Updated Gatsby Benchmarks to Improve Careers Guidance for Young People in England

Strategic Insights -

The Gatsby Benchmarks, a framework used by secondary schools, colleges, and independent training providers, have been updated following nearly two years of research and stakeholder engagement. The University of Derby's International Centre for Guidance Studies (iCeGS) was the lead academic research partner in the benchmark review and played a key role in updating statutory guidance from the Department for Education. The refreshed benchmarks aim to provide a structured approach for institutions to measure and improve their careers provision, raising aspirations and increasing engagement with education.

Key Takeaways:

  • The updated Gatsby Benchmarks include a strengthened benchmark to support schools in planning and delivering a work experience program, with headteachers, principals, and governing bodies encouraged to champion careers guidance.
  • For the first time, the Department of Education's guidance extends to independent training providers (ITPs) with learners aged up to 18 years old or up to 25 for those with an education, health, and care plan.
  • The policy updates reflect changes in the needs of young people today, taking into account technological revolution, innovation in schools and colleges, shifts in the labor market, and changes in career choices available.
  • The refreshed framework retains the eight original benchmarks but introduces practical refinements based on new evidence, consultation, and feedback from those working on the ground.
  • Professor Siobhan Neary, Head of iCeGS, emphasized the importance of high-quality careers provision, linking it to improved school standards, attendance, health, and wellbeing, and ensuring access to a broad curriculum with wider enrichment opportunities.

Statistics:

  • 10 years of internationally recognized framework for the Gatsby Benchmarks
  • 2 years of research and stakeholder engagement for the updated benchmarks
  • 2025: The updated statutory guidance from the Department for Education will come into effect
  • 8 original benchmarks remaining unchanged in the refreshed framework, with practical refinements based on new evidence and stakeholder feedback
  • The University of Derby's International Centre for Guidance Studies (iCeGS) has been the lead academic research partner in the benchmark review and updates to statutory guidance

Sources:

  • University of Derby, International Centre for Guidance Studies (iCeGS)
  • Gatsby Charitable Foundation
  • Department for Education
  • The Careers & Enterprise Company (CEC)
  • National Careers Service