Access and partnership: How schools in England responded to changes in career guidance services in the first two decades of the 21st century

Abstract

Over the past 20 years career guidance services for young people in England have undergone two major changes: from privatised careers companies to Connexions, followed by the dismantling of the national service. This article examines how schools responded to these changes. It argues that, while schools have been given more responsibility for making sure pupils have access to career guidance, the range of provision has become wider, in terms of type of provider, level of support and quality. The article concludes with an analysis of the impact on the partnership between schools and providers of career guidance services, and poses questions about the lack of support for young people not in school.