Careers and Prospects

Ebbsfleet Academy recognises the importance of careers education, information and guidance (CEIAG) to prepare students for the opportunities, challenges and responsibilities of life, during which they must be able to respond to the changing demands of a technological age, adapt to differing modes of employment, develop life-long learning resources, and balance work and leisure.

Students receive unbiased careers information, impartial guidance and a curriculum relevant to the world of work. In addition, the academy encourages and supports appropriate work experience opportunities and placements in Year 10 and Year 12, as well as providing information and support to students making applications for employment and further and higher education. Careers fairs and external visitors will also be provided throughout the year across all Key Stages for students to engage with.

Students in all year groups are provided engaging careers lessons on a weekly basis as part of their personal development curriculum that focuses on the needs of each individual pupil. Through this curriculum students will learn career and labour market information, build an understanding of their own strengths and characteristics and how to use this to make decisions for the future, and provide support and guidance for next steps at each stage of their education journey.

Working with students, parents and school staff we aim to raise student aspirations to ensure they plan to achieve, and attain, full learning and career potential. Independent, impartial careers education guidance will be delivered in-school and coordinated by CXK and Unifrog.

Our careers programme builds from year to year as students move through the school. The academy uses the Unifrog platform to log and track careers guidance. Examples of the activities carried out with students include:

  • Job of the week lessons that introduce students to careers and labour market information, covering a range of careers that are both interesting and related to subjects taught at Ebbsfleet Academy.
  • An introduction to the features and benefits of Unifrog.
  • Developing interests, skills and personality profiles using Unifrog to create personalised information on careers options suited to each student.
  • Job of the week lessons that introduce students to careers and labour market information, covering a range of careers that are both interesting and related to subjects taught at Ebbsfleet Academy.
  • Further use of features on Unifrog to develop student profiles including logging skills and activities.
  • Creating links between the MYP Learner Profile and employability skills.
  • Job of the week lessons that introduce students to careers and labour market information, covering a range of careers that are both interesting and related to subjects taught at Ebbsfleet Academy.
  • Further use of features on Unifrog to develop student profiles including logging skills and activities.
  • Creating links between the MYP Learner Profile and employability skills.
  • Impartial guidance on GCSE choices and the importance of these decisions on future careers opportunities
  • Developing interests, skills and personality profiles using Unifrog to create personalised information on careers options suited to each student.
  • CV and employability skills.
  • Preparation for Work Experience including the process and guidance on contacting employers.
  • Impartial guidance on Level 3 qualification choices and the importance of these decisions on future careers opportunities.
  • Guidance on writing personal statements and the application process for 6th forms, colleges, and apprenticeships.
  • Advice on the rights and responsibilities of employers and employees in the workplace.
  • Impartial guidance from CXK about Level 3 qualification and employment choices.
  • Fortnightly careers talks from external providers.
  • A minimum of two Higher Education institution visits.
  • Starting the UCAS process to apply to university.
  • Developing interests, skills and personality profiles using Unifrog to create personalised information on careers options suited to each student.
  • Preparation for Work Experience including the process and guidance on contacting employers.
  • CV and employability skills, including guidance on writing personal statements and the application process for higher education, apprenticeships and employment.
  • Impartial guidance on higher education and employment choices and the importance of these decisions on future career opportunities.
  • Fortnightly careers talks from external providers.
  • Higher Education institution visit.
  • CV and employability skills, including guidance on writing personal statements and the application process for higher education, apprenticeships and employment.
  • Advice on the rights and responsibilities of employers and employees in the workplace.
  • Impartial guidance from CXK about higher education and employment choices.

Our CEIAG programme and related information is reviewed annually, however information may be revised throughout the year to reflect new regulations.

Our Provider Access Statement can be found attached below.

CEIAG & Provider Access Statement

If you wish to contact our careers team about the careers curriculum, or if you are a parent/carer, business or former student and are willing to contribute to our careers programme please email:

Choosing a Degree

There are in excess of 50,000 degrees and choosing a degree can be a daunting choice! The following links and resources can help you with this:

  • UCAS – Research into different courses with links to the universities on UCAS.
  • UK Course Finder – You can also try the Course Finder questionnaire on UK Course Finder. This questionnaire may help you choose your degree subject. There is additional information which may help you with your university decisions.
  • Discover Uni – Find the right course for you at Discover Uni. You can also compare official statistics from many universities.
  • Open days – The university and college open directory helps you choose the right university for you.

