Gatsby Benchmarks

The Gatsby Benchmarks show us what good careers provision looks like.

They provide a clear framework for building the careers provision at your school or college. They are based on national and international research and define good practice. The Gatsby Benchmarks are at the heart of the governments Careers Strategy, with an expectation that all schools will work towards achieving the Benchmarks.

The world has evolved and so have the Gatsby Benchmarks

After almost two years of research and consultation, in November 2024 The Gatsby Foundation updated the eight Gatsby Benchmarks and released Good Careers Guidance The Next Ten Years. This sets out the updated benchmark framework and the underpinning evidence and showcases examples of good practice from their extensive programme of visits. Five main themes emerged from the evidence that informed the updates:

Careers at the heart of education and leadership – Careers guidance is both a whole-staff and a whole-institution endeavour. We have emphasised linking careers to the institution’s vision and strategic plans, acknowledged the importance of staff development and included distinct responsibilities for leadership, governors, careers leaders and advisers.
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 and any additional or different support that may be needed by vulnerable or disadvantaged young people or those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Meaningful and varied encounters and experiences – We have emphasised the focus on flexible delivery and the impact of encounters and experiences of education and work. We have expanded the definitions of ‘meaningful’ in Benchmarks 5 and 7 and added one to Benchmark 6. They specify the importance of offering a variety of encounters and experiences, of giving young people time to prepare and reflect and of using technology alongside, but not instead of, in-person activity.
Focusing on the use of information and data – We have ensured that all young people can explore all future pathways equitably. The focus is now on using information to inform decision-making. Data collection has been refocused to include aspirations and intended destinations, to help tailor support. Longer-term and sustained destinations data remain important as part of the evaluation process.
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.

Comparison of original and updated Benchmarks (Appendix 9, at bottom of the page)

Summary for Senior Leaders

Updated Benchmarks in detail

GATSBY Update FAQs