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Careers
At BVGA, we are committed to helping every student grow both personally and professionally. Through a well-rounded programme of careers education, information, advice and guidance, we support students in developing the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to make informed choices about their future. Whether you are planning for further education, training, or employment, we ensure you have access to the right support at every stage of your journey.
Mrs. Duffield, Deputy Headteacher, is our Careers Lead and oversees all Information, Advice, and Guidance related to careers across the school. Mrs. Mahmood, Second in the Sixth Form, monitors NEET (Not in Employment, Education, or Training) figures and ensures students are supported in securing positive destinations after leaving school. Mrs. Crabtree, our Work-Related Learning Manager, leads the Progression Module (PM), coordinates Work Experience, and supports Kiran Hussain, our Careers Advisor, with guidance and progression interviews.
Appointments and Support
Students can request appointments with the following staff for careers and progression support:
- Kiran Hussain, Careers Advisor – available on B Floor. Email kiran.hussain1@bvga.bdat-academies.org
- Mrs. Crabtree, Work Experience Coordinator – also based in The Hub. Email: samantha.crabtree@bvga.bdat-academies.org
- Mrs. Dufrier, Enrichment Manager – based in The Hub. Email: mahya.dufrier@bvga.bdat-academies.org
Provider Access Policy Statement is reviewed yearly in February.
| Careers Leader and SLT Link: Mrs. V Duffield vicki.duffield@bvga.bdat-academies.org |
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| Work Related Learning Manager: Mrs. S Crabtree samantha.crabtree@bvga.bdat-academies.org |
| Careers Advisor: Kiran Hussain kiran.hussain1@bvga.bdat-academies.org |
| Careers Link Governor: Ben Metcalfe |
| Telephone Number: 01274 492341 |
Policies:
School-Specific Resources:
These are tailored resources to support students at BVG Academy:
Sixth Form Progression Module - Guidance and activities to help Sixth Form students plan their next steps. Progression Module
Year 10 Work Experience - Everything you need to know about work experience, including expectations and preparation. BVGA WOW booklet 2025-2026.pdf
Careers Support for Parents and Carers:
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National Careers Service – Support for Parents
Offers guidance to help parents support young people with education and career choices. Visit Careers advice | National Careers Service -
Unifrog – Parent & Caregiver Guide Explains how parents can use Unifrog to help their child explore careers, subjects, and pathways. Visit For parents and caregivers: What is Unifrog? : Unifrog Blog
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UCAS – Advice for Parents, Guardians and Carers Covers everything from university applications to apprenticeships, finance, and results day. Advice for parents, guardians and carers | UCAS
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Amazing Apprenticeships – Parent Zone
Monthly guides and resources to help parents understand apprenticeships, T Levels, and technical education. Explore Parent - Amazing Apprenticeships -
Skills for Careers – Parent Advice Hub Government-backed site with tools to help parents support career conversations and decisions. Parents advice and resources | Skills for Careers
- Talking Futures – Provides parents and carers with practical guidance, tools, and conversation starters to support their child in exploring careers, education pathways, and future opportunities. Parents Advice for Career Conversations - Talking Futures
Careers support for Students:
Career Exploration
- Skillsometer – Discover careers based on what you enjoy. Try the Skillsometer quiz
- Unifrog – Explore careers, university and apprenticeships options. Unifrog - The universal destinations platform.
- National Careers Service – Job profiles, skills, and career advice. Explore Careers advice - job profiles, information and resources | National Careers Service
- Prospects – Career guides and graduate job insights. Visit Prospects | Job & Course Search | Career & University Advice
- Careerpilot – Plan your future work and study (ages 11–19). Explore Careerpilot : Plan your future work & study
- Start Profile – Build a personal career profile and explore job sectors. Visit U-Explore | SkillSet Courses and Virtual Work Experiences
Future Planning
- Futures for All – Inspiring talks, work experience, and career opportunities. Visit Futures For All the UK's Top Social Mobility Charity | Futures For All
- Springpod – Virtual work experience and university guidance. Visit Gain Virtual Work Experience. Earn certificates - 100% free! | Springpod
- University Compare – Compare universities, read reviews, and get application advice. Visit University Compare Undergraduate Degree Courses.
