A BRADFORD district school has been recognised with a national award for the work it does in supporting students to make decisions on their future careers.

Beckfoot School, in Wagon Lane, Bingley, has been presented with the Quality in Careers Standard for its work in helping students plan for their lives after education.

The nationally recognised achievement is awarded under license by Ixion, a licensed awarding body which is part of the Shaw Trust Group, and assesses and accredits schools, colleges and work-based learning organisations on behalf of the Quality in Careers Standard Consortium.

The prize is handed to schools which demonstrate the importance they place on careers during students' time at school, and how they support children and young people in making decisions about their life once they leave school.

Beckfoot School said it works continually to maximise the chances and opportunities its students have access to, and recognising the importance of getting its students ready for adult life and work it began working towards achieving the Quality in Careers Standard.

Schools have a statutory duty to give independent careers guidance to students from Year 8 onwards, and the Quality in Careers Standard is a goal for all schools to work to recommended by Government.

Staff at Beckfoot offer a range of activities to students to introduce them into the world of work and support them in making decisions about life after school and securing employment in their desired field, with assistance such as interview practice, careers fairs, and visits to colleges, universities and employers.

Holly McLean and Sarah Wilson lead the Bingley school's work in ensuring its students are ready for their next steps once they leave school.

They, alongside headteacher Simon Wade, said: “We are thrilled to have achieved the national Quality in Careers Standard awarded by Ixion.

"At Beckfoot we recognise the important role school plays in helping students develop their knowledge, skills and experience so they can go out into the world and achieve personal success.

"This standard has provided a flexible framework that enabled us to audit our work on careers and ensure our students are receiving advice, practical support and experience so they are prepared for the next stage of their education, employment, self-employment or training.”

Beckfoot School, Bingley, joins a number of Yorkshire schools who have also gained this Standard, including Skipton-based Craven College, Ermysted's Grammar School, and Brooklands Community Special School.