Gatsby benchmarks of good career guidance
The are a route to thorough and quality careers provision recommended by the Department for Education. They support schools in their careers provision by providing a framework around which they can develop their careers programme to meet the legal requirement to provide independent careers advice to pupils from years ages 11 to 18, including providing access to information about academic, technical and apprenticeship pathways.
The benchmarks are non-statutory but support schools and colleges by providing a framework around which they can develop their careers programme in line with their legal requirements to provide independent careers to pupils throughout their secondary education.DfE Careers guidance and access for education and training providers, January 2023.
There are eight benchmarks, each of which has a different focus to provide structure and cohesion to your careers support.
- Benchmark 1: A stable careers programme.
- Benchmark 2: Learning from career and labour market information.
- Benchmark 3: Addressing the needs of each pupil.
- Benchmark 4: Linking curriculum learning to careers.
- Benchmark 5: Encounters with employers and employees.
- Benchmark 6: Experiences of workplaces.
- Benchmark 7: Encounters with further and higher education.
- Benchmark 8: Personal guidance.
The Society's careers and progression work - our #ChooseGeography programme - provides a wealth of support linked directly to many of these benchmarks. Follow the links below to find out how the Society can assist with meeting the requirements of these benchmarks.
Benchmark 2: learning from career and labour market information
Every student should have access to good quality information about future study options and labour market opportunities.
Benchmark 3: addressing the needs of each pupil
Young people have different career guidance needs at different stages. Opportunities for advice and support need to be tailored to the needs of each pupil.
Benchmark 4: linking curriculum learning to careers
All subject staff should link curriculum with careers, even on courses that are not specifically occupation-led.
Benchmark 5: encounters with employers and employees
Every student should have multiple opportunities to learn from employers about work, employment and the skills that are valued in the workplace.
Benchmark 6: experiences of workplaces
Every student should have first-hand experiences of the workplace through work visits, work shadowing or work experience to help their exploration of career opportunities and expand their networks.
Benchmark 7: encounters with further and higher education
All students should understand the full range of learning opportunities and pathways that are available to them.