Quarrydale helps and prepares all Quarrydale pupils to make the next step about their future.
In Quarrydale we have:
• Mock Interviews
• Enterprise/Team Building Days
• University and HE college talks and visits
• Visits from local businesses
• Tutor time activities
• Work Experience for Year 12s
• Up to date Careers Information Library
WE DO NOT DO WORK EXPERIENCE IN YEAR 10 SCHOOL TIME. If your child wants to do work experience it has to be in the school holidays, arranged by themselves and parents have to take full responsibility.
At Quarrydale Academy, we are committed to helping every student achieve their goals and prepare successfully for their future. We provide our students with a range of opportunities, experiences and guidance to help them explore their interests, develop their skills and make informed decisions about their education and career pathways.
We work closely with a range of organisations, businesses and partners to ensure our students benefit from meaningful careers education, advice and experiences.
Careers Governor
Our School Governor with responsibility for Careers is Deborah Wilson.
Email: dwilson@quarrydale.notts.sch.uk
D2N2
We work within the D2N2 Careers framework, developing strong links with local businesses and employers to provide students with opportunities to learn more about the world of work. Our Business Advisor is Peter Roberts, Managing Director of Collis Engineering.
Nottinghamshire County Council
We work in partnership with Nottinghamshire County Council through the Careers Local Funding programme, supporting our commitment to providing high-quality careers education and opportunities for our students.
Ashfield District Council
Through the Success in Schools Programme, we work with Ashfield District Council to provide students with opportunities to develop their understanding of the workplace and the skills needed for future success.
DANCOP
We also work with DANCOP (Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Collaborative Outreach Programme) to support students in exploring their options beyond school and raising aspirations for further and higher education.
We greatly value the support of local employers and careers organisations in helping us prepare our students for their future pathways. Working with businesses gives our students valuable opportunities to learn about different industries, careers and workplaces, while developing the knowledge, skills and confidence they need for the future.
Are you an employer or careers organisation who would like to support Quarrydale Academy?
If you would like to work with us to help prepare our students for their future career pathways, we would love to hear from you.
Kim Dellar – Careers Leader
Quarrydale Academy
Tel: 01623 554178 (Extension 257)
T Levels are an exciting two-year Level 3 qualification for students aged 16-19, designed in partnership with employers to prepare young people for skilled careers. They combine classroom learning with extensive workplace experience, giving students the knowledge, practical skills and confidence needed to progress into employment, apprenticeships or higher education.
A T Level is equivalent in size to three A Levels and is recognised by universities and employers across the UK. Students spend around 80% of their time in college and 20% on an industry placement, completing a minimum of 45 days (315 hours) with an employer. (West Notts College)
A T Level allows you to:
A Distinction* grade carries the same UCAS Tariff Points as three A grades at A Level*, making T Levels an excellent route into higher education as well as employment. (Nottingham College)
T Levels are ideal if you:
If you are still undecided about your future career or wish to keep your options as broad as possible, A Levels may be a more suitable pathway.
T Levels are available across a growing range of industry sectors, including:
Students at Quarrydale have access to a number of excellent local colleges offering T Levels.
West Notts College – Derby Road Campus Web Address: Derby Rd, Mansfield, NG18 5BH, United Kingdom Phone: +448081003626
West Nottinghamshire College is one of the leading providers of T Levels in our area and offers an excellent range of programmes including:
Students benefit from modern facilities, experienced industry tutors and strong employer partnerships, helping them secure meaningful industry placements and excellent progression opportunities. (West Notts College)
Nottingham College City Hub Web Address: 111 Canal St, Nottingham, NG1 7HB, United Kingdom Phone: +441159100100
Nottingham College offers one of the widest selections of T Levels in the East Midlands, including:
Students also benefit from industry-standard facilities and extensive employer links across Nottinghamshire. (Nottingham College)
North Notts College Web Address: 215 Carlton Rd, Worksop, S81 7HP, United Kingdom Phone: +441909504500
North Notts College also offers a growing range of technical qualifications and selected T Levels for students looking to study in the north of the county.
Our Careers Team will help you:
Every student at Quarrydale has access to impartial careers guidance to ensure they make an informed and confident post-16 decision.
To explore T Levels in more detail, visit:
We also recommend attending college open evenings during Year 10 and Year 11 to speak to tutors, explore facilities and find out whether a T Level is the right pathway for you.
We’re thrilled to share The Parents’ Guide to National Careers Week, created in partnership with National Careers Week: a free guide outlining vocational options after GCSE and sixth form.
#NCW2026 gives parents a chance to learn more about different careers paths their teens can take. Share this guide so they can find out what’s available, what will suit their teen best, and where each option could lead. Parents’ Guide to Careers – NCW2026