Part of the Keys Education family
Welcome to the Great Oaks College Parent Information page. Here, you will find all the essential information you need to support your child's educational journey with us.
At Great Oaks College, our Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) programme is designed to inspire ambition, raise aspirations and prepare every student for adulthood. We recognise that our students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs benefit from personalised support, practical experiences and positive encounters that build confidence, independence and employability skills.
Our CEIAG provision is fully aligned with the Gatsby Benchmarks ensuring that every student receives access to high-quality career guidance, encounters with employers and workplaces, and meaningful learning linked to the world beyond school. We use the Xello digital platform and personalised career action plans to help each student explore interests, set goals and take ownership of their future.
Our Careers Intent
At KS3, our intent is to build self-awareness and broaden horizons. Through dedicated careers drop-down days each half term, students explore their strengths, interests and values, learn about a range of job sectors and begin to understand the link between curriculum subjects and future pathways. Students also take part in a volunteering session with a local charity which helps them develop teamwork, empathy and community awareness while gaining early experience of the world of work. Our focus is on developing curiosity and confidence so students can begin to identify areas of vocational interest, understand the skills employers value and prepare for their options and transition to Key Stage 4.
At KS4, our intent is to equip students with the knowledge, skills and experiences needed to make informed post-16 choices. Students take part in weekly careers lessons, develop their employability skills and undertake work experience placements related to their interests or vocational studies. They receive independent careers guidance to explore routes such as college courses, apprenticeships or supported training programmes. Through Xello and careers guidance, students create and update personal action plans that support their next steps. Our aim is that every student leaves KS4 with a clear, realistic and ambitious progression plan.
At KS5, our intent is to prepare students for a successful transition into adult life. Weekly careers lessons and targeted support help students refine their career goals, strengthen their employability and life skills and gain additional work or community-based experience. Students receive personalised guidance to identify pathways that match their strengths and aspirations—whether that is further education, employment or supported opportunities. We focus on ensuring students leave us ready for the next stage of their journey with confidence, resilience and purpose.
Our Careers Programme (Implementation)
Careers drop-down days every half term focusing on self-awareness, the world of work, an introduction to Xello and linking learning to future opportunities. Students take part in a volunteering session with a local charity, helping them develop teamwork, empathy and a sense of community. Independent careers guidance interviews are also available to Year 9 students to support with options.
Weekly careers lessons, independent careers guidance interviews and work experience placements linked to students’ vocational interests. Focused transition support for those students who are ready to move on to the next stage of their journey. Students use Xello to explore options and create personal action plans.
Weekly lessons, additional work experience, additional independent careers guidance interviews and focused transition support for employment, further education or supported opportunities. Structured programme to embed employability and life skills.
We also provide:
· Encounters with employers and training providers.
· Opportunities to visit local colleges and career events.
· Support in writing CVs, applications and preparing for interviews.
· Careers learning embedded within the wider curriculum.
Parents and carers are encouraged to discuss career options with their child and can contact the Careers Leader for advice or to access further information.
Local employers and training providers are invited to contribute to our CEIAG offer by providing talks, workplace visits or work experience placements.
Measuring Impact
The impact of our careers programme is measured in several ways to ensure continuous improvement:
· Annual review of the programme by the Careers Leader and Senior Leadership Team.
· Student and parent feedback surveys to evaluate understanding, confidence and satisfaction.
· Destination tracking of all leavers from Year 11 onwards.
· Self-evaluation against the Gatsby Benchmarks using the Compass tool
The results of these reviews inform ongoing development of the CEIAG programme and ensure it continues to meet student needs effectively.
Careers Leader Contact Information
Strategic Lead: Julie Jones: julie.jones@keyseducation.ac.uk 01543 622461
Operational Lead: Jake Jones: jake.jones@keyseducation.ac.uk 01543 622461
Parents, carers, employers or education providers who wish to learn more about our CEIAG programme, offer opportunities to students or provide feedback are encouraged to contact the Careers Leader’s directly.
CEIAG
Find out more information on our Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance at Great Oaks College.
View Our Schools Policies
Our school policies are designed to ensure a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all our pupils, staff, and families. These policies reflect our commitment to our EPIC values, high standards, and the well-being of our school community.
Our curriculum follows the National Curriculum and includes core subjects such as Literacy, Numeracy, Science, and ICT. We also offer a variety of vocational subjects, humanities, citizenship, PSE, and physical education programs.
Download our prospectus for more information:
Our lessons start at 9:00am and finish at 2:30pm.
Students are provided with a sandwich, fruit, drinks, and snacks. We also provide a choice of toast, fruit, or cereal bars for breakfast.
If your child is unwell or unable to come to school for other reasons then you would need to call the school office before 8:15am to inform us.
The main number is 01543 622461.
You will be invited to regular meetings to discuss your child's progress with their teachers / support staff.
A termly report will be sent to show where your child is up to. You will also be invited to any meetings about your child, including Annual Review meetings.
Parents are always encouraged to contact the college for regular updates.
Your child's attendance will be monitored by our Attendance Leader and you may be invited into school to discuss any issues around attendance.
We work alongside the Education Welfare Office to support you with any issues you may be facing.
Our students do not need to wear a uniform, although we do ask that they wear appropriate clothing. It is best that they wear comfortable clothing that is suitable for the weather.
Students are not permitted to wear coats inside the school buildings, it is also expected that all students will need to wear appropriate outdoor footwear.
It may be necessary for you to provide an extra set of clothes if your child is going to be participating in the outdoor adventurous curriculum in case they get wet or muddy. It is also best for them to wear older clothes and shoes during these sessions.
Discover how young people have experienced positive outcomes through our Education, Care and Support services.
Mark H, ParentI can’t thank Keys enough for the care and support they’ve provided for my daughter. The staff are always attentive, and they genuinely listen to her needs. She has made amazing progress in both her education and personal growth, and I see a brighter future for her every day. Keys has truly changed our lives for the better.
We welcome referrals and enquiries from parents and local authorities. To discuss how Keys Education can support your child, please contact us using the form below or reach out to our admissions team directly.
Parents, carers, or local authorities can contact us to discuss the needs of the child.
We ask the person wishing to commission the placement (normally the Local Authority) sends over relevant information, such as, EHCP, previous school reports, professionals reports.
This allows us to conduct a thorough assessment to determine if we are the right provision to meet needs.
Once we feel needs can be met, we work closely with all parties to facilitate the placement process. If the Local Authority request the place, this is subject to funding being agreed at a panel meeting.
After admission, we provide continuous support to ensure the child settles in well and their needs are met.
If you would like to make a referral, please email or call our team. They will be happy to help. We look forward to partnering with you to provide the best possible education and support for your child.
Email: referrals@keys.co.uk
Phone: 0121 728 7800
If you would like to make a referral, please email or call our team. They will be happy to help. We look forward to partnering with you to provide the best possible education and support for your child.
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