John Whitgift Academy, in Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire, has been recognised for its
outstanding careers work this week, 19th February 2025. The school has been awarded the
national Quality in Careers Standard awarded under licence by Ixion (Part of the Shaw Trust
Group). The Quality in Careers Standard is awarded to schools and education providers who
can demonstrate the importance they place on careers and how they support students to
make decisions about their life after school.

John Whitgift Academy is continually working to improve the chances and opportunities of all
the students: recognising the importance of preparing students for their future careers, the
school began working towards the national Quality in Careers Standard in the last academic
year.

There is a statutory duty to ‘secure independent careers guidance’ for all students from year 8
onwards and the Government also recommends that all schools should be required to work
towards the national Quality in Careers Standard.

Achieving the national Quality in Careers Standard shows the Principal, Governors and
Leadership team at John Whitgift Academy embrace, promote and endorse quality careers
education and recognise the part it plays in the overall success of the school and its students.
The school offers a range of activities to introduce students to the world of work and help them
make decisions about life after school including engagement and visits with British Aerospace,
Women in Manufacturing and Engineering, PRAX and Champions for Wind programme.

Paul Tuffnell, Operational Lead CEIAG at John Whitgift Academy, said:
“We are thrilled to have achieved the national Quality in Careers Standard awarded by Ixion.
This follows on from our initial achievement in securing the three year award in 2021; the
academy is delighted to again be recognised nationally, showing what our academy delivers is
valued and recognised by parents but essentially by our students. At John Whitgift Academy
we recognise the important role school plays in helping students develop their knowledge,
skills and experience so they can go out into the world and achieve personal success as part
of the Personal Development element of the curriculum. This standard has provided a flexible
framework that enabled us to audit our work on careers and ensure our students are receiving
advice, practical support and experience so they are prepared for the next stage of their
education, employment, self-employment or training. Our partnership working with Progress
Careers, The Careers and Enterprise Company, Humberside Outreach Programme and all
our local partners allows our students to understand what a bright future they have.”

To find out more contact Paul Tuffnell