Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG)
At Rainey Endowed School, we are committed to helping every pupil make informed decisions about their future. Through our Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) programme, pupils develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to explore opportunities and plan their next steps successfully.
Our careers programme runs from Key Stage 3 through to Year 14 and supports pupils at key transition points as they make decisions about GCSE subjects, Post-16 pathways and destinations beyond school.
We aim to help pupils:
- understand their strengths, interests and aspirations;
- explore the full range of career and progression pathways;
- develop employability and career management skills;
- access accurate and up-to-date careers information;
- engage with employers, universities, colleges and training providers; and
- make informed decisions about their future education, training and employment.
Careers education is delivered through Learning for Life and Work, dedicated careers activities, subject-based learning, enrichment opportunities and a wide range of events throughout the school year.
Pupils benefit from:
- personalised careers guidance;
- support from the Department for the Economy Careers Service NI;
- subject choice and progression guidance;
- careers fairs and employer engagement events;
- university and college visits;
- work-related learning opportunities;
- interview preparation and employability workshops;
- UCAS, apprenticeship and Higher Level Apprenticeship guidance.
We recognise the important role that parents and carers play in supporting career decision-making and provide information and guidance throughout pupils’ educational journey.
Through strong partnerships with employers, universities, colleges, training organisations and our wider school community, we seek to ensure that every young person leaves Rainey Endowed School prepared for the opportunities and challenges of an ever-changing world.
Our goal: to equip every pupil to become a successful learner, a confident individual and a responsible citizen, ready to thrive in their chosen pathway.
Key Stage 3 (Years 8-10)
Discovering Strengths and Exploring Opportunities
At Key Stage 3, pupils begin to develop an understanding of themselves, the world of work and the opportunities available to them in the future.
Through Learning for Life and Work (LLW), careers-related learning, subject experiences and enrichment activities, pupils are encouraged to explore their interests, recognise their strengths and develop important skills for learning, life and work.
Pupils have opportunities to:
- explore a wide range of jobs and career pathways;
- develop self-awareness and identify personal strengths;
- understand the skills employers value;
- learn about entrepreneurship and enterprise;
- investigate local and global employment opportunities;
- develop teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills;
- make connections between their learning and future careers.
By the end of Key Stage 3, pupils are beginning to think about future possibilities and are better equipped to make informed decisions about GCSE subject choices.
Key Stage 4 (Years 11-12)
Preparing for Future Pathways
At Key Stage 4, careers education becomes increasingly focused on helping pupils make informed decisions about their next steps after Year 12.
Through a combination of careers education, guidance activities, employer engagement and independent research, pupils are supported in exploring the full range of progression pathways available to them.
Pupils have opportunities to:
- investigate career sectors and opportunities;
- explore Further Education, apprenticeships and training pathways;
- develop employability and career management skills;
- access labour market information;
- attend careers events and presentations;
- learn about application and recruitment processes;
- receive guidance to support Post-16 decision-making.
Individual guidance and support are available to help pupils consider the pathway that best matches their interests, abilities and aspirations.
Our aim is that every pupil leaves Key Stage 4 with a clear understanding of the options available and confidence in making decisions about their future.
Sixth Form (Years 13-14)
Planning for Life Beyond School
The Sixth Form careers programme focuses on preparing pupils for successful transition to Higher Education, Further Education, apprenticeships, employment and other progression pathways.
Pupils are encouraged to take increasing responsibility for their career planning while benefiting from personalised guidance and a wide range of enrichment opportunities.
Pupils receive support with:
- UCAS applications and personal statements;
- university and college research;
- Higher Level Apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships;
- apprenticeship and employment pathways;
- student finance and scholarship opportunities;
- interview preparation;
- career-specific work experience;
- progression planning and decision-making.
Throughout Sixth Form, pupils engage with employers, universities, colleges, former pupils and industry professionals to gain first-hand insight into a broad range of opportunities.
Our goal is that every pupil leaves Rainey Endowed School well-informed, well-prepared and confident about the pathway they have chosen to pursue.
Destination Pathways
Rainey Endowed School supports pupils in exploring and progressing to a wide range of destinations, including:
🎓 Higher Education
🏫 Further Education
🔧 Apprenticeships and Higher-Level Apprenticeships
💼 Employment and Training
🌍 Gap Year Opportunities