As our secondary schools prepare for the next academic year, significant changes are being introduced to how work experience is delivered to young people. The Government’s ambition is for all students to access the equivalent of two weeks of meaningful work experience before the end of Key Stage 4. This marks a shift away from relying solely on a traditional one-week placement in Year 10. Schools will be encouraged to provide a range of experiences, including employer-led projects, workplace visits, hybrid activities and structured placements.
The new approach is designed to give students earlier exposure to the world of work, with experiences beginning during Key Stage 3. Within this, there is a major focus of the reforms is ensuring that all young people, including those with SEND and other barriers to participation, have access to high-quality opportunities. Schools are also expected to strengthen links with local employers to create more meaningful and relevant workplace encounters. The changes align with the revised Gatsby Benchmarks and updated careers guidance issued by the Department for Education. Our schools’ careers leaders will play an increasingly important role in coordinating experiences and tracking student participation and supporters believe the new model will better prepare young people for future education, employment and training by helping them develop essential workplace skills and informed career aspirations.
Matt Allman, Chief Education Officer, said: “The new standards present challenges to our schools in terms of securing placements, adapting to lost curriculum time, and combining safeguarding and welfare with follow-up work on aspirations and qualifications. However, our schools are embracing the expectations and we are looking forward to hearing how our student get on within the new scheme.” For more information, the following BCC news article – here – relays the experience of some Year 10 students who have already taken on work experience placements.
