TENBURY'S high school has retained its Goldmark for the National Quality in Careers Standard after an 'intense evaluation'.

After an "intense day of evaluation", assessors have reaccredited the Tenbury High Ormiston Academy's National Career Mark, a national award which recognises outstanding career programmes and commitments to preparing students for the workplace.

To achieve this top position, schools have to demonstrate a strategic approach to careers and employability teaching.

The awarding body applauded the creative and innovative careers guidance at Tenbury High, including their partnerships with higher education providers, including Oriel College at the University of Oxford, so students can experience a flavour of higher education life and bespoke meetings for all year 11 students with the academy’s career guidance adviser.

In particular, the assessor complimented the success of the academy’s practical partnerships with local businesses through the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership's Enterprise Adviser Network and the growing annual careers fair, which have enabled students to network with large companies and learn about changing industry environments.

The report also noted Tenbury High’s success in implementing careers support throughout students’ full learning journeys, with years seven and eight taking part in a career detective event to explore exciting career paths and year 11 undertaking mock interviews with the academy’s career guidance adviser and business leaders, who have said the students are “well-prepared and engaged.”

Earlier this year, Ofsted recognised the excellent careers support at the academy, noting that leaders had carefully planned careers advice and guidance to allow pupils to benefit from a range of speakers and events, stating that students were well-informed about their next steps.

However, the school received an overall rating of 'inadequate' after the inspection.

Principal Vicki Dean said: “It is an amazing achievement for Tenbury High Ormiston Academy to be recognised again by the National Career Mark. We are so proud of our careers provision and the guidance, opportunities, and advice our students receive through this curriculum.

“All of our leaders and staff believe that we have a vital role to play in preparing our students for the next stage of their education and training. This award is a true testament to all our staff and parents’ hard work to ensure that all our students have the best opportunities and preparation for starting their careers.”