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Careers & Further Education

Providing the knowledge and tools to progress into a rich and fulfilling career that can make a difference is at the heart of our careers programme.

Through a planned programme of activities, Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) and Work-related Learning (WRL), Pilton Community College will help all students take their place as suitably qualified and responsible adults within society. The focus is upon career and option choices, raising the aspirations and achievement of individual students and equipping them with skills, attitudes, knowledge and understanding as a foundation for managing their lifelong career and learning. 

These activities and events are unbiased, impartial and based on the individual needs of each student. We provide a varied programme that meets individuals’ needs working in partnership with our Federation Careers Advisor, parents, carers and teachers and external employers and training providers.

Pilton Community College's Work Experience week for Year 10 students, is Monday 28 June to Friday 2 July 2027.

Our new Career's Coordinator is Mr P Leonard.

This page is updated regularly with forthcoming college and careers news and events.  See the downloads column for more information.

Pilton careers poster sept 2026

Please note: As of Sept 2026, North Devon College have updated their entry requirements for access to any of their courses. The new requirements are as follows: -

  • Level 1 - 4 GCSEs at Grade 2 or equivalent*
  • Level 2 - 4 GCSEs at Grade 3 or equivalent*
  • Level 3 - 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or equivalent*
  • T Levels - 6 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above
  • A Levels - 8 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above

*which MUST include Maths and English

For more information, please visit the Entry Requirements page of their website.

Apprenticeship Opportunities

Pilton Community College Careers Programme

This document is currently being updated.

Gatsby Benchmarks

At Pilton Community College, we are committed to helping every young person make informed decisions about their future education, training, and career pathways. To support this, our careers programme is built around the Gatsby Benchmarks, a nationally recognised framework for excellent careers education and guidance in schools and colleges across England. 

The Gatsby Benchmarks were developed following extensive research into what makes careers guidance most effective. They are recommended by the Government and are used by schools, colleges, and training providers to ensure that young people receive high-quality careers education and support. 

The Eight Gatsby Benchmarks

1. A Stable Careers Programme

Students benefit from a structured careers programme that is planned, regularly reviewed, and communicated clearly to students, parents, carers, staff, and employers. This ensures careers education is a consistent part of school life. 

2. Learning from Career and Labour Market Information

Students are provided with up-to-date information about career opportunities, employment trends, and future skills needs. This helps them understand the opportunities available locally and nationally and make informed choices about their future. 

3. Addressing the Needs of Each Student

Every student is unique. Careers guidance is tailored to individual interests, strengths, aspirations, and support needs, ensuring that all young people can access opportunities that suit them. Equality, diversity, and inclusion are central to this approach. 

4. Linking Curriculum Learning to Careers

Students are helped to understand how the subjects they study relate to future career pathways. Teachers highlight real-world applications of learning, helping students see the relevance of their education beyond the classroom. 

5. Encounters with Employers and Employees

Meeting employers and employees allows students to learn about different industries, workplace expectations, and career journeys. These experiences help young people raise their aspirations and develop a better understanding of the world of work. 

6. Experiences of Workplaces

Through workplace visits, work experience, and related activities, students gain valuable insight into professional environments. These opportunities help develop confidence, employability skills, and a greater understanding of workplace culture. 

7. Encounters with Further and Higher Education

Students have opportunities to learn about the full range of post-16 and post-18 options, including sixth forms, colleges, apprenticeships, technical education, universities, and training providers. This helps them make informed decisions about their next steps. 

8. Personal Guidance

Students receive impartial careers guidance from qualified careers advisers. These one-to-one discussions support young people in making important decisions about education, training, and career pathways that match their individual goals and aspirations. 

How Parents and Carers Can Help

Parents and carers play a vital role in supporting young people's career development. Talking about interests, strengths, ambitions, and future opportunities can help students build confidence and make informed choices. We encourage families to engage with careers events, information evenings, and resources shared by the school throughout the year.

Our Commitment

By working towards and maintaining the Gatsby Benchmarks, we aim to ensure that every student receives high-quality careers education, develops the skills needed for future success, and feels confident in making choices about their next steps. Our goal is to help every young person achieve their potential and prepare for a positive and fulfilling future

Gatsby Benchmarks Explained

Colleges and Sixth Forms

Year 10 Work Experience

Pilton Community College's Work Experience week for Year 10 students, is Monday 28 June to Friday 2 July 2027.

All students will be expected to find a work placement for this week.

Careers South West (CSW) will be supplying the crucial Health and Safety checks for the work placements and a charge of approximately £32 per student is needed to cover this cost, payable via Parentpay. Students for whom the cost is a barrier can apply to our Work Experience bursary fund for assistance.

Click on the links below for important information and paperwork for Work Experence.