    • Follow-up support to monitor progress and adjust guidance as needed.

Careers Overview

Please click on the links below:

Curriculum Long Term Plan

Careers Road Map 

Further Careers Information

Parents

Parent Careers Support

Deciding how best to support your child with their future can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone. Alongside the resources below, The Axis Academy also has a dedicated Careers Advisor from Careers Connect, Hannah Fox, who provides independent, professional guidance for pupils. If you would like to arrange support or discuss your child’s options, please contact Mr Wright, our Careers Lead.

General Careers Guidance

· Skills for Careers – Parent Advice & Resources https://www.skillsforcareers.education.gov.uk/pages/parent-advice-and-resources

· The Parents’ Guide to National Careers Week (Free Guide) https://www.theparentsguideto.co.uk/nationalcareersweek

· Talking Futures – Careers Conversations at Home https://www.talkingfutures.org.uk/resources/

· CEC Resource Directory – Parental Engagement Resources https://resources.careersandenterprise.co.uk/

· Cheshire & Warrington Careers Hub – Parent & Carer Sessions https://www.allaboutstem.co.uk/2023/11/cheshire-warrington-careers-hub-parent-carer-sessions/

Post-16 Options (A-Levels, T-Levels, BTECs, Apprenticeships)

· National Careers Service – Post-16 Options https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/careers-advice/career-choices-at-16

· A-Levels vs T-Levels vs Apprenticeships (2026 Guide) https://www.learningcubs.co.uk/resources/apprenticeships-vs-t-levels-vs-a-levels

· Take Your Place – Post-16 Parent Guide https://www.takeyourplace.ac.uk/resources/post-16-pathways-from-gcse-to-he/post-16-options-parents-and-carers-resource/

Apprenticeships & T-Levels

· GOV.UK – Parent’s Guide to Apprenticeships (PDF) https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/711088/Parent-Guide-Apprenticeships.pdf

· Amazing Apprenticeships – T-Level Parent Guide (2026) https://www.amazingapprenticeships.com/resources/t-levels-parents-and-carers-guide/ 

· Parent Guide to Apprenticeships (The Parents’ Guide, 2025–26) https://www.cooperscoborn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Parent-Guide-to-Apprenticeships.pdf

Local Colleges

· Cheshire College – South & West (Crewe Campus) https://www.ccsw.ac.uk/

· Crewe Engineering & Design UTC – Sixth Form https://www.utccrewe.co.uk/sixth-form/

· Malbank School & Sixth Form College (Nantwich) https://www.malbank.com/

· Reaseheath College (Nantwich – Near Crewe) https://www.reaseheath.ac.uk/

· Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School – Sixth Form https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/schools/admissions/sixth-form-admissions.aspx

· Crewe Sixth-Form Options Overview (Snobe) https://snobe.co.uk/best-sixth-form-schools/crewe

· Safe Opportunities (Specialist Post-16 Provider, Crewe) https://www.safeopportunities.co.uk/

· Cheshire East Sixth-Form Admissions (Full Local List) https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/schools/admissions/sixth-form-admissions.aspx

Labour Market Information

· UK Labour Market Statistics https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-labour-market-september-2025

Helpful Videos for Parents & Students

· Choosing Your Post-16 Options (CareerPilot) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRE1u8GkiS4

· Post-16 Pathways – Parent & Carer Information Session (Cheshire & Warrington Careers Hub) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4RKE9vAo_U

· Post-16 Choices & Application Tips (CXK) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3ThSclieu0

· SEND: Videos for Young People (Essex SEND IASS) – https://www.essexsendiass.co.uk/young-people/videos-for-young-people/

· Preparing for Adulthood – Post-16 Pathways Videos – https://www.walthamforest.gov.uk/schools-education-and-learning/local-offer-special-educational-needs-and-disability-send/preparing-adulthood/post-16-pathways-and-videos

· GCSE & Post-16 Options Overview – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQMTRi1lcUw

· Exploring Career Pathways – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vi2MiSkd_k

· Understanding Apprenticeships & Training – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygtpPOHPFgo

Teachers

Teachers – Careers in the Curriculum

High quality careers education is a whole-school responsibility, and teachers play a vital role in helping pupils make meaningful links between learning and future pathways. To support this, we also have Hannah Fox, our Careers Advisor from Careers Connect, who works with us to provide impartial guidance for pupils. If you need support embedding careers into your curriculum or arranging careers input, please contact Mr Wright.

