Benchmark 7: encounters with further and higher education

Benchmark 7 states that: all students should understand the full range of learning opportunities that are available to them. This includes both technical and academic routes and learning in schools, colleges, universities and in the workplace.

• By the age of 16, every student should have had a meaningful encounter (a ‘meaningful encounter’ is one in which the student has an opportunity to explore what it is like to learn in that environment) with providers of the full range of educational opportunities, including sixth forms, colleges, universities and apprenticeship providers.
• By the age of 18, all students who are considering applying for university should have had at least two visits to universities to meet staff and students.
• By the age of 18, or before the end of their programme of study, every student should have had a meaningful encounter with a range of providers of learning and training that may form the next stage of their career. This should include, as appropriate, further education colleges, higher education and apprenticeship and training providers. 

The Society is able to support Gatsby Benchmark 7 in the following ways: