iCollege Alternative Education, based in West Berkshire, has been recognised for its outstanding careers work following an assessment on 15th January 2024.

The school has been awarded:

• The national Quality in Careers Standard under licence by Ixion (Part of the Shaw Trust Group).
• The Ixion quality award at GOLD level for its career education, information, advice, and guidance provision

• The Quality in Careers Standard is awarded to schools and education providers who can demonstrate the importance they place on careers and how they support students to make decisions about their life after school.

  Achieving the national Quality in Careers Standard shows the head teacher, governors and leadership team at iCollege Alternative Education embrace, promote and endorse quality careers education and recognise the part it plays in the overall success of the school and its students.

The Quality in Careers Standard is awarded to schools and education providers who can demonstrate the importance they place on careers and how they support students to make decisions about their life after school.

iCollege Alternative Education is an Ofsted ‘GOOD’ school, continually working to improve the chances and opportunities of all the students. Recognising the importance of preparing students for their future careers the school began working towards the national Quality in Careers Standard.

There is a statutory duty to ‘secure independent careers guidance’ for all students from year 8 onwards and the Government also recommends that all schools should be required to work towards the national Quality in Careers Standard.

Achieving the national Quality in Careers Standard shows the head teacher, governors and leadership team at iCollege Alternative Education embrace, promote and endorse quality careers education and recognise the part it plays in the overall success of the school and its students.

The school offers a range of activities to introduce students to the world of work and help them make decisions about life after school, including work experience, events with local employers and regular opportunities to meet with careers professionals.

Jacquie Davies, head teacher at iCollege Alternative Education, said:

“We are thrilled to have achieved the national Quality in Careers Standard awarded by Ixion (Part of the Shaw Trust Group). At iCollege, we recognise the important role school plays in helping students develop their knowledge, skills and experience so they can go out into the world and achieve personal success. This standard has provided a flexible framework that enabled us to audit our work on careers and ensure our students are receiving advice, practical support and experience so they are prepared for the next stage of their education, employment, self-employment or training.”

To find out more about iCollege Careers, contact Ali Haynes, Careers Leader on 07464895993 or ahaynes@icollege.org.uk