The Gatsby Benchmarks are a framework of 8 guidelines that define the best careers provision in secondary schools and colleges. The eight benchmarks are a framework for good career guidance developed to support schools/colleges in providing students with the best possible careers education, information, advice, and guidance. They were established as part of Sir John Holman’s research into what pragmatic actions could improve career guidance in the UK and lay out what a world-class career guidance system should looks like.
The Gatsby Benchmarks are a key part of the Government’s Careers Strategy, launched in December 2017. Whilst not a statutory framework, adopting Gatsby Benchmarks reassures schools and colleges that they are fulfilling their duties to ensure that all pupils and students are equipped with good quality independent careers guidance to make informed decisions about their future. The DFE expects that schools should meet them by the end of 2020.
The research highlighted 8 benchmarks of best practice that schools/colleges can use as a framework for improving their careers provision, which are now more commonly known as ‘The Gatsby Benchmarks’ of Good Career Guidance. They are:
- A stable careers programme
- Learning from career and labour market information
- Addressing the needs of each pupil
- Linking curriculum learning to careers
- Encounters with employers and employees
- Experiences of workplaces
- Encounters with further and higher education
- Personal guidance
This Careers and Employability Handbook uses the Gatsby Benchmarks’ guidelines in providing careers advisors, students and parents with a wealth of information about relevant education and careers options. It is aimed at supporting secondary and sixth form college students to explore the various educational and career options and to make informed decisions about their future and ultimately to make them more employable and enjoy a thriving and successful career.
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