The Gatsby Benchmarks are a framework of 8 guidelines about what makes the best careers provision in schools and colleges. The school’s Careers Strategy is founded on these. As well providing a framework for a holistic careers programme across Years 7-13, these guidelines are also embedded within curriculum and extra-curricular activities.
Research tells us that careers education is fundamental to school improvement – pupils are motivated when they know what they want to achieve in their lives and how to go about it.
The publication of Careers Guidance and Access for Education & Training Providers in January 2018 clearly states:
“A successful careers guidance programme will also be reflected in higher numbers of pupils progressing to positive destinations such as apprenticeships, technical routes, sixth form colleges, FE colleges, university or employment.” Page 5
The 8 Gatsby Benchmarks are:
| Benchmark | Description |
| 1. A stable careers programme | At Rainford, we are proud of our embedded programme of careers education and guidance that is known and understood by students, parents and carers, staff, governors, employers and other agencies. |
| 2. Learning from labour market information | All of our students, parents and carers, teachers and staff who support students regularly have access to good-quality, up-to-date information about future pathways, study options and labour market opportunities through our weekly Careers Newsletter. All of our students have the opportunity to attend weekly drop in sessions with our Careers Adviser – Mrs Suzanne McMahon, to make the best use of available information. |
| 3. Addressing the needs of each pupil | Our students have different careers guidance needs at different stages. Our careers programme is designed to help pupils navigate their concerns about any barriers to career progression. In addition, opportunities are tailored to the needs of each student, including any additional needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged students, young people with SEND and those who are absent. |
| 4. Linking curriculum learning to careers | As part of the school’s programme of careers education, all teachers link curriculum learning with careers. Subject teachers regularly highlight the progression routes for their subject and the relevance of the knowledge and skills developed in their subject for a wide range of career pathways. |
| 5. Encounters with employers and employees | Every student at Rainford has multiple opportunities to learn from employers about work, employment and the skills that are valued in the workplace. This is through a range of enrichment opportunities including visiting speakers, mentoring and enterprise schemes, and could include students’ own part-time employment where it exists. |
| 6. Experiences of workplaces | Every student should have first-hand experiences of workplaces to help their exploration of career opportunities and expand their networks. |
| 7. Encounters with further and higher education | Our students clearly understand the full range of learning opportunities that are available to them, including academic, technical and vocational routes. This incorporates learning in schools, colleges, independent training providers (ITPs), universities and in the workplace. |
| 8. Personal guidance | All of our students have been given the opportunity of a guidance meetings with our trained careers advisor – Mrs Suzanne McMahon. These meetings are available for all pupils whenever significant study or career choices are being made such as Y9, Y11 and Y12/13. At Rainford, we work hard to ensure personal guidance is effective and it is clearly embedded in the careers programme. |