01372 276499
Woodstock House, Woodstock Lane North, Long Ditton, Surrey KT6 5HN

Connecting Students with Future Opportunitie

Committed to offering opportunities that support

informed career choices and aspirations

Future Pathways Access

Our Provider Access Policy Statement outlines how we welcome education and training providers to speak with our students about their future pathways.

Access Policy Statement (PALs)

This policy statement outlines how the school facilitates access for education and training providers to engage with students and share information about the opportunities they offer. It is aligned with the school’s statutory obligations under Section 42B of the Education Act 1997.

Student Entitlement

All students in Years 7 to 13 are entitled to:

  • Explore a range of technical education qualifications and apprenticeship opportunities as part of a structured careers programme, ensuring they are informed about all available education and training pathways at key transition stages.
  • Engage with various local providers to learn about technical education and apprenticeships through school events such as assemblies, option evenings, group discussions, and taster sessions.
  • Gain an understanding of the application process for academic and technical courses.

Throughout the academic year, the school will organise events where providers can engage with students and their parents or carers to discuss career pathways. These events, such as assemblies and information evenings, will be listed on the school’s website.

Access Arrangements for Providers

The school will make appropriate facilities available for external providers, including access to IT equipment, guest WiFi, designated meeting rooms, necessary furniture, and breakout spaces. Any specific requirements for delivering career-related sessions must be submitted at least seven days in advance.

Providers wishing to request access should do so at least six weeks before the intended session. Requests will be reviewed by the Careers Leader and Senior Leadership Team, with approval granted based on the following considerations:

  • The session does not interfere with students’ preparation for internal or public examinations.
  • It does not clash with pre-scheduled school events.
  • The school can allocate staff to oversee the event.
  • Suitable rooms and resources are available.

Impartiality and Equal Access

Schools and colleges play a vital role in ensuring students’ progress into education and employment, equipping them with the necessary skills for future careers. As such, schools must remain impartial and compliant with statutory duties, providing unbiased guidance on both academic and technical routes.

The revised Provider Access Legislation (PAL) mandates that schools must facilitate at least six encounters with education and training providers:

  • Two encounters in Key Stage 3 (Years 8 or 9) – Attendance is compulsory for all students.
  • Two encounters in Key Stage 4 (Years 10 or 11) – Attendance is compulsory for all students.
  • Two encounters in Key Stage 5 (Years 12 or 13) – These must be organised by the school but remain optional for students.

This updated framework ensures that students gain exposure to apprenticeships, T-Levels, and Higher Technical Qualifications, enabling them to make well-informed choices about their future.

Structure of Provider Encounters

Scheduled within normal school hours (8:40 AM – 3:00PM), these encounters will provide providers with sufficient time to:

  • Present details about their organisation, qualifications, and apprenticeships.
  • Explain career prospects linked to their courses.
  • Offer insight into the learning experience with their institution, including interactions with staff and current students.
  • Address students’ questions about their courses and qualifications.

Opportunities for Provider Engagement

As part of the school’s careers programme, we welcome requests from approved training, apprenticeship, technical, and vocational education providers who wish to interact with our students. Additionally, the school will proactively invite providers to participate in planned career-related activities such as assemblies, webinars, parents’ evenings, and careers fairs.

Furthermore, structured events embedded in our career’s curriculum will ensure students have meaningful interactions with providers, in line with Provider Access Legislation.

Providers wishing to request access should submit their request at least four weeks before the proposed session. Requests should be directed to: [email protected]

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