We’re proud to be awarded Gold for inspiring pupils about their futures
Co-op Academy Portland has been awarded the Gold Award in the Primary Futures Recognition Scheme, recognising the school’s inspiring work to help pupils dream big, explore future careers.
Co-op Academy Portland has been awarded Gold in the Primary Futures Recognition Scheme. It is a national award that celebrates schools helping children to learn about the world of work.
The award, run by Inspiring the Future, recognises schools that bring learning to life by connecting pupils with real role models from a wide range of jobs and backgrounds. Achieving Gold is the highest level. Meaning career-related learning is embedded throughout the curriculum and celebrated across the school community.
It’s a moment of pride not just for the school, but for the families and local community who support its pupils every day.
Debbie Randles, Headteacher at Co-op Academy Portland said:
“We’re so proud to have achieved the Gold Award. Over the past two years, #TeamPortland have worked hard to help our children see the link between what they learn in class and the many possibilities ahead of them.
We’ve used our own alumni to inspire pupils – former students who’ve gone on to become a filmmaker, computer programmer, nurse, teacher and engineer. We’ve also welcomed an inspiring female scientist who worked on the Covid vaccination programme, a nurse, a nuclear engineer, a trade unionist and a local gym owner.
We asked our children about their interests and found people who could inspire them in those fields. Every encounter was designed to open their eyes to new possibilities – even careers they may never have thought about. Our aim is to help every child be ambitious for a successful future, with the life skills and opportunities to achieve it.”
Primary Futures praised the academy for its creativity and commitment to showing pupils how their learning connects to life beyond school. Through themed lessons, visitors and special events, pupils have explored different jobs and the skills that make people successful in their roles.
“Portland’s work is a brilliant example of what happens when you make careers education part of everyday learning. The Gold Award shows how powerful it can be to start these conversations early and inspire pupils to believe in themselves.”
The school’s Gold certificate will soon take pride of place in reception – a reminder of the bright futures Portland pupils are already imagining.