Awards categories

There are three award categories, reflecting key aspects of careers education in England. They recognise people and programmes supporting young people in primary, secondary and special schools, Pupil Referral Units, colleges, sixth forms and training providers:

Careers leadership

This award recognises an institution that demonstrates a strategic and sustainable approach to leadership of careers. It celebrates institutions that have a clear vision for careers aligned with the institution’s priorities, with careers provision that results in meaningful, measurable improvements in outcomes for all young people.

Careers education programme

This award recognises schools and colleges that deliver high-impact careers provision for learners, and in particular those who face the greatest barriers. Nominations are encouraged from institutions whose careers provision showcases high-quality design, delivery, inclusion, partnership and measurable outcomes for young people.

Experiences of the workplace 

This award recognises institutions that deliver high-quality work-related learning and experiences of the workplace. It celebrates programmes that recognise the need to begin early, with a coherent pathway that gradually deepens learners’ understanding of the world of work. Nominations should show how high-quality and innovative work experience provision can prepare every young person for their future.

Submit your awards entry 

You may submit only one entry for the Career Education Awards each year. If you enter multiple categories, the judges reserve the right to choose which category your entries best relate to and will only consider the entry for that category. (You may still enter the UKCDAs as these are separate awards).