Careers Education
Careers at Ashcroft Technology Academy
At Ashcroft Technology Academy, we believe that an outstanding education should prepare students not only for examination success, but for successful and fulfilling futures.
Our careers programme equips students with the knowledge, skills and confidence to make ambitious and informed decisions about their next steps. From Year 7 through to the Sixth Form, students are supported in understanding the opportunities available to them and in developing the character, resilience and independence needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive global economy.
By connecting learning in the classroom with the wider world of work, we ensure that every student leaves the Academy well prepared for higher education, apprenticeships or employment.
London is one of the world’s most dynamic economic centres. Young people today enter a labour market shaped by rapid technological change, global competition and emerging industries.
Our careers programme is designed to ensure students are ready to meet these challenges. In line with the Gatsby Benchmarks for Good Career Guidance and guidance from the UK Department for Education, we provide a structured and progressive programme that:
- builds ambition, aspiration and confidence
- develops students’ understanding of the world of work
- provides access to expert careers guidance
- offers meaningful engagement with employers, universities and training providers
- supports students to make well-informed decisions at key transition points
Our approach reflects the Academy’s wider ethos of high expectations, excellent attendance and behaviour, and strong academic achievement, therefore helping students understand how their efforts today shape their future success.
The Careers Programme
Careers education at the Academy begins early and develops throughout a student’s time with us.
Students explore their strengths, interests and aspirations through our personal development curriculum, while gaining valuable insight into different career pathways and industries. As they progress through the school, they benefit from:
- a structured careers curriculum delivered through CPSE lessons and Sixth Form guidance sessions
- encounters with employers and industry professionals
- opportunities to develop employability and leadership skills
- access to labour market information and career research
- guidance on subject choices and future pathways
- personalised advice from a qualified careers adviser
In the Sixth Form, students receive dedicated support in preparing for life beyond the Academy, including guidance on university applications, degree apprenticeships, employment and other post-18 opportunities.
Post-16 Pathways
Students at Ashcroft Technology Academy progress to a wide range of high-quality pathways, including:
- A Levels – academic Level 3 qualifications studied in depth across three or four subjects
- The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme – a globally recognised qualification combining academic breadth with independent research and critical thinking
- Vocational qualifications such as BTEC qualifications
- T Levels, which combine classroom learning with industry placements
- Apprenticeships, including higher and degree apprenticeships
- Employment with training or specialist further education programmes
Through expert guidance and a broad range of opportunities open to them, students are supported in choosing the pathway that best reflects their ambitions and strengths.
Preparing students for the future is a collaborative endeavour. The Academy works closely with universities, employers, apprenticeship providers and parents to ensure students gain meaningful insights into the opportunities available to them.
These partnerships enable students to develop a clear understanding of the pathways open to them and the skills required to succeed.