AEIAG0002

Written evidence submitted by Yarm School

Introduction

I could sing the praises of all we are able to offer in this independent school, largely due to the professionalism, capability and commitment of staff, but I feel this falls a little outside the remit or main drive of the inquiry. So as such I will limit my comments to what the independent sector can do to assist local state schools within their locale.

Report

In my six years or so as Head of Careers at Yarm School, situated in the north east of England, I have actively sought to build relationships with local schools in order to share the fruits of our efforts here. This has been a slow process, requiring the development of trust between institutions that can be mutually suspicious, and is now beginning to yield dividends. I would argue that it can and should be within the reach of the independent sector to develop such a network for mutual benefit and support. It is being done in academic and sporting sectors, but is underdeveloped in the areas of careers provision. 

Examples of career provision shared with local schools:

Biennial Career Convention - around 200 employees, 30 universities, 60 professions - this was advertised through local schools and generated considerable interest and attendance. Importantly it worked for all partners, including companies, educational institutions, as they were reaching out to a number of schools, not simply one.

Career Cluster events - these are evenings devoted to an area of careers. Recent events have included Engineering, Education and Teaching, Apprenticeships, Law, Gap Years, Health Professions, etc. They typically comprise a number of panels staffed by former students, employers, academics. Latterly these events have been delivered remotely and we have seen penetration into a good number of local state schools. Again, it works well for the guests as they are reaching out to more than a single institution. 

Multiple Mini Interviews - These ‘mock interviews’ in the style used by medical schools see students rotate around a series of interview stations. We have invited pupils from local state schools to participate in these events to good effect

Careers based lectures - Usually involving a single guest speaker delivering an after school talk. Invitations are sent to contacts at local state schools and their students encouraged to participate, again with good take up rates. 

Lessons learned

Whilst recognising the above successes I would note the following:

• Such approaches work when contacts are known and suspicions/nervousness can be allayed
• The above takes time and a relationship needs to be grown 
• Assisting with the sharing of information, documentation, risk assessments, draft letters to parents can also assist in the take up of externals 
• There is an appetite for sharing resources in this way - students are especially keen, as are their parents.
• Social media can be valuable to get the message out there that all are welcome to attend 

I would be more than happy to discuss any of this in further detail if required. In essence, partnership and networks can be enoprnopusly effective in the sharing of careers information, advice and guidance, and this can be done to assist state schools. 

February 2022