Provider Access Policy

Provider Access Policy Introduction

This policy statement sets out the School’s arrangements for managing the access of providers to the School for the purpose of giving them information about the provider’s education or training offer. This complies with the School’s legal obligations under Section 42B of the Education Act 1997.

Student entitlement

All students in Years 8 to 13 are entitled:

to find out about technical education qualifications and apprenticeships opportunities, as part of a Careers programme which provides information on the full range of education and training options available at each transition point;
to hear from a range of local providers about the opportunities they offer, including technical education and apprenticeships – through options events, assemblies and group discussions and taster events;
to understand how to make applications for the full range of academic and technical courses.

For students of compulsory school age these encounters are mandatory and there will be a minimum of two encounters for students during the ‘first key phase’ (Year 8 to 9) and two encounters for students during the ‘second key phase’ (Year 10 to 11). For students in the ‘third key phase’ (Year 12 to 13), particularly those that have not yet decided on their next steps, there are two more provider encounters available during this period, which are optional for students to attend.

These provider encounters will be scheduled during the main school hours and the provider will be given a reasonable amount of time to, as a minimum:

share information about both the provider and the approved technical education qualification and apprenticeships that the provider offers
explain what career routes those options could lead to
provide insights into what it might be like to learn or train with that provider (including the opportunity to meet staff and students from the provider)
answer questions from students.

Meaningful provider encounters

One encounter is defined as one meeting/session between students and one provider. We are committed to providing meaningful encounters to all students using the Making it meaningful checklist.

Meaningful online engagement is also an option, and we are open to providers that are able to provide live online engagement with our students.

Previous providers

In previous terms/years the following providers from the local area have attended events at the School:

The Inspire Education Group – Stamford/Peterborough College
ASK/Workpays
Armed Forces
DWP
Lincolnshire Talent Academy

Additionally, a large number of universities are invited into School to present assemblies and to attend our biennial Careers Fair. This took place on Wednesday 20 September 2023 and was attended by over 60 exhibitors representing universities, employers and training providers. Students from years 10 -13 and parents were invited to attend.

Destinations of our students

In 2022/23 our Year 11 students (246) moved to range of providers in the local area after school:

Destination	Number of Students	Percentage of Students
Remaining in Bourne Grammar School Sixth Form	201	81.7%
Other sixth forms	9	3.7%
Further Education College (Stamford/Peterborough/Boston)	28	11.4%
Specialist residential provider	2	0.8%
Apprenticeships	2	0.8%
Moved out of area	3	1.2%
Other	1	0.4%

In 2022/23 our Year 13 students (240) moved to range of destinations after school:

Destination	Number of Students	Percentage of Students
Confirmed university place	181	75.4%
Higher/Degree apprenticeships	11	4.6%
Employment	8	3.3%
Armed forces	3	1.3%
Gap year – travel, employment and application for university and apprenticeships	29	12.1%
Other	8	3.3%

Management of provider access requests

Procedure

A provider wishing to request access should contact Mrs Helen Elliot, Head of Careers and Higher Education

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 01778 422288

Opportunities for access

The School offers the six provider encounters required by law (marked in bold text) and a number of additional events, integrated into the School Careers programme.

We will offer providers an opportunity to come into School to speak to students or their parents or carers.

Please speak to our Careers Leader to identify the most suitable opportunity for you.

The School also organises a biennial Careers and Higher Education Fair which is open to students and parents.

	Autumn Term	Spring Term	Summer Term
Year 8		Presentation by Grantham College
Year 9		Presentation by East Midlands Apprenticeship Ambassador Network	No encounters – legislation requires encounters to take place by 28 February if in Year 9
Year 10			Post 16 Options afternoon including presentation by Inspire Education Group
Year 11	Post 16 provider Open Evenings	Post 16 Interviews Presentation by ASK Apprenticeships	No encounters – legislation requires encounters to take place by 28 February if in year 11
Year 12	Year 12 lecture programme: Presentations from Lancaster University and ASK Apprenticeships	Post 18 Options launch Post 18 Options parents evening Optional meetings with careers adviser
Year 13	Post 18 applications workshops and mock interviews with apprenticeship providers		No encounters – legislation requires encounters to take place by 28 February if in year 13 Confirmation of post-18 education and training destinations for all students