Benchmark 1: A Stable Careers Plan

Benchmark 1

A Stable Careers Programme

Every School & College should have an embedded careers programme that contains operational and strategic elements to ensure that students are given the opportunity to develop their careers education.

Key points from the Gatsby 10 Year Review

  • STABILITY IS IMPORTANT FOR PROGRESS - Stability is achieved through a careers programme that is structured: that is designed to meet the needs of young people, has clearly defined staff roles and responsibilities, and regular evaluation to ensure continued effectiveness. The careers programme should align with the institution’s vision, priorities and development plans.
  • STRUCTURING THE CAREERS PROGRAMME -   The careers programme should be sequenced appropriately, underpinned by learning outcomes and linked to a whole-school development plan.
  • THE ROLE OF THE CAREERS LEADER IS CRUCIAL -  Careers leaders are responsible for developing and directing a careers programme, bringing together the component parts into a coherent whole, but they cannot deliver it alone

    TRAINED CAREERS LEADERS HAVE EVEN GREATER IMPACT - The training has helped them become more effective in their role and achieve more benchmarks in their institutions.40 Training will be an important part of the ongoing development and sustained effectiveness of this crucial role.


  • THE ROLE OF LEADERSHIP  -  Leaders have a crucial role to play. They set the direction and the values of their institution and they implement leadership structures that are effective for their setting. Leaders achieve quality careers guidance by thinking strategically about careers and using the benchmarks to review and develop their careers programme

    TAILORED AND EVIDENCE-BASED CAREERS PROGRAMMES - Activities should be purposeful, focused and tailored to the needs of young people. The focus should be on impact, informed by evidence.

    ENGAGING PARENTS AND CARERS - Although a considerable amount of information is shared with parents and carers, they are not always supported to make best use of it or to get involved in the opportunities offered. Parent and carer engagement goes beyond just sharing information or encouraging them to attend individual events. It equips parents and carers to have informed careers conversations and ensures they can better support their child’s career decisions.

    A WHOLE-STAFF ENDEAVOUR - Young people talk about careers to many different people, therefore all staff who support young people, not just teachers or subject staff, should know about the careers programme and how to signpost to further information and support.
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Key Resources

Careers Strategy Torquay Girls' Grammar School
Southmoor Website
Career Development Framework Handbook
Matrix Academy Trust website

For more information contact the Careers Hub team

[email protected]