“Independent” information, advice and guidance in schools Daniel Clay (EdComs) 16 th November 2012

The statutory standpoint Careers guidance secured under the new duty must: be presented in an impartial manner; include information on the full range of post-16 education or training options, including Apprenticeships; and promote the best interests of the pupils to whom it is given. Section 29 of the 2011 Education Act:,,

The reality IAG is not in the inspection framework Schools receiving no additional funding for IAG League table pressures Centres are funded based on entry to 6 th form Value of destination data

Our research

The academic/vocational divide 95% have heard of A levels 52% have heard of vocational qualifications 90% think A levels will be useful in helping them get a job 65% think vocational qualifications will be useful in helping them get a job Of students aged 12-16:

The value of vocational courses They can be motivational for young people 86% (headteachers) They are not as rigorous as traditional academic subjects 41% (teachers) 25% (headteachers) They offer genuine preparation for the world of work 53% (teachers) 65% (headteachers) They provide a useful foundation for further training/study 60% (teachers) 74% (headteachers)

Offering vocational courses 47% of teachers believe schools should offer more vocational qualifications 18% are actually planning to offer fewer vocational options 13% are actually planning to offer more vocational options 44% are not planning any change believe that schools will offer fewer vocational courses if these do not contribute to schools’ league table positions 72% (head- teachers) 84% (teachers) &

IAG from a teacher perspective 68% agreed that info on academic routes was provided to all or most students 44% agreed that info on vocational routes was provided to all or most students 30% expected to direct students to careers websites 26% expected school staff will provide careers lessons 27% expected school to arrange visits by employers 18% expected schools to use specialist careers advisors for all students 44% felt schools were unlikely to meet their new duty

IAG from a student perspective Perception of current careers advice amongst year olds:

The involvement of business 60% of both the teachers and young people surveyed want businesses to help provide careers IAG Over two-thirds of headteachers, teachers and young people surveyed want businesses to provide work experience 65% of teachers felt that current levels of employer engagement could be improved

In summary