Gatsby Benchmarks guide for senior leaders
Preventing NEET starts at the top
When secondary school and college leaders make the Gatsby Benchmarks a strategic priority, careers guidance becomes an even more powerful tool for keeping young people in education, employment and training.
A whole-institution approach, led from the very top, doesn’t just change the lives of individual students; it’s a crucial part of the answer to leaders’ most pressing challenges – improving attendance, behaviour, inclusion and attainment.
The Gatsby Benchmarks: building futures, reducing NEET
Watch the short film below to find out how senior leaders are using the Gatsby Benchmarks to reduce NEET and meet institutional priorities:
Evidence shows students are less likely to become NEET if their school or college is meeting more of the eight benchmarks, a link that’s especially strong for institutions in areas with the highest levels of disadvantage.
Recent guidance updates: expectations of leaders
The government’s latest statutory guidance, for implementation this academic year, sets out new responsibilities for school, college and ITP leaders and governors to:
- Embed the Gatsby Benchmarks at the heart of their vision and strategic plans for their institution
- Explicitly back and support the careers programme and their careers leader
- Champion careers guidance across their whole school or college
This is reflected in the new Ofsted inspection frameworks which place more emphasis on quality careers guidance. The Gatsby Benchmarks are explicitly mentioned as part of the ‘Expected’ standard for schools.
Turn commitment into action
Whether you’re reviewing your strategic plan, preparing for inspection, or working to improve outcomes across your institution, support is available to help you prioritise careers guidance, so every young person leaves your institution with a clear and confident next step.
From practical tools and implementation guidance to leadership briefings and case studies, use the resources below to drive young people’s engagement, participation and aspiration by leading with the Gatsby Benchmarks.
Cristiano, Kelsey and Ben's stories
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.”
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.”
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.”
