Sandwell Academy Achieves Gold Quality in Careers Award

Thu, 24 Jan 2019

Staff at Sandwell Academy are celebrating after being recognised for their exceptional support in providing careers education, information, advice and guidance.

The school in West Bromwich has once again achieved the Gold Quality in Careers Award, which was first awarded in 2015.

It is designed to accredit good practice and encourage development in schools, academies, colleges, special schools and pupil referral units.

The government recommends that all schools should work towards a quality standard for careers education, information, advice and guidance (CEIAG) as an effective means of carrying out a self-review and evaluation of the school’s programme.

Sandwell Academy went through a rigorous process of checks and assessments to ensure the support it offered pupils was at the required standard.

This involved meeting with students, senior leaders, and staff, reviewing the careers curriculum, evaluations and the resources on the website.

Headteacher Ian Williams said “This is a fantastic achievement for the careers team and is suitable recognition of the excellent service they provide to the students of the Academy.

“This prestigious award has been achieved through the hard work and determination of the students, governors, employer networks and the staff – particularly the careers and guidance team who work tirelessly to deliver outstanding careers guidance and secure positive destinations for all Sandwell Academy students.

“The Careers and Guidance Team have recently been featured within the State of the Nation report (Careers Enterprise Company, 2018) and Academy staff and students are delighted with this award.

“Career development and recruitment is a core focus of Sandwell Academy – not only for students but also for teachers and other professionals who work with young people.

“This latest award comes only a few months after Sandwell Academy was one of only a handful of schools across England selected to launch the DfES’s Return to Teaching Pilot scheme.”

This scheme is aimed at attracting teachers who have taken a career break back into the profession.

It provides funding and support to help them after they return to the classroom.

It also works with teachers of all ages and experience who want to pursue and develop their career in teaching.

Sandwell Academy opened in 2006 and now educates more than 1,200 students.

It is part of the Thomas Telford Multi Academy Trust (TTMAT), established in September 2017. The MAT currently consists of three secondary schools; Madeley Academy, Sandwell Academy and Walsall Academy.

In November 2011, January 2014 and again in May 2017 Ofsted graded the Academy as Outstanding.

In his welcome message on the school website, Mr Williams says: “Students benefit from a broad curriculum, a flourishing extra-curricular programme, a safe and caring environment with high levels of pastoral support and an emphasis on traditional values of good behaviour, mutual respect and excellent attendance.

“We expect great things from our students and a strong work ethic and motivation to succeed are vital.”

Applications for Sandwell Academy Sixth Form are now welcome and prospective applicants are invited to attend an Information Evening on Wednesday, January 30. See www.sandwellacademy.com for more information.

News List