Job Description
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CIAG Lead (Careers Information, Advice and Guidance)
Castledon School - Wickford, Essex
Start Date: September 2026
Contract: part time, permanent
Hours: 28 per week, over 4 days (8.30am to 4pm Monday to Thursday) - Term Time plus 1 week (39 working weeks - extra week to be agreed with SLT)
Salary: NJC Scale 7 (points 19-24) Actual starting salary £21,273 (FTE £32,790)
Unlocking Potential - Supporting Young People Towards Meaningful Futures
At Castledon School, Unlocking Potential is more than a motto; it underpins everything we do. We are a growing specialist provision for pupils aged 5-19 with moderate and complex learning needs, including autism and communication differences.
We believe education should prepare young people not just for exams, but for life, independence and meaningful futures. As part of our continued development, we are strengthening our careers and Preparation for Adulthood offer to ensure every student develops the skills, confidence and experiences needed for adulthood.
This is an exciting opportunity to join us as CIAG Lead, shaping and coordinating a careers programme that helps students explore pathways into employment, training, further education and community life.
Why Join Us?
● Small class sizes- typically 10-12 pupils per class
● Modern facilities- including specialist classrooms and therapy spaces
● Competitive package- Fringe Area Pay
● Dedicated CPD- focused on SEND pedagogy and inclusive practice
● Strong team culture- collaborative, values-led, and wellbeing-focused
● Career development- opportunities to grow within a progressive school
About the Role
As CIAG Lead, you will coordinate and develop our careers programme across KS1-KS5, ensuring students have access to meaningful careers guidance, workplace experiences and employer encounters.
You will:
● Lead and monitor the Gatsby Benchmarks
● Coordinate careers guidance and destination pathways
● Organise work experience placements and employer encounters
● Develop partnerships with employers, colleges and training providers
● Coordinate careers fairs, workplace visits and community opportunities
● Track careers participation and destinations
● Work closely with the Employability Lead to align careers provision with the curriculum
This role combines strategic coordination, partnership building and student support, helping young people understand and prepare for life beyond school.
We're Looking For Someone Who:
● Has relevant careers/CIAG experience
● Is passionate about supporting young people with SEND into adulthood
● Has excellent organisational and communication skills
● Builds strong relationships with employers, families and external agencies
● Understands Gatsby Benchmarks and Preparation for Adulthood outcomes
● Works collaboratively within a supportive, values-led team
Interested?
If you believe in Unlocking Potential and want to play a key role in shaping meaningful futures for young people, we would love to hear from you. Have questions or want to explore further before applying?
We offer a 30-minute virtual conversation with the Headteacher. Visits to the school are also encouraged.
Please contact: jwinsor@castledon.org
Closing date:Sunday 31st May - midnight
Interviews: Monday 8th June
Apply now and join a community where your work truly matters.
Information about the School
Castledon School is a community specialist school for pupils with moderate to severe learning difficulties and complex needs from Year 1 to 14.