Linking curriculum learning to real careers helps pupils understand why their subjects matter, raises aspirations and supports the Gatsby Benchmarks, especially Benchmark 4: Linking Curriculum Learning to Careers.

Below are useful and reliable websites to help you embed careers learning into lessons, plan subject specific links and access national guidance for high quality careers education.

If you need any support with careers in the curriculum, please speak to:

Macauley Wright – Careers Lead

m.wright@theaxisacademy.org

Laura Bridges – SLT Careers Lead

l.bridges@theaxisacademy.org

Useful Websites for Teachers

Linking Curriculum Learning to Careers (Gatsby)

Gatsby guidance and case studies https://www.gatsbybenchmarks.org.uk/

Good Career Guidance resources https://www.gatsby.org.uk/education/activity/good-career-guidance/

T Level Resources for Teachers and Careers Advisers

Official GOV.UK teacher resource hub https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/t-levels-resources-for-teachers-and-careers-advisers

Teacher Career Advice and Support (TES)

Careers advice articles and guidance for teachers https://www.tes.com/jobs/careers-advice

Government Careers Guidance for Schools (Statutory Guidance)

Statutory guidance all schools must follow https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/careers-guidance-provision-for-young-people-in-schools

School Governors – Careers and Enterprise Company

Support for governors overseeing careers provision https://www.careersandenterprise.co.uk/educators/education-leaders-governors/

Students

Student Careers Support

Planning your future can feel like a big task, but you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Below is a collection of useful, free, student-friendly links to help you explore different pathways. If you ever feel unsure, you can speak to any member of staff to get support and guidance. As well as the resources below, you also have access to Hannah Fox, our Careers Advisor from Careers Connect, who can help you explore your options and make confident choices. If you want careers advice or support, speak to Mr Wright in school.

Key Routes After Year 11

· Introduction to T-Levels https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/introduction-of-t-levels/introduction-of-t-levels

· What Is an Apprenticeship? https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/influencers/what-is-an-apprenticeship

· What Are A-Levels? https://www.ucas.com/further-education/post-16-qualifications/qualifications-you-can-take/levels

· BTECs and Other Vocational Courses BTECs Advice and Information for Students – Youth Employment UK

· Your Choices at 16 (National Careers Service) https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/careers-advice/career-choices-at-16

· College vs Sixth Form vs Apprenticeships (Video) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ef-wJ5Yy2aw

· What Is a Traineeship? https://www.youthemployment.org.uk/what-are-traineeships/

· Supported Internships (For young people with SEND) https://www.preparingforadulthood.org.uk/downloads/supported-internships/supported-internships-information-sheet.htm

· Work + Part-Time Study (National Careers Service) https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/careers-advice/get-a-job

· Understanding Qualification Levels (1–8) https://www.openstudycollege.com/qualification-levels-explained

Labour Market Information

· UK Labour Market (Latest Official Government Data) https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-labour-market-september-2025

Useful Videos

· Post-16 Options Overview (Short Video) https://www.youtube.com/shorts/15pGHo2Fk3Y

· Understanding T-Levels – Student Friendly Explainer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3Wz4wd99CA

· College vs Apprenticeships – What’s Best for You? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3QxzPYvCL4

· Different Career Pathways Explained https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mEFqYEUZpU

· How Apprenticeships Work https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxHoSPQP5P4

· Apprenticeships & Training – Quick Guide https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygtpPOHPFgo

Crewe / Cheshire Local Opportunities

· Safe Opportunities – Work Experience, Supported Internships, Employability Skills https://www.safeopportunities.co.uk/

