Ofsted will focus on the quality of careers guidance as part of school inspections in this academic year.

In his evidence to the Education Select Committee, Ofsted Chief Inspector, Sir Michael Wilshaw, said that schools must make their pupils aware of all options and that good careers advice should never be seen as a bolt-on.

“Careers guidance is a disaster area in schools” Sir Michael said, and it is “absolutely critical in motivating youngsters”. 

“It is important that schools talk about apprenticeships” continued Sir Michael when asked about the Government’s plans to deliver 3 million new apprenticeship starts, “How many youngsters know what an apprenticeship is, what it looks like or how to apply? Unless schools engage with employers then they are not doing their job properly”.

Since September 2012, schools have been legally responsible for securing access to independent and impartial careers guidance for all their students in Years 9 to 11.  However, earlier reports have shown that, whilst there were examples of good practice, careers guidance was not working well enough in schools with information offered being too narrow.