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 updated Gatsby Benchmarks – September 2025
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. These updates have been implemented for schools, colleges and ITP’s from September 2025.
The updated benchmark framework is underpinned by five main themes:
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.
Benchmarks
Benchmark 1
A stable careers programme
Benchmark 2
Learning from career and labour market information
Benchmark 3
Addressing the needs of each student
Benchmark 4
Linking curriculum learning to careers
Benchmark 5
Encounters with Employers
Benchmark 6
Experiences of Workplaces
Benchmark 7
Encounters with further and higher education
Benchmark 8
Personal Guidance
For more information about all Gatsby Benchmarks visit:
Schools, Special Schools and AP’s – Gatsby Benchmark Toolkit
Colleges and ITP’s – Gatsby Benchmark Toolkit
For information on statutory guidance visit:
CEC guide for school and college leaders
Careers guidance and access for education and training providers – GOV.UK
Participation of young people: education, employment and training
Ofsted School Inspection Handbook
Careers strategy: making the most of everyone’s skills and talents
Skills for jobs: lifelong learning for opportunity and growth