Preparing for the Future: The Updated Gatsby Benchmarks and Their Impact on Careers Education

The Clock is Ticking: Updated Gatsby Benchmarks Coming Soon

With just four months until the updated Gatsby Benchmarks take effect, careers leaders are under pressure to ensure no student misses out on future opportunities. This update marks a significant shift in careers education, extending statutory guidance to independent training providers (ITPs) for the first time.

Why This Matters

The Gatsby Benchmarks, established in 2014, have become the gold standard for careers provision. Over 90% of schools and colleges use these benchmarks to measure progress. Their goal is straightforward: to provide every student with impartial advice, meaningful employer encounters, and tailored support.

Success Stories

• Lancaster and Morecambe College: Integrated careers into the curriculum, focusing on environmentalism and sustainability, inspired by the Eden Project.
• Kaplan: Improved its Ofsted personal development rating from 'requires improvement' to 'outstanding' by embedding careers into the curriculum.

What’s New in the Updated Benchmarks?

The updated guidance retains the eight core benchmarks but introduces five key themes:

1. Leadership-driven careers culture: Senior leaders and governors co-own the careers strategy.
2. Greater inclusion for disadvantaged/SEND students: Targeted interventions and tailored pathways.
3. Richer employer encounters: Multiple meaningful workplace visits.
4. Smarter use of data: Tracking gaps for personalized programs.
5. Parental engagement: Involving parents and carers in planning.

Why Act Now?

Embedding these changes takes time. Institutions must:

• Establish governance structures.
• Upskill staff.
• Forge employer partnerships.

The Careers & Enterprise Company offers support through 44 regional careers hubs, providing tools and training.

High-quality careers provision transforms lives. For example, girls with a 100% career readiness score are twice as likely to pursue engineering. This isn’t just an added benefit—it’s a fundamental part of a future-facing education.