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Gatsby Benchmarks Champions

Meet our trailblazers in careers guidance

Throughout the lifetime of the Benchmarks, we have heard from leading schools, colleges and training providers who are working to make good careers guidance a reality.

See below for more from our Champions who are leading the way with the updated Gatsby Benchmarks.

Featured

Ofsted outstanding: how a careers-first culture made it happen

Amir Ahmed, Vice Principal at Waltham Forest College, explains what active leadership on careers guidance looks like in his FE college in North East London and the institution-wide benefits this approach has generated. 

Headshot of Amir Ahmed

Amir AhmedVice Principal, Waltham Forest College

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The front of Waltham Forest College building floodlit at night
The front of Jesmond Park Academy building

How Jesmond Park Academy transformed student outcomes through its careers programme

We have made a public pledge to all students: ‘You will be prepared for your future education and employment in the North East and beyond.‘

Headshot of Nigel Holmes

Nigel HolmesDeputy Principal, Jesmond Park Academy

A careers leader talking to students at a table in a classroom

Making careers everyone’s business

Ben Knocks, Deputy Principal at Weston College, explains why putting careers guidance at the heart of senior leadership strategy has transformed outcomes for their 30,000 learners.

Ben Knocks

Ben KnocksDeputy Principal, Weston College

A young woman walking through a doorway into the sunshine

How our coastal school has stopped leavers becoming NEET

“In a region where deprivation and SEND needs are rising, our experience shows that high NEET numbers are not inevitable.”

Leanne Taylor and Justin FrazerPastoral Manager and Assistant Headteacher, Huntcliff School

A classroom teacher crouched down to speak to a pupil working at their desk

Preventing NEETs: Careers provision and the Gatsby Benchmarks

“Good career guidance was the missing link for us to raising attainment.”

Karen Hayward portrait

Karen HaywardExecutive Principal, Greensand Federation

Geraldine with students sat at desks in a classroom

Careers education was the catalyst that turned our school around

Geraldine Tandoh, Assistant Headteacher at Northampton International Academy, explains how making good career guidance a strategic priority is reducing NEET numbers and boosting attendance figures.

Geraldine Tandoh

Geraldine TandohAssistant Headteacher, Northampton International Academy

Cristiano in a computer lab

Cristiano’s story

“My only goal was to survive secondary school. I hated waking up to go in and I wasn’t interested in lessons and exams. I really didn’t know there were other options. I could see myself just ending up in a dead-end job. I didn't feel like university was an option for people like me.”

A noticeboard with 'Career Development' labelling

Ben’s story

“I didn’t think school was for me at first. When teachers showed me how English and maths could help me with landscaping, it made sense. I enjoy learning now because I can see how it’s useful for my future. I’m proud I’ve got my apprenticeship – it feels like I’m finally on the right path.”

Kelsey smiling outside school

Kelsey’s story

“It got me to come to school – kind of excited to come in – and it made my behaviour a lot better. I got my behaviour points down, got a better relationship with teachers. And I’ve made a few good friends that I can trust. Now, I’m very excited to get a good job. And a job that I enjoy.”

A student meeting an employer at a Meadowhead School careers event

Tackling misconceptions and stereotypical thinking with parents and carers

Leighton Collins meeting visitors at a school careers event

Leighton CollinsCareers leader and careers adviser, Meadowhead School Academy Trust

A Duston School member of staff presenting to teachers and employer representatives in a school hall

Creating lasting connections between teachers and employers

The Duston School in Northampton ran its first ever employer-teacher speed networking event this year. We hear about the impact of the event and how the team worked together to get nearly 50 employers building valuable links with teachers amid a busy CPD schedule.

An exterior shot of The Duston School front entrance

The Duston School

Careers staff at a regional meeting

5 things you need to know before completing the new Compass evaluation

Simon Wareham standing in front of a school display titled 'Welcome to Careers at Southmoor'

Simon WarehamAssistant Headteacher, Southmoor Academy

Two school pupils in discussion at a desk

Pastoral team collaboration key to increasing inclusion and impact

Ross Doohan

Ross DoohanCareers Leader and Behaviour Lead, The Heights Blackburn

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