The Summary of Updates resource sets out each of the eight updated benchmarks with the changes highlighted and an explanation of what’s new and what has stayed the same. It also summarises five prominent themes that emerged from the evidence that has underpinned the updates. The summary is available in two versions, one for schools and one for colleges and ITPs.
With implementation of the updated Gatsby Benchmarks in secondary schools and colleges set for September 2025, this latest publication aims to help practitioners plan ahead. It invites them to reflect on their careers programmes in light of the themes and the updates, and to consider how their programmes can best meet the needs of all young people in their care.
An updated version of the Gatsby Benchmarks was published in late 2024 as part of Gatsby’s report Good Career Guidance: The Next 10 Years. This followed two years of research and consultation, drawing on international evidence and listening to young people and the educators who have been putting the benchmarks into practice. The aim was to ensure the benchmarks captured the best evidence and practice so that they continue to represent world-class careers guidance for young people.
“The passion and energy of practitioners continues to be truly inspiring.” says Beth Jones, Head of Career Programmes at the Gatsby Foundation. “The enthusiastic response to the updated Gatsby Benchmarks is testament to how engaged and motivated they are to deliver the very best career guidance for their students.
“Our priority with the benchmarks review was to listen, making sure the benchmarks reflect the latest evidence on what best supports outcomes for young people, whilst recognising the need for stability, given the framework’s widespread adoption and impact in recent years.
“We are working hard to ensure everyone understands what remains the same, what has changed and, importantly, why these updates to the benchmarks have been made. We hope the new resource will help guide practitioners through this. Careers guidance in England has come a long way over the past decade. By taking time now to reflect on current practice and the ambitions of the updated benchmarks, schools, colleges and ITPs can build on this progress and achieve even more for young people.”
The updated benchmarks are being embedded into government policy and accompanying guidance for schools and colleges. Further guidance and support on implementing the updated framework will be available from the Careers & Enterprise Company.
Download the Summary of Updates for Schools
Download the Summary of Updates for Colleges and ITPs
The full Good Career Guidance: The Next Ten Years report is available here.