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Gatsby Benchmarks - The Next 10 Years


Over the last ten years, schools and colleges have used Gatbsy Benchmarks to analyse and support their careers programme within their setting. This has ensured that young people have access to a high quality, relevant careers education. The world has evolved; so have the Gatsby Benchmarks.

The research completed nationally highlighted five main themes which will drive the reforms:

  • Careers at the heart of education and leadership
    Links to the setting’s vision and strategic plan, alongside highlighting distinct responsibilities and staff development opportunities.
  • Inclusion and impact for each and every young person
    Woven through multiple benchmarks are updates that emphasise the importance of tailoring programmes to the needs of each young person. Particular attention is given to inclusion for vulnerable or disadvantaged young people or those with SEND.
  •  Meaningful and varied encounters and experiences
    There is an emphasis on flexible delivery and the impact of encounters and experiences of education and work.
  • Focusing on the use of information and data
    The focus here is to ensure that all young people can explore all future pathways equitably.
  • Engagement of parents and carers
    Parents and carers are one of the biggest influences on young people’s career decision-making. Updates embed parent and carer engagement into planning and specify the need to share information with parents and carers and support them to use it with their children.

The research that took place suggested overwhelmingly that stability was key, and that Careers Leaders valued the consistency.

With that in mind, all eight benchmarks will keep the same titles and the detail will build on the strong foundations in place. Schools and colleges will still have autonomy to deliver these benchmarks in the way most suited to their setting.

We have included below the full report, as well as summary documents for both school and college leaders respectively.