Careers Information
At Sir Christopher Hatton Academy we believe that preparing students for life beyond school is a central part of our mission. Our careers programme is designed to ensure that every student develops the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to make informed decisions about their future.
Careers education is embedded throughout our curriculum, pastoral programme, enrichment opportunities and employer partnerships, ensuring students gain meaningful experiences of the world of work throughout their time at the Academy.
Our aim is to ensure that every student leaves Hatton equipped not only with strong qualifications, but with the skills, knowledge and confidence to thrive in further education, higher education or employment.
Vision and Aims
The vision and aims for careers education at Sir Christopher Hatton Academy are outlined in our Careers Strategy and Careers Policy.
These documents set out our long-term commitment to providing a high-quality and inclusive careers programme that supports every student to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed for their future.
For more information about careers education at the Academy, please visit:
- Careers Programme (Year 7 - 13)
- Employer and Provider Access
- Careers Guidance for Students and Parents
- Careers Polices, Evaluation and Destinations
Our Careers Programme
We provide a structured and progressive careers programme from Year 7 to Year 13, helping students explore their interests, develop employability skills and understand the opportunities available to them.
Our programme includes:
- Careers education through Lifeskills lessons and the Hatton Baccalaureate (HBACC)
- Employer encounters and guest speakers
- Work experience and workplace visits
- College, apprenticeship and university events
- Virtual work experience opportunities
- One-to-one careers guidance with a qualified careers adviser
- Careers activities linked to school trips, enrichment and curriculum learning
Every subject at Hatton plays a role in helping students understand how their learning connects to the world of work, while developing the skills and character qualities valued by employers.
Students also explore local labour market information (LMI) to understand employment opportunities and skills needs within Northamptonshire and the wider region.
Supporting Students to Make Informed Choices
Career education at Sir Christopher Hatton Academy begins in Year 7 and develops progressively throughout a student’s journey to Sixth Form.
Students receive increasing guidance and support as they progress through school:
- Year 7–8: Developing employability skills and exploring a wide range of careers
- Year 9: Linking career interests to GCSE options
- Year 10–11: Exploring post-16 pathways including sixth form, college and apprenticeships
- Year 12–13: Preparing for university, higher apprenticeships or employment
Students also have access to independent careers advice and guidance through our partnership with Prospects.
Encounters with Employers and with Education Providers
Students at Hatton regularly meet employers, colleges, universities and apprenticeship providers to learn about different career pathways and opportunities.
In line with Provider Access Legislation (PAL), students in Years 8–13 receive a minimum of six meaningful encounters with providers of technical education and apprenticeships during their time at the academy.
These encounters allow students to hear directly from providers, ask questions and explore the full range of options available after school or sixth form.
The Gatsby Benchmarks
Our careers programme is structured around the Gatsby Benchmarks of Good Career Guidance, which provide the national framework for excellent careers provision in schools.
The eight Gatsby Benchmarks are:
- A stable careers programme
- Learning from career and labour market information
- Addressing the needs of each pupil
- Linking curriculum learning to careers
- Encounters with employers and employees
- Experiences of workplaces
- Encounters with further and higher education
- Personal guidance
These benchmarks ensure that every student benefits from high-quality, impartial and structured careers education.
Careers Lead Contact Details
If you are an employer, parent, or education provider interested in supporting our careers programme, please contact:
Miss J. Coe
Assistant Principal – Careers, Character, Pastoral Curriculum and Educational Visits
Mrs V Forbes
Extra-Curricular and Community Manager
Email: careers@hattonacademy.org.uk
Telephone: 01933 226077
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