Teachers’ knowledge and experiences of Information Advice and Guidance: some implications for the current policy context in England

Abstract

Good information and career guidance about which post-compulsory educational routes are available and where these routes lead is important for ensuring that young people make choices that are most appropriate to their needs and aspirations. Yet the Association of School and College Leaders (2011) expresses fears that future provision will be inadequate. This paper reports the findings of an on-line survey of 300 secondary school teachers, and follow-up telephone interviews with 18 of such teachers in the south-east of England which explored teachers’ experiences of delivering post-compulsory educational and career guidance and their knowledge and confidence in doing so. The results suggest that teachers lack confidence in delivering information, advice and guidance outside their own area of specialism and experience. In particular, teachers knew little about alternative local provision of post-16 education and lacked knowledge of less traditional vocational routes. This paper will therefore raise important policy considerations with respect to supporting teachers’ knowledge, ability and confidence in delivering information concerning future pathways and career guidance.