Castle School scoops national award

Castle School ‘World of Work’ scoops national award

The Castle School in Newbury has been named the National Winner of the SEND Careers Provision of the Year award by the Careers & Enterprise Company.

They were one of just three regional finalists and took the overall winner award for their innovative World of Work (WOW) programme which supports careers education and helps young people into the world of work.

A record number of over 200 nominations where submitted for this year’s nine award categories, which were decided by panel of independent expert judges.

The Careers & Enterprise Company was established by government in 2015 to help schools and colleges, employers, funders and careers programme providers to create high impact careers and enterprise support for young people. They aim to inspire and prepare young people for the fast-changing world of work. The Company’s 2000+ Enterprise Adviser Network of business volunteers currently works in over half of the country’s secondary schools and colleges

Claudia Harris, Chief Executive of The Careers & Enterprise Company, said: “Preparing young people for the fast-changing world of work has never been more important. There is incredible work going on in schools, colleges, employers and more across the country. We hope these awards are a small way to say thank you and shine a light on this amazing work.”

Judge Nick Bowen, Principal at Horizon Community College and who sits on The Careers & Enterprise Company’s Headteacher Advisory Group, said: “This year we had a record number of entries. It was a real challenge to pick the winners because of the amazing quality of entries. This is a testament to the increasing excellence of careers provision and partnership across the country. Schools and colleges like this are helping thousands of young people to fulfil their futures. The Castle School should be very proud of themselves.”

James Whybra Assistant Head Teacher at The Castle School said:  “The team are passionate about what they do and that is visible on a daily basis to all that they work with. To win this award is a fantastic recognition of all of the work that goes in to supporting students in to paid employment. For us, winning give us a great opportunity to share what we do in the hope that is will inspire others and continue to improve good practice across the SEND sector and beyond.”

Lynne Doherty, West Berkshire’s Executive Member for Education and Children and Young People said: “The WOW Programme at The Castle School is truly inspiring. The team is totally committed providing strong support to students and employers which has been critical to their success. Their unfaltering belief that any student with the drive and desire to work can gain paid employment regardless of personal challenges makes them not only a force to be reckoned with but a most worthy winner of this prestigious award.”