- UCAS – Find and apply to universities. Visit Choose your future | UCAS
- Apprenticeships.gov.uk – Find and apply for apprenticeships. Visit Apprenticeship
- T Levels – A technical qualification for students aged 16+, combining classroom learning with industry placements. Equivalent to 3 A Levels. Introduction of T Levels - GOV.UK
- Barclays LifeSkills – Build your CV, prepare for interviews, and develop workplace skills. Visit LifeSkills | Developing work and life skills
- The Student Room – Peer advice and planning tools. Visit The Student Room
- Virtual Connexions Bradford – Local support for young people aged 13–19 (up to 25 with SEND), offering advice on careers, education, training, and more. Skills House - Welcome to Bradford
Earnings Research
- Careerometer – Compare jobs by pay, hours, and future prospects. Try the Careerometer quiz
- Future Goals – Labour Market Information for Yorkshire and Humber. Visit futuregoals.co.uk
- LMI for All – Labour market data including salaries and job demand. Visit LMI For All – LMI For All
- Office for National Statistics (ONS) – UK wage and employment statistics. Visit Home - Office for National Statistics
- PayScale – Compare salaries across roles and industries. Visit PayScale. Payscale | Salary Comparison, Salary Survey, Search Wages
Labour Market Information (LMI) helps students understand job demand, salaries, and future prospects. Click image below to download pdf version.
Personal Development Curriculum
Careers lessons are delivered to all year groups as part of the Personal Development Programme in tutor time.
Careers and Finance
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Year 7 HT 6: Understanding the world of work and money |
Year 8 HT 5: Building the life you want |
Year 9 HT 2/3: Being prepared for the future |
Year 10 HT5/6: Life Skills for independence |
Year 11 HT3/4: Getting ready for the future |
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What is a career? How does the economy, politics and society connect with my life? What is my dream job? What do I need to know about money? What is income and expenditure? |
Planning for the future How can I make the most of opportunities and learn from setbacks? What does success mean to me? How can I create the life I want?
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Options process Making good choices Decision making What comes after school? What is the labour market? What are terms and conditions? What are financial contracts?
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How can we manage our money wisely? How should we behave in the workplace? What’s the difference between credit and debt, and how can we use them responsibly? Why are bank accounts important, and how do they help us manage money? Work experience Work experience review |
Progression interviews How do we make decisions? Savings and pension: What are the main financial products and services? How does taxation work? Employability skills
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In Year 7, students begin by exploring what a career is, understanding basic financial concepts like income and expenditure, and considering how society and the economy relate to their lives. Year 8 builds on this by encouraging personal ambition and resilience, helping students plan for the future and reflect on what success means to them. In Year 9, the focus shifts to making informed choices through the options process, understanding the labour market, and learning about financial contracts. Year 10 deepens this with practical life skills such as managing money, understanding credit and debt, and gaining real-world experience through work experience. Finally, Year 11 prepares students for the next step with progression interviews, and for life after school with employability skills, and a deeper understanding of financial products, pensions, and taxation—ensuring they are ready to navigate adult responsibilities with confidence.
Post-16: In Years 12 and 13, the programme builds on the foundations laid from Year 7 to Year 11 by focusing on applying financial knowledge and career readiness to real-life transitions. After developing an understanding of money, decision-making, workplace behaviour, and financial products in earlier years, students now refine these skills with practical preparation for the world of work, further education, or independent living—ensuring they are equipped to make informed choices about their next steps with confidence and financial awareness. In addition, Year 12 students undertake work experience in the summer term, allowing them to apply their learning about careers and finance.
For more information on our Personal Development Curriculum please visit Belle Vue Girls' Academy - Personal Development
Key stage 3
Key Stage 3 Careers Education and Support
At Belle Vue Girls’ Academy, we provide tailored support to help Key Stage 3 students settle into school life and begin exploring future pathways. Each student is introduced to their dedicated Academic Leader and Pastoral Manager, who offers guidance and support throughout their journey.
Students gain early exposure to the world of work through:
- At least one guest speaker from a business or industry
- A contact with a university or higher education provider
- Attendance at our annual careers fair
They are also introduced to further education (FE) and higher education (HE) pathways, including apprenticeships, helping them understand the range of options available beyond school.
