Ofsted praises well-designed careers programme

Local London school, King’s Oak in Greenwich received excellent feedback from Ofsted following a visit in November 2024.

The national education and skills inspector was impressed with the school’s excellence across the board, providing specialist support for young people in years 7 to 11 with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

As a school highly engaged with our Careers Hub, we were delighted that the careers education programme received praise for showcasing the range of pathways and preparing students for life after they leave school.

(Pictured above: student from King’s Oak School engaging with Barking and Dagenham College at one of our events focussed on creative and digital careers)

Working with mainstream and specialist schools across nine boroughs north and south of the river, we recognise the commitment it takes from within and outside the school to create top-tier careers education programmes.

From headteachers, to careers leaders, external advisors and local businesses, it takes a community of people working together to deliver meaningful careers programmes that empower young people to make the best choices for themselves.

The school has implemented a well-designed careers programme….so that pupils have the best possible chance of success.

The unusually extensive and appreciative Ofsted comment relating specifically to careers education at King’s Oak School noted:

‘The school has implemented a well-designed careers programme. This ensures that pupils are well prepared for the challenges that they may face when they become adults. The school supports pupils to explore the different options available. Pupils develop positive attitudes that will help them cope with the demands of employment, further education or training. Leaders work closely with local colleges so that the pupils have the best possible chance of success.’ Ofsted visit November 2024

Stephen O’Leary, Interim Director of Local London said “Our team have thoroughly enjoy working with staff at the school, especially Howard Shearing the careers lead. King’s Oak’s continuous engagement with the Careers Hub has been greatly appreciated. They’ve welcomed and worked with us to develop ideas.

On behalf of the team at Local London, I would like to say huge congratulations to the school’s team, and also to the Careers Adviser, Simon Connolly, provided by the Royal Borough of Greenwich who has provided exceptional support to the school. This positive feedback from Ofsted is a fabulous reflection what partnership working can achieve.”

Howard Shearing, Head of Careers at King’s Oak School commented ‘We certainly could not have achieved where we are careers-wise without the Careers Hub’s support and help over the last few years in bringing it all together.”

We would also like to acknowledge the following people at King’s Oak School whose commitment have created such an outstanding example of brilliant careers education:

• Mr Meic Griffiths – Executive Headteacher.
• Mrs Jill Smith – Head of School.
• Mr Jim Spark – Head of Achievement, Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4.

Can we help your school deliver great careers advice?

As well as matching people from the business world with schools to enhance class-room learning, our team work with school staff to reach and exceed national standards for careers education.

If you are a school or business wanting to work with the Local London Careers Hub please contact us on careershub.east@redbridge.gov.uk or find out more about what we do here www.local.london/what-we-do/programmes/careers-hub

Our team’s work is made possible with funding from the Careers and Enterprise Company, The Mayor of London, and UKSPF.