Life beyond school can be challenging for young people with learning difficulties. One of the biggest barriers is finding meaningful employment that not only provides income but also supports health, wellbeing and self-esteem.

We are passionate about changing these statistics. At Isebrook, we aim to give every student the skills, experiences and confidence they need to navigate adulthood and take positive next steps.

Career education is essential in helping young people understand the world of work and what it takes to succeed, as it:

• Prepares students for employment and adult life.
• Builds knowledge of different job roles and career pathways.
• Encourages the development of core skills such as communication, decision-making, and resilience.
• Supports learners to make informed choices that lead to positive outcomes.

We have a strong, dedicated staff team to support careers education, including:

• A Work Experience Coordinator who helps learners access real workplace opportunities.
• A Transition Lead who supports each student in planning their next steps.
• A Careers Leader within our Senior Leadership Team who ensures careers is a whole-school priority.

In addition, we benefit from the wider support of the Creating Tomorrow Trust, giving us access to expertise and opportunities across our schools and college.

We recognise that employability alone is not enough. To thrive, our students need a broad range of experiences that develop independence, social skills, and confidence.

Our careers programme is:

• Person-centred – shaped around each student’s needs, ambitions, and voice.
• Collaborative – involving families, external agencies, and employers.
• Progressive – skills are introduced, reinforced, and applied repeatedly over time.
• Inclusive – designed for the wide range of special educational needs we support

We are proud to align our provision with the National Careers Strategy and work towards achieving all eight Gatsby Benchmarks.

Our partnerships with organisations such as:

• Skills Builder
• South Midlands Careers Hub
• CDI
• The Careers & Enterprise Company

Ensures that our programme remains high-quality, relevant, and impactful.

We believe every student deserves the chance to build a future where they can succeed, contribute, and thrive.

At Isebrook School, we know that preparing students for adulthood means building strong links with the wider community. That’s why we are proud to be an active member of the South Midlands Careers Hub, working to create meaningful connections between our school and local businesses.

We are currently collaborating with a senior business volunteer who is helping us strengthen employer networks and develop lasting partnerships. These connections benefit both our students and the local business community, creating opportunities for shared growth and inclusion.

Our careers education is supported by close collaboration with a wide range of organisations, including:

• Prospects
• Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
• Northamptonshire Supported Internship Forum
• The Local Offer
• Preparation for Adulthood Forum
• Adult Social Care
• ASK Apprenticeships SEND Advisory Group

These partnerships ensure that our students receive comprehensive careers advice and support, particularly around transition and post-16 education.

We collaborate with a growing network of local and national employers who offer inspiring opportunities for our students. From workplace visits and talks to supported internships and work experience placements, these employers help our learners build skills, confidence, and a clearer understanding of the world of work.

By expanding and nurturing these partnerships, we are able to offer our students a wide range of real-world experiences that prepare them for life beyond school.

As active members of the South Midlands Careers Hub, we benefit from expert guidance, resources, and training to ensure we meet the Gatsby Benchmarks for careers education. The hub connects schools, employers, and stakeholders to improve outcomes and create consistent, high-quality experiences for every learner.

Our careers strategy is shaped and supported by the Creating Tomorrow central team, who offer specialist knowledge of SEND and post-16 pathways. They provide leadership, training, and tools that enable staff across the trust to deliver inclusive, impactful careers education tailored to each learner’s needs.

For further support regarding Careers Education at Creating Tomorrow, please contact Stacey Morris,  community and employer engagement business partner.

We work closely with our wider Creating Tomorrow Education Partner schools and colleges, sharing best practice and aligning our vision for careers education. This collaborative approach strengthens our curriculum and helps us prepare learners for further education, training, or employment – whatever their chosen path.

We also work closely with other local special schools and providers to ensure smooth transitions for students into post-16 destinations. This shared approach helps us to better meet the needs of young people with SEND across Northamptonshire.

Created by Creating Tomorrow, the Futures Hub is here to support everyone in our community—learners, staff, families, and employers.

The Hub offers:

• Up-to-date Labour Market Information (LMI) to help inform future choices
• Signposting to helpful support services and resources
• Guidance for navigating career pathways, further education, and employment opportunities

Whether you're a young person planning your next steps, a family member looking for advice, an educator seeking tools, or an employer wanting to engage with schools, we're here to help connect education with the world of work.