Sixth Form Careers Delivery Against Gatsby Benchmarks

1. 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 and employers. 

  • Website 
  • Unifrog portal 
  • Head of Careers

2. 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. They will need the support of an informed adviser to make best use of available information. 

  • Careers Library 
  • Careers Mentor
  • Weekly Career Surgery  
  • Unifrog portal 

3. 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. 

  • EPQ
  • The Brilliant Club 
  • Apprenticeship Workshops 
  • The Medic Portal 

4. LINKING CURRICULUM LEARNING TO CAREERS 

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 future career paths. 

  • Widening Participation trips 

5. 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. This can be through a range of enrichment activities including visiting speakers, mentoring and enterprise schemes. 

  • Alumni 
  • Work Shadowing week 
  • Visiting Speakers 
  • Curriculum Enrichment Days  

6. EXPERIENCES OF WORKPLACES 

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. 

  • Work Shadowing week 

7. 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. 

  • Higher Education convention 
  • University taster days 
  • Workshops 
  • External Speakers from various FE/Apprenticeship and HE providers 

8. 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. 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. 

  • External Career Advisor 
  • KS5 Career Mentor