The Gatsby Careers Benchmarks define world-class career guidance and were developed on behalf of Gatsby by Sir John Holman as part of an international study. The Gatsby Benchmarks are a framework of 8 guidelines about what makes the best careers provision in schools and colleges.
| Benchmark | Description of benchmark | Examples of how we meet the benchmark |
| Benchmark 1 Stable careers programme | A programme of Careers education and guidance that is known by pupils, teachers, governors and employers | Programme approved by Governors and Senior Leadership Team Information on website Programme monitored and resourced Inspire document summary Careers Development Plan |
| Benchmark 2 Learning from career and labour market information | Pupils and parents have access to up to date career and labour market information | Student access to Help You Choose Careers Fair Guidance interviews |
| Benchmark 3 Addressing the needs of each student | Programme that is tailored to meet student needs; raises aspirations and challenges stereotypes. Good records of students and their destinations | STEM work, speakers; work during Futures week. Destinations data, close work with Local Authority, maintaining contact with Year 11 after they have left. Bespoke support for some students. |
| Benchmark 4 Linking curriculum learning to Careers | Careers and enterprise education part of student lessons, linking curriculum to real world of work | Futures week for Year 10 students, author visits and theatre visits- English. |
| Benchmark 5 Encounters with employers | All students should have encounters with employers and employees | Year 10 work shadowing Employer workshops Careers Fair Speakers at assemblies and awards- ex-Flegg students used |
| Benchmark 6 Experiences of workplaces | Students experience the workplace environment | Year 8 ambassadors- all Year 8’s do a job in school for a day Year 10work shadowing- all Year 100’s have the opportunity to do 2 days of work shadowing |
| Benchmark 7 Encounters with further and higher education | Students have encounters with colleges, Universities and training providers. Students learn about Apprenticeships | Year 10 taster day at Sixth Form college Year 11 college visits (2) Visits to Universities Brilliant Club |
| Benchmark 8 Personal Guidance | Every student has opportunity for guidance interview with qualified guidance advisor | Every Year 11 has at least one guidance interview Targeted guidance support for other students |