Commenting on new research from Sutton Trust today (Thurs 10 Mar), giving an up-to-date picture of careers education and guidance across schools in England, Sarah Hannafin, senior policy advisor for school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“Good quality careers education, information, advice and guidance (CEIAG) is important to all pupils in our schools. We have continually stressed that CEIAG should be appropriately resourced and of a high standard in order to support pupils to make the best choices and maximise their life chances.

“Despite support for careers education from school leaders, the current provision remains underfunded and therefore inconsistent. There is no specific funding for schools, nor any budget with which to provide impartial and independent CEIAG or work experience.

“All schools must be provided with the resources they need to provide high quality careers education. There is a need for an increased number of independent quality assured careers advisors as part of that resource.

“Careers education shouldn’t be left to secondary schools alone. NAHT believes that careers education, linked to raising aspirations, should begin at primary school by helping pupils to understand how working hard at school can bring fantastic opportunities in later life and giving primary age pupils an insight into different careers.

“Primary Futures, run in partnership with NAHT, works with schools to broaden horizons, challenge stereotyping, for example, by gender, ethnicity and social background, and bring learning to life from an early age. Primary Futures provides primary-aged children the chance to meet people beyond their immediate family networks. People who can help challenge the stereotypical views that can often limit children’s ambitions and life choices.”