About the benchmarks
Drawing on six international visits, analysis of English schools, and a literature review, eight benchmarks were identified to define effective career guidance. These benchmarks have since shaped best practice and transformed careers guidance in secondary schools and colleges.
Over 90% of schools and colleges now use the Benchmarks to assess their careers provision and young people report greater career readiness and satisfaction with guidance.
The recent 10 year review which took place in 2024 highlighted that while the core of the benchmarks remains the same, the changes made are very important which focused on refining characteristics and measurables within the benchmarks. Five main themes emerged from the evidence that informed the updates these include:
- Careers at the heart of education and leadership
- Inclusion and impact for each and every young person
- Meaningful and varied encounters and experiences
- Better use and integration of data and information
- Engagement with parents and carers
Take a look at the report here - Good career guidance - The next 10 years
Careers benchmarks
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, governors 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. STEM subject teachers should highlight the relevance of STEM subjects for a wide range of careers.
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.
Experiences of workplaces
Every pupil should have first-hand experience 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, who could be internal (a member of school staff) or external, provided they are trained to an appropriate level.
Toolkits & Resources
Find out more about how your school or business can help support students in the North East.
Primary toolkits
Careers benchmark toolkits and resources for educators in primary schools.
Secondary resources
Explore resources and support for educators in Secondary and Middle schools.
Support for employers
Find out more about how your business can support schools in the North East in offering great careers guidance to students.