Gatsby Benchmark

The Gatsby Career Benchmark is a framework of eight guidelines about what makes the best careers provision in secondary schools and colleges, including special schools.

Please click here to see how Walton Leigh meets these requirements and has made them meaningful, practical and supportive for our students as they plan for their future.   

The Baker Clause

The Baker Clause which was introduced as an amendment to the Technical and Further Education Act 2017,  stipulates that schools must allow colleges and training providers access to every student in years 8- 13 to discuss non-academic routes that are available to them. 

Walton Leigh is a school for pupils aged 11-19 with severe and complex needs including autism.  As such we offer a broad and balanced curriculum but one which is flexed and adapted to meet the very individual needs of our cohort.  As part of our WRL curriculum we identify and arrange appropriate work experience in school and/or offsite and college links when this supports and promotes the learning and experiences of pupils. Students are given the opportunity to take part in a Duke of Edinburgh program, which includes volunteering opportunities.  

At key transition times we also promote opportunities for students to make contact with possible non-academic providers and the Annual Review process provides opportunities to discuss potential future destinations. As part of the transition process for all pupils at Year 9 Annual review and when moving into Key Stage 5 and post-19 we work closely with Local Authority Transition teams and local providers to identify next steps in students' education and life. A large number of our upper School, (Year 13-14 in general) students have access to college courses at Brooklands College and Merrist Wood College.

Any provider wishing to request access should contact Daniela Descamps, Telephone: 01932 223243 Email: ddescamps@walton-leigh.surrey.sch.uk.