Career advice variation in schools

New research from Adecco has revealed that independent school students have a far clearer idea of the careers they want to pursue thanks to regular careers advice from their school whilst state and academy school students are ‘left in limbo’.

The gulf in advice saw 45 per cent of independent school students receive regular careers guidance compared to 13 per cent of students in state schools, and 14 per cent in academies.

Additionally, Adecco revealed that 57 per cent of independent school students had received help or guidance from external businesses or employees about what to expect when they start a job, compared to just 25 per cent of state school and 29 per cent of academy students.

This has an effect on students knowing which profession they would like to work in, with 45 per cent of independent schools students confident of the industry in which they hope to work in, compared to just 21 per cent of state school and 25 per cent of academy students.

Moreover, 95 per cent of the students polled stated that they would benefit from advice from local businesses or employees, with a further 93 per cent stating that the careers advice they had been given had been helpful.

Alex Fleming, managing director at Adecco Retail, said: “In today’s tough job environment it is vital that students are properly prepared for their life post-education. Careers advice plays a key role in ensuring this, whether that’s delivered by schools or employers.

“Worryingly our research shows that there is a clear discrepancy in the careers advice given to students at independent and state schools. Just one in ten state school pupils receive regular careers advice, compared to around half of independent school students.

“Schools and employers across the UK need to work together to plug this gap to ensure that all students have equal access to the guidance they need. Not only will this help to give students a clearer idea of what profession they want to follow after school, but it will also give them direct access to the businesses and employers that they may be working with in the future.”