A CITY secondary school academy is the first in York to collect a prestigious award.

Millthorpe School has been awarded the National Quality in Careers Award for its work on careers education – which is a first for York.

Assessors said there was clear evidence of continuous improvement of Millthorpe’s careers education, information and guidance (CEIAG), delivered across all age ranges of its pupils.

There was also praise for the “excellent systems” in place to support vulnerable students.

Tim Gillbanks, deputy head teacher in charge of CEIAG at the school, said: “We are delighted with the award and for the very positive comments in the assessor’s report.

“We have an excellent team working tirelessly for our students and their progress and welfare.”

Millthorpe’s award winning programme for career and personal development, including work related learning, includes a careers week, a two-week work experience placements for Year 10 students and a “preparation for employment day” with activities to boost employability skills.

External providers are a further strength of the programme with input from a variety of employers including the North Yorkshire Business and Education Partnership (NYBEP).

Science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) activity is strong across the school including a robotics club, science club, visits to Science Live, careers “speed dating” with STEM ambassadors, Science Week with talks in assemblies, talks from University students and visits from engineering firms.

Millthorpe also has an “Apprentice Champion” promoting apprenticeship information.

Mr Gillbanks said: “As a secondary school for 11-16-year-olds, without a sixth form, we are well-placed to give truly impartial advice and guidance to our students.

“There are so many post-16 options these days. It’s important young people are aware of what’s out there for them.”

Mr Gillbanks said that Millthorpe - which is an academy in the Southbank Multi-Academy Trust - is currently the only school in York to hold the National Quality in Careers Award.

He said: “On behalf of our students I’d particularly like to thank Ivan Noble and Mandy Sowter and the subject leaders at Millthorpe and NYBEP for their sterling work in helping us achieve this prestigious award.”

To gain the national standard schools must provide sufficient current evidence to demonstrate that you meet all the CEIAG criteria.