Our careers programme is fully aligned with the Department for Education’s Statutory Careers Guidance and the Gatsby Benchmarks, updated for September 2025. These benchmarks define what good careers provision looks like and underpin our whole-school approach.

The Eight Gatsby Benchmarks:

A stable careers programme

Learning from career and labour market information

Addressing the needs of each student

Linking curriculum learning to careers

Encounters with employers and employees

Experiences of workplaces

Encounters with further and higher education

Personal guidance

St Mark’s Catholic School is committed to ensuring these benchmarks are embedded, monitored and continually improved, so that all students receive meaningful and aspirational careers support.

Careers education at St Mark’s is strategically led at senior level, ensuring it is well-planned, well-resourced and integral to our wider personal development curriculum. The impact of the careers programme is regularly reviewed using student feedback, destination data and Gatsby Benchmark evaluations to inform ongoing improvement.

Careers Lead (Senior Leadership Team):

Laura Joyce

ljoyce@st-marks.hounslow.sch.uk

Careers Coordinator:

Charlotte Danson

cdanson@st-marks.hounslow.sch.uk

Students at St Mark’s follow a structured and progressive careers programme from Year 7 to Year 13, ensuring they build knowledge, skills and confidence over time. In addition, subject areas work in partnership with the Careers Team to help students understand how curriculum learning links to career, pathways and future opportunities.

Careers learning is delivered through:

• PSHCE lessons
• Form time activities
• Assemblies
• Drop-down careers days and events
• Targeted interventions and small-group support
• One-to-one careers guidance interviews

Students also have access to careers software, online resources and up-to-date Labour Market Information (LMI), enabling them to explore pathways and make informed decisions.

We believe meaningful encounters with the world of work are essential. Throughout the academic year, students have opportunities to engage with employers and professionals through:

• Dignity of the Worker Month
• Employer talks and workshops
• Careers and higher education fairs
• Enterprise and enrichment activities
• Industry competitions
• Alumni engagement
• Work experience and virtual work experience

These experiences help students to understand workplace expectations, develop employability skills and raise aspirations. 

We provide independent, impartial advice and guidance to support students at key decision points, including:

• GCSE option choices
• Post-16 pathways (sixth form, college, apprenticeships)
• Post-18 pathways (higher education, apprenticeships, employment and training)
   

Students are supported to explore all available routes, ensuring that choices are ambitious, realistic and aligned with individual strengths and interests. In addition, students have opportunities to hear directly from a range of education and training providers, including further education colleges, universities and apprenticeship providers.

We recognise the vital role that parents, carers, employers, further and higher education providers, training organisations and alumni play in supporting young people’s career development.

We actively welcome partnerships and opportunities to work with:

• Employers and industry professionals
• Apprenticeship and training providers
• Colleges and universities
• Alumni and community organisations

Feedback is regularly gathered to ensure our provision remains responsive and effective

If you would like to support our careers programme, please contact the Careers Team using the details above.

We invite all members of our school community and wider partners to explore the rest of the careers section on our website for further information, guidance and support.