Degree Types

Associate-level programmes offer different degrees for a variety of careers. These 2-year programmes may provide the necessary training to prepare students for entry-level positions in fields like nursing, graphic design and other vocational areas. Associate degree programmes are most commonly available from community colleges and technical schools.

Completing an associate degree programme may qualify graduates to enter the workforce. Transferable associate degree programmes cover the general education requirements needed to continue a student’s education at a 4-year university. The most common degrees available at the associate level include the following:

  • Associate of Arts (A.A.)
  • Associate of Science (A.S.)
  • Associate of Applied Science (AAS)

A bachelor’s degree programmes is an undergraduate programme that usually takes three years to complete. Enrolling in a bachelor’s degree programme requires that students choose a major area of study, such as finance, history, communications or biology. Graduates from a bachelor’s degree programme are qualified to work in entry or management-level positions, depending on the field.

A bachelor’s degree is also usually required for admittance into a graduate programme. The different types of degrees available in a bachelor’s degree programme include the following:

  • Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
  • Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS)
  • Bachelor of Engineering (BEng)

Master’s degree programmes are graduate programme that let students specialise in an area of study. They typically take 1-2 years to complete after a bachelors degree. Along with an undergraduate degree, enrolling in a master’s degree programme usually requires a minimum GPA and an acceptance score on a graduate entrance exam, such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Many master’s degree programme require a thesis or capstone project for graduation.

Earning a master’s degree may qualify graduates to work in advanced or executive-level positions. A master’s degree is also required for entrance into some doctoral programme. Different degree programme available at the master’s degree level include the following:

  • Master of Arts (M.A.)
  • Master of Science (M.S.)
  • Master of Engineering (MEng)
  • Master of Business Administration (MBA)
  • Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

Doctoral degree programmes also known as Ph.D. programmes, are the most advanced type of degree program available. Admittance into a doctoral degree program may require individuals to hold a master’s degree, although several programmes accept candidates who only hold bachelor’s degrees. Additional requirements to be accepted into these programme may include submitting standardised test scores and sending in letters of recommendation.

Completing a Ph.D. program usually takes several years, and often involves the completion of a dissertation and a major research project. Medical-related doctoral programme may have students complete hands-on clinical hours with real patients during the final years of the program.

Ph.D. graduates are qualified to work as experts in areas of business or research, and professors at the post secondary level. Common types of doctoral degrees include those listed below:

  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
  • Juris Doctor (J.D.)
  • Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)
  • Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)

While there are many college level degree options, the four main degree levels include associate, bachelors, masters, and doctorate.

Year 13 Destinations

  • King’s College London – Modern Languages with a Year Abroad
  • UCL (University College London) – Bulgarian & Russian
  • University of Nottingham – Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence
  • Cardiff University – Applied Software Engineering
  • City, University of London – Criminology, Mathematics with Finance & Economics and Computer Science
  • University of Kent – Chemistry, Politics & International Relations and Biochemistry Forensic Science
  • University of Sussex – Life Sciences
  • Bournemouth University – Accounting & Finance
  • University of Greenwich – Computer Science (Cybersecurity), Physical Education & Sport, Criminology & Criminal Justice, Accounting & Finance and Finance & Investment Banking
  • London South Bank University – Children’s Nursing and Law
  • Canterbury Christ Church University – Human Biology and Accounting & Finance
  • University of Westminster, London – Accounting & Business Management and Sports Management
  • Birmingham City University – Accounting and Finance
  • Kingston University – Business Management and Marketing
  • University of South Wales – Applied Cybersecurity

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships offer the opportunity to learn in the workplace. You will be taken on by an employer who teaches you practical skills relating to the occupational area that you have chosen. You will spend one day a week at college where you will gain the theoretical support to achieve the specific qualifications for your chosen career area. You will be paid approximately £100 a week.

To research into different apprenticeship schemes look at Apprenticeships which has a wealth of information and advertises a number of vacancies. Register on the site if you are interested in receiving details on specific apprenticeships schemes.

Some companies have set timescales when they recruit. It is important if you are considering an apprenticeship scheme that you look into opportunities and apply early. 

Advanced Apprenticeships

A typical entry criteria: A minimum of 3 GCSEs (or equivalent) to include an A-C pass in English Language, double Science and Maths.

Higher Apprenticeships

A typical entry criteria: A minimum of 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at Grade B or above. Have or are predicted to gain 3 A Levels or equivalent at grades B or above.