Here you will discover how you will be supported to progress on to your chosen career path. Keep a close eye on the links and downloads as we will regularly upload new opportunities for you.

Introduction to Ripley Careers Advisor – Mrs Applegate

Here at Ripley St Thomas, we are lucky to have a careers advisor who can support the pupils with making well-informed realistic decisions about their career choices/paths. Mrs Applegate works part-time, Monday-Wednesday and during this time will provide pupils with careers guidance for Post-16 and Post-18 progression options including information on career exploration; Sixth Form; Colleges (Further Education); Apprenticeships and work experience.

Pupils will receive at least one careers guidance interview before or during Year 11 and Year 13.

Please click on the link below to book a careers guidance interview and/or ask a question – all queries welcome from pupils and /or parents.

Contact applegatea@ripley.lancs.sch.uk to make an appointment or call the main school number 01524 64496.

Gatsby Benchmarks

The Gatsby Career Benchmarks is a framework of eight guidelines about what makes the best careers provision in schools and colleges.

1. A Stable Careers Programme

A stable careers programme means the school has a well‑planned, long‑term approach to careers education.

• A clear structure: Pupils, parents, teachers, and employers should all understand what careers support is offered and when.
• Regular evaluation: The programme is reviewed each year to make sure it meets pupils’ needs and reflects changes in the world of work.
• Whole‑school commitment: Careers education is part of the school’s wider mission to prepare pupils for life beyond school.

2. Learning from Career and Labour Market Information

Pupils should have access to high‑quality information about different jobs, training routes, and future employment trends.

• Up‑to‑date resources: Information is accurate and reflects current labour market data.
• Support to interpret information: Staff help pupils understand what the information means for their own choices.
• Involving parents and carers: Families are encouraged to explore career information together.

3. Addressing the Needs of Each Pupil

Careers guidance should recognise that every pupil is different and has unique ambitions, strengths, and challenges.

• Personalised support: Activities and guidance are tailored to individual needs.
• Challenging stereotypes: Pupils are encouraged to explore all career options, regardless of gender, background, or ability.
• Tracking progress: The school keeps records of pupils’ careers interactions to ensure everyone receives appropriate support.

4. Linking Curriculum Learning to Careers

Subjects should help pupils understand how what they learn in the classroom connects to real careers.

• Meaningful examples: Teachers highlight how subject knowledge is used in different jobs.
• Raising aspirations: Pupils see how their learning opens doors to future opportunities.
• STEM focus: Science, technology, engineering, and maths subjects emphasise the wide range of related careers.

5. Encounters with Employers and Employees

Pupils should meet employers and employees to gain insight into the world of work.

• Real‑life experiences: Talks, workshops, and projects help pupils understand workplace expectations.
• Developing employability skills: Encounters help pupils build confidence, communication, and teamwork.
• Broad exposure: Pupils meet people from a range of sectors and backgrounds.

6. Experiences of Workplaces

Pupils should experience real workplaces to understand what working life is like.

• Work experience opportunities: Visits or placements help pupils see how organisations operate.
• Understanding workplace culture: Pupils learn about professional behaviour, routines, and expectations.
• Informed decision‑making: First‑hand experience helps pupils decide what types of environments suit them.

7. Encounters with Further and Higher Education

Pupils should learn about the full range of academic and vocational routes available after school.

• Visits and talks: Colleges, universities, and training providers share information about courses and pathways.
• Exploring options: Pupils understand apprenticeships, T Levels, A‑levels, degrees, and other qualifications.
• Raising awareness: Encounters help pupils make informed choices about their next steps.

8. Personal Guidance

Every pupil should have access to one‑to‑one careers guidance from a qualified adviser.

• Individual conversations: Pupils receive tailored advice based on their interests and goals.
• Professional expertise: Advisers help pupils understand their options and plan realistic next steps.
• Support at key transition points: Guidance is especially important when pupils choose GCSEs, post‑16 routes, or post‑18 pathways.

Using the START platform

Do you need ideas for your chosen career path or progressing from Year 11 or 13?

The START platform is a single point, free and comprehensive digital platform where you can create a career profile that will support you in making informed, realistic decisions about the world of work, what to study, where to learn and employability.  You have access to all the local/regional education and learning/training providers plus employment.

Please CLICK ON THE ABOVE IMAGE which opens the START platform in a new page, have a good look and start your career exploration today.

Year 11 Transition Support

Here is some detailed information about the individual Sixth Form, Colleges and Apprenticeship providers based in Lancashire to help with you making informed decisions about your next steps after Year 11 and Year 13;

• how to apply for a place
• where to find information on courses
• how to prepare for Year 12.

Careers in the Curriculum

Upcoming Events

Watch this space for any upcoming careers events/webinars, seminars  or opportunities on CEIAG which you may wish to get involved with – either parents or pupils!

Careers Policies