Secondary school pupils in Malmesbury making life defining decisions on which subjects to take and future potential jobs are receiving award-winning careers information, support and guidance.

Malmesbury School is the first in the county to achieve the government's new Career Mark, a quality award which recognises the school will provide the highest standards of careers advice to its pupils. The school went through 18 months of rigorous assessment, supported by Wiltshire Council, to achieve the award.

It recognises the information, guidance and support on offer in the curriculum through extra curricular activities, and through the work and opportunities departments offer students.

Now a further 15 secondary schools in Wiltshire are working towards the new award.

From September all schools will have a legal duty to secure independent and impartial careers advice and guidance for their pupils.

Tim Gilson, head at Malmesbury School which has appointed a dedicated careers officer, said: "We are delighted to be the first school in Wiltshire to achieve this award.

"It underlines our commitment to making sure pupils are aware of how decisions made now can affect their career choices in the future.

"Parents and students told us this was an area they were concerned about and I am very pleased we have been able to ensure our students receive the very best advice and guidance. We are grateful to Wiltshire Council for providing help and support in achieving this goal."

The report from the government’s assessor states: "Having put in place an improved infrastructure the school has taken considerable steps to raise the profile of careers education, to students and parents, and has made good use of outside organisations to add vitality to the programme. "It is also apparent that the school has taken steps to incorporate aspects of the careers curriculum into other curriculum areas, making careers a whole school commitment.

"All students spoken to were polite, articulate and enthusiastic. They demonstrated the outcomes of a good career education and guidance programme and were well informed decision makers.

"As a result of these changes the school is now ‘master of its own destiny’ and can feel confident that it is providing a solid foundation for its students to be successful in adult life."

Lionel Grundy, cabinet member for children's services said: "Congratulations to Malmesbury who have worked extremely hard to achieve this. Schools are about to take on the statutory responsibility for providing careers advice and guidance so this is a good time for all secondary schools to consider how they can best provide that support."

Wiltshire Council provided support and training as the school went through the assessment process.