· Cheshire & Warrington Careers Hub https://cheshireandwarrington.com/growth-and-skills/skills-and-education/careers-hub/

· Work Hubs (Crewe, Congleton, Macclesfield) – CV Help & Job Search Support https://livewellservices.cheshireeast.gov.uk/Services/1194/Work-Club-For-Peop

· King’s Trust Programme (Free 12-Week Personal Development for 16–25) https://www.cheshirefire.gov.uk/children-young-people/kings-trust/

Explore Your Options (National Student Resources)

· National Careers Service – Choices at 16 https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/careers-advice/career-choices-at-16

· Prospects – Career Choices at 16 https://www.prospects.ac.uk/further-education/post-16-career-choices/

· CareerPilot – Post-16 Options Explained https://www.careerpilot.org.uk/information/your-choices-at-16

· Skills for Careers – Young People Support (SEND, finance, jobs, training) https://www.skillsforcareers.education.gov.uk/pages/young-people/support-you-can-get

· BBC Bitesize Careers https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/careers

· All About School Leavers – CVs, Apprenticeships, Careers Tests https://www.allaboutschoolleavers.co.uk/

· Not Going to Uni – Alternatives to University https://www.notgoingtouni.co.uk/

· Career Connect https://www.careerconnect.org.uk/

· Shaw Trust – Support for Young People with Additional Needs https://www.shaw-trust.org.uk/

· Aspire Pathways Guide (University, FE & Careers) https://resources.careersandenterprise.co.uk/resources/aspire-information-and-advice-help-post-16-students-understand-their-university-further

Employers

Local businesses – We need your expertise!

At The Axis Academy we are busy growing your employees of the future. We need your help to raise their career aspirations and develop their employability skills.

There are many ways you can get involved with the Careers Programme at The Axis. You may like to take part in activities and events such as:

· Mock interviews with Year 10 or Year 11 pupils and support with CV structure

· Delivering an inspiring talk based on your industry or job role

· Providing coaching or mentoring through a structured programme

· Running hands-on workshops linked to your area of expertise

· Taking part in discussions about pathways after school (e.g. apprenticeships, FE, work-based options)

· Championing specific issues such as mental health, neurodiversity, disability inclusion and workplace accessibility

· Helping bring a subject lesson to life by linking curriculum learning to your industry

· Offering work experience placements for pupils at your business premises

· Becoming an ambassador for SEND employment routes and offering a co-supported work placement with the school

Do you want to inspire young minds?

Being part of our business support network provides moments of real satisfaction and gives you the opportunity to make a genuine difference to pupils with SEMH needs. Employer involvement helps inspire our pupils and transforms attitudes, forming the foundation of an excellent careers programme as outlined in the Gatsby Benchmarks and supported by the Careers and Enterprise Company (CEC).

The Axis Academy benefits from a Careers Enterprise Co-ordinator, who works with us on a strategic level, supporting programme development and strengthening links with local employers and organisations across Cheshire.

To get involved with the CEC, please visit: 👉 https://www.careersandenterprise.co.uk/employers/

Or contact: Colette Murphy – colette.murphy@871candwep.co.uk

Contact Us

If your business would like to work with our school, please contact:

Laura Bridges – SLT Careers Lead

l.bridges@theaxisacademy.org

Macauley Wright – Careers Lead

m.wright@theaxisacademy.org

Provider Access Statement

The Axis Academy is committed to ensuring all pupils have access to a full range of education and training providers as part of their careers education. In line with the Provider Access Legislation, we welcome training providers, colleges, apprenticeship organisations, employers and universities into school to speak with pupils about approved technical qualifications, apprenticeships, and post-16/post-18 pathways.

We provide opportunities for access through:

· Careers lessons and enrichment sessions

· Assemblies, workshops and employer talks

· Mock interviews and employability events

· Careers fairs and themed career days

· Work experience and workplace visits

Providers wishing to request access should contact:

Macauley Wright – m.wright@theaxisacademy.org

Laura Bridges – l.bridges@theaxisacademy.org

Please See Our Axis Provider Access Statement 

Career Mark Accredited