Universal careers support
Great careers education opens doors - and the Gatsby Benchmarks are at the heart of making this happen.
Developed through robust international research, these eight benchmarks set the standard for high-quality, world-class careers provision across schools, colleges and training providers.
Now embedded in national policy, they provide a clear, practical framework to ensure every young person can access meaningful, inclusive careers support.
1.
A stable careers programme
2.
Learning from career and labour market information
3.
Addressing the needs of each pupil
4.
Linking curriculum learning to careers
5.
Encounters with employers and employees
6.
Experiences of workplaces
7.
Encounters with further and higher education
8.
Personal guidance
Resources
Updated in 2025, the Gatsby Benchmarks reflect a decade of progress and are designed to meet the needs of today’s learners, ensuring careers education remains relevant, ambitious and future-focused.
For staff, the careers guidance and access for education and training providers on GOV.UK is an essential tool, helping you understand how the benchmarks translate into your everyday teaching and interactions with young people.
To support delivery, the CEC Resource Directory offers an incredible bank of over 400 high-quality teaching resources, activities and tools to bring careers learning to life in the classroom and beyond. In particular, Gatsby Benchmark 4 highlights the powerful role that every subject teacher plays in helping students see the relevance of their learning to future pathways.
Together, these resources empower education settings to create engaging, aspirational and impactful careers programmes - ensuring all young people are inspired, informed and ready to take their next steps.