An Ipswich high school has been awarded with a national gong in recognition for its careers education.
Stoke High School has been awarded with the Quality in Careers Standard award in recognition of its support and advice for students' future planning.
Achieving the nationally recognised standard meets the highest level of careers education, helping learners to gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to manage their next steps.
The academy, which is part of the Ormiston Academies Trust, was granted the accreditation following an assessment process which examined its career guidance and advice across learning and teaching, its curriculum and partnership with wider employment networks.
In particular, the Maidenhall Approach academy was praised for its work to provide unique opportunities for personal growth outside of the classroom, through initiatives such as the student parliament and sports clubs.
Alongside this, the final report noted the students' passion for exploring potential careers from an early age, speaking on their trips to careers fairs, visits from the Department of Work and Pensions, and attending college open evenings.
Karen Baldwin, principal at Stoke High School in Ipswich, said: " As an academy, we are truly committed to ensuring all our students have the best knowledge, experience, and guidance that enables them to take the next steps in their education or career with confidence and excitement.
"We have invested a great deal into our careers provision, and we have excellent teachers and leaders who go the extra mile to create opportunities for our learners to explore their passions and be inspired by what they can achieve, so we’re really proud that we have been recognised with this award.
"It’s been amazing to see how much our students have loved learning about their potential careers, and we have no doubt they will go on to achieve great things – equipping them with the skills and information to fulfil this potential is a core part of our mission at Stoke High.
"We look forward to building on the success of our careers work, and continuing to grow this important programme."
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