High-quality careers guidance is essential to enable all children and young people to understand the range of options available to them and realise their potential.
From September 2025, DfE expects all institutions to use the updated Gatsby Benchmarks. Building on the internationally recognised framework of the last decade, the benchmarks have been updated following almost 2 years of extensive research and stakeholder engagement.
This update has taken account of changes, including:
• technological revolution;
• innovation in schools and colleges;
• shifts in the labour market;
• changes in the career choices available to young people
Explore the tailored tools, practical resources, and expert guidance to help you embed high-quality careers education—aligned with the Career Benchmarks, Statutory Guidance, and utilising platforms like Compass+.
Quality Careers programme
Careers statutory guidance - at a glance
This document outlines the key roles and responsibilities of schools as set out in the May 2025 publication Careers Guidance and Access for Education and Training Providers.
Summary of updates to the Gatsby Benchmarks
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. Explore the new changes here.
Provider Access Legislation (PAL)
The updated provider access legislation (PAL) has now been enacted. It specifies schools must provide at least six encounters with approved providers of apprenticeships and technical education for all their students.
Compass+
Get started complete your termly Compass report to review your progress against the Gatsby Benchmarks. Explore additional digital tools designed to help you plan and deliver a high-quality careers programme tailored to your setting.
Careers Leader Training
Fully funded, flexible training - designed to support the growth of Careers Leaders at all levels. Training courses provide a huge opportunity for you as a Careers Leader to accelerate your school, special school or college towards achieving the Gatsby Benchmarks.
Tools & Resources
Explore the Buzz Quiz
Designed to support teachers in making the most of the Buzz Quiz, we’ve developed a suite of resources designed to spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and inspire meaningful classroom conversations from primary through to FE.
Supporting SEND
Explore Talentino’s nationally recognised #SameAndDifferent model helps special schools deliver tailored careers programmes that reflect the unique needs and strengths of young people with SEND.
North East Middle School Career Benchmark best practice guide
This guide has been produced in collaboration with our North East community of middle school careers leaders. It explores approaches to each benchmark, lessons learnt from experience, and also provides useful advice and tips for achieving the Benchmarks from a middle school perspective.
North East Middle School Best Practice video
Hear perspectives from North East middle school careers leaders on how they have approached the Gatsby benchmarks in their school and context.