CIRENCESTER Deer Park School has scooped an award for the careers education and guidance it gives its pupils.

As part of the schools careers programme, which encourages students to start thinking about their future careers path from an early age, pupils are giving support by the school's careers advisors and are able to attend regular lunch time sessions where local firms varying from solicitors or hairdressers speak to pupils about their profession.

The school also often holds conferences for parents and students where different careers paths are put under the spotlight. It also holds an annual careers fair.

Assessors from Prospects, which provides careers advice and job and course opportunities, were so impressed with the work that the school does that it gave it the Quality Award for Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance.

Careers advisor with Prospects, Sharon Hawes, presented headteacher Chiquita Henson with the award on Monday, September 14.

Mrs Henson, headteacher, said: “I am very pleased the dedication of staff to ‘creating futures’ at Deer Park has been recognised through the achievement of this award. We aim to work with our pupils to raise their aspirations and help them lay the foundations for success in their learning and lives ahead.”