Schools that offer pupils decent careers advice are likely to score higher exam results and have better attendance rates, according to research.
It warns that young people in England are facing a “postcode lottery” with some receiving much better guidance and information on employment prospects than others.
………
Report author Professor Tristram Hooley, of Derby University said there has been a major reorganisation of how careers guidance in schools is delivered.
“Unfortunately this has not been monitored in any systematic way, and only limited attempts been made to measure the impacts of the changes. Some schools have maintained high-quality provision and have given high priority to preparing their students for the future, but many have not. We need a much stronger National Careers Service to support schools and colleges in delivering for young people
Conor Ryan, director of research at the Sutton Trust, said: “The overall decline in good guidance is harming social mobility. Having the right advice is key to young people making the right decisions. Those without good networks and family contacts lose out when career guidance is poor. Less advantaged young people must know all their options, whether it is the right apprenticeship, college course or university.”
A Department for Education spokeswoman said: “Our plan for education is designed to give every child the knowledge and skills they need to prepare them for life in modern Britain, and getting them ready for the world of work is part of this.
“We have already updated guidance for schools to encourage closer links with employers to deliver career insight talks, mentoring and work tasters in order to open pupils’ eyes to the opportunities available to them.
“But we know there is much more to do and we are looking closely at how we can further strengthen the system to ensure that every child has access to the support they need to make the right choices at the right time.”
Read the full PA report on the BT.com website here.