Co-op Academy Swinton is demonstrating what ambitious, embedded careers support can achieve: its Year 11 NEET figures are amongst the lowest in Salford.
This is a feat that Acting Headteacher Nathan D’Laryea says wouldn’t be possible without embedded, specialist careers support from Career Connect, delivered by Careers Adviser Brendan Prendergast.
“Having the lowest number of NEETs isn’t just luck or coincidence. It’s about what we do as a school, but it’s also because of the work we do with Career Connect and Brendan, making sure our students are well informed, and that the choices they make are what will support them the most.
“You can speak to our students in Years 9, 10 and 11 and they all know about careers. I see this as a direct impact from our partnership.”
Nathan D’Laryea
Acting Head Teacher, Co-op Academy Swinton
Co-op Swinton Academy’s careers strategy is led by Assistant Principal and Careers Leader Felicity Fagan, supported by Head of Year 11 (Curriculum) Laura Cope and Brendan, who delivers a range of targeted interventions.
Felicity says:
“It’s all about aspiration. For a lot of our students, they may be the first in their family looking at further, vocational or higher education. Our Year 11s go on to a variety of colleges, and we have a high percentage of students who secure apprenticeships – which are hard to get in Greater Manchester.
“Brendan also helps us with staff training, so our teachers feel more informed in discussions with students.”
Felicity Fagan,
Assistant Principal and Careers Leader, Co-op Academy Swinton
The school, which has a wide catchment area, aims to ensure that students have not just one, but two confirmed options at the end of Year 11 – and this is where Brendan’s experience is especially valued:
“We’ve built so many strong connections with providers because of him. It makes things so much easier for us and our students,”
Laura Cope,
Head of Year 11 (Curriculum)
Laura and Brendan work together to engage Year 11s most at risk of NEET, building confidence, aspiration and understanding of pathways. Brendan also meets with students in Alternative Provision and makes home visits to students with low attendance, to ensure everyone gets access to the careers support they need.
He also supports Year 9s as they choose their options, and delivers earlier, multiple careers interviews to students with SEN identified as needing intensive careers guidance.
Brendan also plays a key role in the school’s large scale careers fairs, mock interviews and work experience. Brendan also led on a major virtual work experience project for year 10s.
Year 10 student Afia said:
“I’ve done virtual work experience which was very interesting, and I’ve talked with Mr. Prendergast. I want to go into dentistry. Work experience is important, and Mr. Prendergast told me where I could go. It was insightful – I think if I didn’t talk with him, I would be a bit lost in terms of what I need to do. It was very inspiring.”
Afia,
Year 10 student
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