The Gatsby Benchmark
Gatsby Benchmarks
The Gatsby Benchmarks are a framework of 8 guidelines that define the best careers provision in secondary schools. At Cherry Tree Learning Centre we are committed to working towards achieving these benchmarks and providing our pupils with the best quality careers advice and guidance possible to empower them to make informed and aspirational choices about their futures.
The 8 benchmarks are:
- A stable careers programme
Every school and college should have an embedded programme of career education and guidance that is known and understood by pupils, parents, teachers and employers.
- Learning from career and labour market information
Every pupil, and their parents, should have access to good-quality information about future study options and labour market opportunities.
- Addressing the needs of each pupil
Pupils have different career guidance needs at different stages. Opportunities for advice and support need to be tailored to the needs of each pupil. A school’s careers programme should embed equality and diversity considerations throughout.
- Linking curriculum learning to careers
All teachers should link curriculum learning with careers. For example, STEM subject teachers should highlight the relevance of STEM subjects for a wide range of future career paths.
- Encounters with employers and employees
Every pupil should have multiple opportunities to learn from employers about work, employment and the skills that are valued in the workplace. This can be through a range of enrichment activities including visiting speakers, mentoring and enterprise schemes.
- Experiences of workplaces
Every pupil should have first-hand experiences of the workplace through work visits, work shadowing and/or work experience to help their exploration of career opportunities, and expand their networks.
- Encounters with further and higher education
All pupils should understand the full range of learning opportunities that are available to them. This includes both academic and vocational routes and learning in schools, colleges, universities and in the workplace.
- Personal guidance
Every pupil should have opportunities for guidance interviews with a careers adviser, provided they are trained to an appropriate level. These should be available whenever significant study or career choices are being made.
The information below shows the current progress Cherry Tree Learning Centre is making against each benchmark.