Basingstoke school given national award for career support

The Vyne Community School has been recognised for its provision in careers. The Quality in Careers Standard is the national quality mark for careers education, information, advice, and guidance (CEIAG) in schools, colleges, and work-based learning. The award is nationally validated and recognises best practices in CEIAG provision and is aligned with the Gatsby Benchmarks.

Data from Hampshire County Council shows that since 2022, the percentage increase of leavers from who entered Raising the Participation Age (RPA) situations, a situation in which leavers must remain in education or training until their 18th birthday, increased by just under 4 per cent, from 92.6 per cent to 96.5 per cent, while the Hampshire average decreased from 93.5 per cent to 92.8 per cent.

Mr Giffele Scott holding the award with pupils and teachers (Image: TIMOTHY POET)

Mrs Pearce, headteacher at The Vyne, said: "Ensuring that every student has the best possible advice and support to realise their aspirations beyond school is an integral part of our school.

"I am very proud that our provision has been acknowledged as high quality."

Mr Scott leads on CEIAG at The school and said: "Receiving the Quality in Careers Standard is a real honour for us at The Vyne Community School, and it means a great deal to me personally.

"Since taking on the role in 2022, I’ve been passionate about creating a careers programme that’s inclusive, aspirational, and genuinely makes a difference to our students.

"This award feels like recognition of that journey, of the hard work and the strong partnerships we’ve built with local businesses including Fujitsu and our shared commitment to giving every young person the tools and confidence to shape their own future.

"Seeing that vision now validated by an external body and most importantly, reflected in our students’ outcomes is incredibly rewarding."

Mr Scott explained that the award recognises that more than 95 per cent of Year 11 pupils at The Vyne moved on to education or training destinations that meet the government’s participation requirements, above the Hampshire average.

He continued: "More importantly, our students speak confidently about their futures, the skills they’re building, and the paths available to them.

"For me, this award is a milestone but not the finish line. It motivates us to keep building meaningful partnerships with employers, expanding opportunities for all learners, and ensuring every young person at The Vyne Community School feels empowered, inspired, and prepared not just for further education, but for life."