Quality Award Gold Level - The Kingswinford School

The Kingswinford School was awarded the Quality Award at the highest, gold level in November 2014, and is now also able to celebrate that Ofsted inspectors have recognised the importance of this nationally validated stamp of approval for the extremely high standard of careers provision in this Dudley school.

The Ofsted report mentions that “the school has received the ‘Gold Standard Award’ in recognition of the quality of its careers advice.” Students told inspectors “how much they value the high quality of independent careers advice they receive and the support that enables them to make appropriate option choices and for their next steps following Year 11.”

The Ofsted report reflects some of the strengths already identified during the Quality Award Gold accreditation process. CEIAG has a high profile with the senior leadership team, and the careers department is very strong in terms of organisation and links with others within the school and outside. Students benefit from an exceptionally high standard of careers information provision in an excellent resource base and on information boards around the school, including one dedicated to local LMI, and a very informative website that serves the needs of all students and their parents / carers. The progressive and innovative careers education programme is strong, something that is obviously important to students who were able to articulate to Ofsted inspectors about how it helps them to be properly prepared for the next stage of learning and career. 

The Careers Team of Leyla Palmer and Emma Stevens were delighted with their Gold Award, celebrating with an enjoyable photo session with Headteacher Bronwyn Hedley and Prospects’ assessor Sue Thacker. Careers leader Leyla reflected on the impact of the award “Achieving the Gold Standard in the Quality Award for CEIAG was a rigorous process but also a sincerely rewarding achievement. Not only is it something that the school and our students are clearly very proud of but the whole process was beneficial in enabling us to see what are areas of strength are and areas for future development.”

Bronwyn Hedley also commented “The assessment process was thorough and challenging. It highlighted strengths and acknowledged the outstanding work of our Careers Curriculum Area. We are delighted that Ofsted also noted its importance in July 2015”.