Provider Access

Provider Access Policy (Baker Clause)

The National Academy

This page outlines how The National Academy meets its statutory duty under the Baker Clause (Section 42B of the Education Act 1997) to ensure that students have access to a wide range of education and training providers. This includes further education colleges, sixth forms, apprenticeship providers, and technical education providers.

Statutory Duty

All maintained schools and academies must ensure that there is an opportunity for education and training providers to access students in Years 7–13 for the purpose of informing them about approved technical education qualifications and apprenticeships. This supports students to make informed decisions about their next steps.

This policy is aligned with the Department for Education’s statutory guidance on Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG).

How Education and Training Providers Can Request Access

Any provider wishing to request access to students at The National Academy should contact the school’s Careers Leader using the details below. Requests should include:

- The name of the organisation
- The type of provision being offered (e.g. apprenticeships, FE courses, T Levels)
- The year group(s) the provider wishes to engage with
- The preferred format (assembly, careers fair, workshop, small group session)
- Proposed dates and times

All requests will be considered in line with the school’s careers programme, safeguarding procedures, and the needs of students.

How Students Are Informed About Technical Education and Apprenticeships

The National Academy ensures that all students receive impartial and up-to-date information about technical education and apprenticeship pathways through:

- Careers lessons and tutor time activities
- Assemblies and employer or provider talks
- Careers fairs and external provider events
- Use of online careers platforms such as Unifrog
- One-to-one careers guidance where appropriate

These opportunities ensure that students understand the full range of post-16 and post-18 options available to them, including apprenticeships and technical qualifications.