At King James I Academy, we offer an extensive and carefully planned programme of Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) activities and events throughout the academic year. This programme ensures that all students, from Year 7 through to Sixth Form, have regular and meaningful opportunities to explore careers, pathways, and progression routes.

A wide range of experiences for all year groups

Our CEIAG programme is designed to engage students at different stages of their journey, helping them to build awareness, raise aspirations, and make informed decisions as they progress through the Academy. Activities are age-appropriate and build year on year, ensuring students gain a broad understanding of the world of work, education, and training.

Examples of recent CEIAG activities and events

Students have recently taken part in a wide range of careers-related opportunities, including:

• A whole-school Careers Fair, giving students from all year groups the chance to speak directly with employers, training providers, colleges, and universities
• Employer talks for Year 10, helping students understand workplace expectations and career routes
• NHS careers sessions for Year 8, introducing students to the wide range of roles within healthcare
• A visit to The Auckland Project (TAP) for Year 7, supporting early career awareness and aspiration
• A Business Safari for Year 9, allowing students to explore local businesses and career opportunities
• Educational visits, including trips to employers such as Nissan and events focused on creative careers
• A STEM project delivered in partnership with Education UK and City & Guilds, highlighting pathways into science, technology, engineering, and maths careers
• Aim Higher events for Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4, raising awareness of higher education and future progression
• A How to Become a Doctor Day for Year 11 and Sixth Form students interested in medical careers
• University visits to support informed Post-18 decision-making
• Workplace visits to give students first-hand experience of professional environments
• Creative careers events showcasing opportunities within creative and digital industries
• Assemblies and talks delivered by universities, higher education institutions, and training providers
• Taster sessions at local colleges, enabling students to explore Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 pathways

Targeted and inclusive support

Alongside this whole-school offer, we also provide additional targeted support to ensure no student is left behind. This includes:

• A Workplaces Project led by DurhamWorks for students at risk of becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training), offering tailored employer engagement and support
• Specialist careers workshops and supported work experience opportunities for students with SEND, ensuring careers education is inclusive and accessible to all

Keeping families informed

To help parents, carers, and students stay informed, we regularly share updates about careers activities and events. Families are encouraged to check our school website and social media channels for the most up-to-date information on what is taking place throughout the year.

By offering a rich, inclusive, and well-structured CEIAG programme, King James I Academy ensures that all students are supported to explore opportunities, raise aspirations, and make confident, informed decisions about their future.