Career Academies UK

Career Academy students follow a rigorous business-related curriculum equivalent to three A levels. Within this framework, the exact content of the programme of study is decided locally, in consultation with Career Academies UK staff. It may include vocational qualifications such as BTEC or Applied A levels, depending on local need. Importantly, these all feature in the National Qualifications Framework and so are recognised for entrance to university or employment. We expect to recognise and support the Government's new Specialised Diplomas in exactly the same way, as they become part of the National Qualifications Framework.

We currently endorse Career Academy pathways in Finance, Information Technology and Marketing & Communications, and are investigating other themes. In each case, the curriculum is a deliberate combination of two-thirds broad based study and one-third theme-specific units (eg, Finance, IT or marketing). This ensures students can explore an area of interest while being exposed to a wide range of education and career possibilities.

The aim of any Career Academy programme is to provide a relatively broad and rounded education for a young person studying for Level 3 qualifications, rather than training for any specific career or business sector. As well as excellent subject knowledge, Career Academies equip students with valuable life skills. Employability training forms a key part of the curriculum offer.

The whole Career Academy class follows the same programme of study with its various curriculum enhancements, such as visiting speakers, mentoring by employee volunteers, six-week paid internships, and employer-led seminars. This ensures that a powerful esprit de corps is developed within a Career Academy group, which includes students, teachers, non-teaching staff and employee volunteers, all focused on raising the achievement and aspirations of everyone involved.