Opening doors: The power of partnerships in careers education

At Yarm School, we recognise that careers education is most effective when it extends beyond the classroom. By working closely with other secondary schools, businesses, and education institutions at local, regional, and national levels, we are able to offer students valuable insights into the world of work and the broad range of opportunities available to them. These partnerships not only benefit our own students but also support young people across the Tees Valley, ensuring they have access to high-quality advice and guidance.

Our careers provision is designed to evolve with the changing landscape of education, training, and employment. Working with external partners is now embedded at every stage, allowing us to deliver a programme that is both wide-reaching and highly tailored.

Career exploration: broadening horizons
One of the key elements of our careers programme is the biennial Careers Convention, open to all students aged 14 to 19. Bringing together students from multiple schools allows us to attract a diverse range of universities, apprenticeship providers, and industry professionals, ensuring that young people receive a broad and balanced view of their options. Larger businesses are more likely to attend an event that serves multiple schools, while smaller companies are well represented through individuals who can provide unique insights into their professions.

Over time, this event has grown significantly. Initially, we were largely dependent on contacts from alumni and parents to provide insights into various industries. While these connections remain invaluable, our sustained engagement with businesses has transformed these relationships into long-term partnerships - a testament to the impact of meaningful collaboration.

Industry insights: learning from experts
Understanding different industries is crucial for making informed career choices. Our Career Cluster events focus on specific career areas and take the form of panel discussions with leaders, mid-level professionals, and those at the beginning of their careers. Recent areas have included FAME (finance, accounting, management and economics), languages and computer science. These discussions help students understand the different routes into an industry and provide them with real-world perspectives on career pathways.

“The three different panels each brought a different perspective, but it was very encouraging to hear some shared experience from all of them - it made me feel a lot more confident with my career path, as I can still adapt further down the line.” Upper Sixth student, Yarm School

“Great to hear about local career opportunities in the finance, accounting and economics sectors and the information on apprenticeships was really useful and interesting.” Lower Sixth student, Egglescliffe School & Sixth Form College

Within school, we are responding to increased interest in apprenticeships and particularly degree apprenticeships. We are delighted that students have had success with gaining places on some very competitive programmes, and are able to share their expertise and experience of the selection processes with younger cohorts - alumni who are currently on apprenticeship programmes joined us recently as we hosted an information evening to explain the benefits of these routes and to outline how to apply.  

Our Working Lunches and Enrichment Talks offer further opportunities for students to hear from experts across various fields. These sessions encourage curiosity and ambition, helping students connect their learning to the evolving demands of the workplace.

Personalised pathways: tailored support for every student
For those pursuing specialist careers, tailored support is essential. Students interested in medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science, from both Yarm and local partner schools, can access our ultimate multiple mini interview (MMI) guide, which provides training and mock interview opportunities.

Additionally, all Upper Sixth students benefit from a mock interview with an experienced professional in their chosen field. Securing interviewers for careers as varied as, for example, artificial intelligence in engineering and fashion design, requires extensive networking, and we are committed to ensuring every student receives high-quality, relevant preparation.

Fostering collaboration: building meaningful connections
The strength and breadth of our careers provision is a reflection of a school-wide commitment to openness and collaboration across our region and beyond; it draws on, and contributes to, our relationships with our community in many spheres.

Our careers team works closely with:
•    Academic departments who have established links with higher education and directly with employers
•    Subject leaders who share best practice with counterparts in other schools
•    Senior leaders who have developed relationships with industry professionals and high-profile individuals
•    Development/alumni office colleagues to keep in touch with alumni news and stay connected

Connection and engagement are at the heart of our ethos at Yarm, and our purpose-led partnerships contribute positively to our local and regional community here in the Tees Valley. We are incredibly proud of our programme of primary school workshops, and our collaboration with partner organisations on mutually enriching projects, including musical, arts and cultural initiatives - most recently, as part of the musical reception for the King and Queen’s visit to Teesside.

Looking ahead: a shared commitment to student success
At Yarm School, we are proud of the role we play in raising aspirations, not just within our own student body, but across the wider region. Our aim is to continue strengthening relationships with employers and educational institutions, ensuring that all students have access to up-to-date information, expert guidance, and meaningful experiences that help them make informed decisions about their futures. 

By working together, we can inspire and equip young people to navigate their futures with confidence and purpose.

Finance, accounting, management and economics Career Cluster event

Student from a local state school in a mock MMI interview