The Gatsby Benchmarks at the Respect Collaboration of Schools


Benchmark 1

“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.”

Our intent

To have a programme of planned activities, events, visits and careers interviews that is fully embedded in our curriculum offer and understood by all stakeholders (pupils, parents, teachers, governors and employers).

Benchmark 2

“Every pupil, and their parents, should have access to good-quality information about future study options and labour market opportunities. They will need the support of an informed adviser to make best use of available information.”

Our intent

To work with local employers and industry leaders so that our pupils have access to the most accurate and up-to-date local labour market information. Advisors and key workers will be available to support the use of this information.

Benchmark 3

“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.”

Our Intent

For every pupil’s individual needs and aspirations to be fully considered at every stage and within every opportunity.

Benchmark 4

“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 career pathways.”

Our Intent

That, at every opportunity, teachers and support staff will link curriculum learning to employability, opportunities and progression. Subject teachers will link relevant skills to relevant points in the curriculum, including STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects.

Benchmark 5

“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.”

Our Intent

Our intent is for all pupils to interact with and hear from multiple employees/employers about what it is like to be employed and what the expectations of the workplace are. These may include talks given by visiting employers, attendance at careers events and mock interviews.

Benchmark 6

“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.”

Our Intent

For every pupil to have an experience of a workplace.

Benchmark 7

“All pupils/learners should understand the full range of learning opportunities that are available to them. This includes both academic and technical and vocational routes and learning in schools, colleges, universities and in the workplace.”

Our Intent

That every pupil will be made aware and provided with opportunities to both meet with staff from other providers and to visit other providers so that they are fully aware of their options for progression. This will include local colleges, post-16 providers, apprenticeship providers, universities and work place training opportunities.

Benchmark 8

“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. These should be available whenever significant study or career choices are being made. They should be expected for all pupils but should be timed to meet their individual needs.”

Our Intent

That every pupil will have access to an individual appointment with an impartial careers advisor.