Benchmark 7

All pupils should understand the full range of learning opportunities that are available to them, including academic, technical and vocational routes. This should incorporate learning in schools, colleges, independent training providers (ITPs), universities and in the workplace.

• By the age of 16, every pupil should have had meaningful encounters with providers of the full range of learning opportunities, including sixth forms, colleges, universities and ITPs.
• By the age of 18, all pupils who are considering applying to higher education should have had at least two visits to higher education providers to meet staff and learners.

Definition of ‘meaningful’

A meaningful encounter gives the young person the opportunity to explore what it is like to learn, develop and succeed in that environment. This should include the opportunity to meet both staff and learners/trainees. A meaningful encounter will:

• have a clear purpose, which is shared with the provider and the young person
• be underpinned by learning outcomes that are appropriate to the needs of the young person
• involve a two-way interaction between the young person and the provider
• include information about the provider, such as their recruitment and selection processes, the qualifications that provider offers and the careers these could lead to
• describe what learning or training with the provider is like
• be followed by opportunities for the young person to reflect on the insights, knowledge or skills gained through the encounter

Why is Benchmark 7 important?

• Exposure to higher education, further education, and apprenticeships raises young people’s aspirations and helps them make better choices. Currently, more young people engage with higher education than further education or apprenticeships.
• The UK’s future relies on all young people finding the right path and fulfilling their potential. However, only 1 in 4 pupils from low-income families attend university, compared to nearly double that for others. If disadvantaged bright students had equal support, 40% would attend top universities instead of just 10%.
• Students eligible for free school meals (FSM) are underrepresented in academic pathways (16.7%) compared to vocational routes (28%). Improved career guidance in schools correlates with higher sustained engagement in education, employment, or training (EET), with 1,400 more students engaged during 2018/19 thanks to better guidance.

Provider Access Legislation

The provider access legislation is guidance that came into force from January 2023, which builds on Benchmark 7 and adds new specific requirements for schools. 

It specifies schools must provide at least six provider encounters for all their students, for the purpose of informing them about approved technical education qualifications or apprenticeships. Schools are required to publish a Provider Access Policy on their websites setting out when and how providers can access students through the year. It is important that all students, whatever their ability, understand the full range of options available to them so they can make an informed choice when making decisions at 16 and 18. This includes the full range of learning locations and qualifications on offer. Careers Leaders may need to help teaching staff and others across the school understand all the options available to students.

You can find out more about the guidance and support with promoting all pathways here, and on our dedicated PAL page here.