Our careers programme reflects current best practice by ensuring students have meaningful encounters with employers and workplaces, helping them understand the skills and behaviours valued in the world of work. These experiences are designed to be age-appropriate and build progressively from Key Stage 3 onwards.
Careers education is embedded within our Personal Development (PD) curriculum, which focuses on decision-making, future planning, and key employability skills. Each faculty actively supports careers education and regularly audits its curriculum to ensure students are developing transferable skills and making connections between subjects and the wider world.
Students are introduced to key staff who support their careers journey:
- Mrs. Crabtree – Work-Related Learning Manager
- Kiran Hussain – Careers Advisor
- Mrs. Dufrier – Enrichment Manager
They are guided on how to access careers advice and support throughout their time at Belle Vue.
Key stage 4
In Year 10, students will have an invaluable opportunity to gain real-world work experience. This hands-on exposure helps them understand the workplace and develop essential skills.
Careers education continues during tutor time, with lessons focused on interview techniques, employer expectations, and workplace readiness. Each Faculty acknowledges the importance of careers education, information, advice, and guidance (CEIAG) and regularly audit their curriculum to support progression in key areas from Key Stage 3 through to post-16 education.
Additionally, students will have the chance to connect with Higher and Further Education institutions and engage in STEM, industry, and business projects. They will benefit from employer talks that provide insights into various fields, further broadening their understanding of career opportunities.
All students will experience at least one workplace visit, offering them a practical understanding of different careers and environments, helping shape their aspirations for the future.
All About Workplace Experience film - Amazing Apprenticeships
In Year 11, all students will have the opportunity for a *Tutor Progression Interview* to discuss their post-16 plans and next steps between September and January. In addition, they will be invited to a 1:1 careers advice session with Kiran Hussain, the Careers Advisor and Mrs. Crabtree, the Work-Related Learning Manager. These sessions offer personalised guidance, helping students explore their options and make informed decisions.
Follow-up group sessions will be available depending on individual preferences, covering key topics such as apprenticeship applications, applying to college, and enrolling in sixth forms.
Careers lessons in tutor time will focus on post-16 pathways and how to create strong, effective applications. Students are encouraged to take full advantage of this comprehensive support by booking additional appointments with Mrs. Crabtree or Kiran Hussain to further refine their post-16 choices. Each Faculty acknowledges the importance of careers education, information, advice, and guidance (CEIAG) and regularly audit their curriculum to support progression in key areas from Key Stage 3 through to post-16 education.
This structured guidance ensures that every student is prepared and confident in taking their next steps toward future success.
Key stage 5
Post-16 careers Education and Support
Year 12
All students in Year 12 complete the Progression Module, a structured programme designed to help students explore future pathways, particularly progression to Higher Education. The module includes four units:
- You and Your Career
- Exploring Your Future
- Managing Your Money
- Marketing Yourself
Successful completion earns students 12 UCAS points, recognised by many local universities.
Students also take part in a UCAS Day, where they register on the UCAS platform and explore alternatives to university, including school leaver programmes and apprenticeships, with input from external providers.
To support their development and decision-making, students are offered:
- A 1:1 careers guidance interview with our Careers Advisor
- A mock interview with an external partner
- Opportunities to attend subject focus days at universities
- Access to and employer talks
- The option to complete in-person work experience or virtual work experience, tailored to their interests.
- Support to attend taster days, UCAS fairs, and summer schools
- Support from our Alumni
Students also complete a leadership qualification in either Sports or STEM, helping them build confidence, transferable skills, and evidence for future applications.
Year 13
In Year 13, students continue with a weekly timetabled careers lesson during the autumn term, focusing on finalising their post-18 plans.
We provide:
- Ongoing support with UCAS applications and personal statements
- Sessions on apprenticeships and school leaver programmes
- Help with Student Finance England (SFE) applications
- Guidance for students not holding university offers, including apprenticeship applications
On A Level results day, our Careers Advisor is available in school to support students with:
- Clearing
- Accepting offers
- Exploring alternative pathways
Our programme ensures students have meaningful encounters with employers and workplaces, helping them understand the expectations of the working world and make informed, confident decisions about their future.
Careers' Programme
