I’m so excited to share that Co-op Academy Southfield has recently achieved the Quality in Careers Standard — something our whole team is incredibly proud of. It’s a huge recognition of the hard work we’ve put in to make sure every single student leaves us with the skills, confidence, and experiences they need to thrive in whatever comes next.

So, what does this mean for our students? Well, at Southfield, we take careers education seriously. We’ve developed a really structured programme that starts right from Year 7 and continues all the way through to Year 14. Our Careers Education, Information, Advice, and Guidance (CEAIG) policy is at the heart of this, and it’s clear, accessible, and always evolving based on feedback from students, staff, and parents. We’re always asking ourselves: “What do our students really need to know to prepare them for life beyond Southfield, and how can we make that happen?”

The best part? Careers isn’t just something we do in isolation. We’ve made sure that career learning is fully embedded across the curriculum. Every subject is linked to real-world careers, and our teachers are amazing at making those connections for students. As teachers we meet regularly to discuss how we can bring lessons to life and make lessons feel relevant and exciting. For example, a lesson in English might lead students to think about the skills needed to be an author, while a science lesson might highlight problem solving and research. It’s all about showing students how what they’re learning now connects to life beyond Southfield!

We also know that hands-on experiences are key, so we offer a huge range of activities that get students out there and engaging with the world of work. From trips to employers and colleges to projects like Come Dine With Me and the school pantomime, students are constantly exposed to different opportunities. We also bring in local employers, like a recent talk from a zoo keeper, and alumni who share their journey — helping students see what’s possible and encouraging them to aim high.

It’s not just about telling students about what’s out there; it’s about supporting them to take the next step. Whether it’s a visit to Bradford College or talking to employers at our annual Careers Fair, we’re all about giving students real, tangible experiences that help them feel confident about their futures.

We’ve also created a space where students can really explore their interests. For example, we’ve got vocational learning options like our life skills flat, a media room, a working kitchen, as well as pop-up shops/ fairs. These aren’t just for fun — they’re giving students the chance to develop skills that will be so valuable in their future.

I can honestly say that the best part of my job is seeing how much our students grow. The confidence they gain, the skills they develop, and the clarity they get about their future is incredible. And it's not just about us preparing them — our students have been so positive and enthusiastic about their career journeys. They’re excited about what’s ahead, and I think that’s down to the hands-on experiences and the wide variety of opportunities they’ve had.

Achieving the Quality in Careers Standard is such a fantastic achievement for our whole team, and it’s a reflection of everyone’s hard work and commitment at Co-op Academy Southfield. But we’re not stopping here! We’ll continue to build on this, developing new opportunities, growing our employer links, and making sure every student leaves Southfield with everything they need to succeed.

If you’re a student, parent, or employer reading this, I’d love for you to get involved in what we’re doing. We’ve got so many exciting plans for the future, and we want to make sure every student has the best possible start to life beyond Southfield. So, please get in touch.

Thanks for reading — and stay tuned for more!