How We Meet the Gatsby Benchmarks

At Ferryhill School, our Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) programme is planned and delivered in line with the Gatsby Benchmarks, which set out national best practice for careers guidance in schools and colleges.

This page explains how our careers provision meets each of the eight Gatsby Benchmarks. Further evidence can be found throughout this website.

Gatsby Benchmark 1: A Stable Careers Programme

Ferryhill School has a planned and published careers programme that is reviewed regularly. Careers education is led by a designated Careers Leader and supported by senior leaders and staff across the school. Information about our careers programme is available to students, parents, staff, employers and training providers through this website.

Evidence on this site:

• CEIAG Programme page

• Careers Vision and Aims

• Careers Leadership information

The careers programme is reviewed annually and updated to reflect student needs, destination outcomes and local labour market priorities. 

Gatsby Benchmark 2: Learning from Career and Labour Market Information (LMI)

Students and parents are supported to access up-to-date labour market information (LMI) to help them understand current and future employment trends, skills shortages and career opportunities. This information supports decision-making at key transition points, including options choices and post-16 pathways.

Evidence on this site:

• Labour Market Information (LMI) page

• Career research resources

• National Careers Service links

Labour market information is used within lessons, careers activities and guidance discussions to help students make realistic and informed choices. 

Gatsby Benchmark 3: Addressing the Needs of Each Pupil

Targeted support is provided for students with SEND, disadvantaged students and those at risk of becoming NEET, with careers provision monitored to support positive destinations for all learners. Support is targeted to ensure all students can access careers guidance, including students with SEND, those at risk of becoming NEET and those at key transition points. Careers provision is monitored to support positive destinations.

Evidence on this site:

• Student Entitlement

• Personal guidance information

• SEND and targeted support information

• Destinations data

Gatsby Benchmark 4: Linking Curriculum Learning to Careers

Teachers support students to understand how the knowledge and skills developed in subjects link to future careers and pathways. Careers learning is embedded across the curriculum to help students see the relevance of their learning to the world of work.

Evidence on this site:

• Careers in the Curriculum page

• Subject-specific careers links

Subject teachers highlight career pathways, skills and qualifications linked to their subjects to help students understand how learning connects to future opportunities. 

Gatsby Benchmark 5: Encounters with Employers and Employees

All students have planned opportunities to engage with employers throughout their time at Ferryhill School. Students have opportunities to engage with employers and employees through careers talks, assemblies, employer visits and events. These encounters help students learn about different sectors, roles and pathways, and develop their understanding of the workplace.

Evidence on this site:

• Careers events and activities

• Employer engagement information

• Information for employers

Gatsby Benchmark 6: Experiences of Workplaces

Students are provided with opportunities to experience the world of work through activities such as work experience, volunteering and employer-led activities, where these are appropriate to their age and stage. These experiences help students develop employability skills and prepare for future employment.

Evidence on this site:

• Work experience and volunteering information

• Finding employment resources

Gatsby Benchmark 7: Encounters with Further and Higher Education

Students are supported to explore a full range of post-16 and post-18 pathways, including further education, apprenticeships, technical education, sixth form and higher education. All students in Years 8–11 have planned encounters with further education colleges, apprenticeship providers and training organisations as part of the school’s commitment to the Provider Access Legislation. 

Evidence on this site:

• 16+ Choices information

• Apprenticeship and college links

• University and higher education resources

Gatsby Benchmark 8: Personal Guidance

Students receive personal careers guidance from a qualified careers adviser, particularly at key transition points such as Year 11. Guidance supports students to make informed decisions about their next steps and future plans. Careers guidance is independent and impartial, and additional guidance is available for students who require further support. 

Evidence on this site:

• Personal guidance information

• Careers interviews and support

• Contact details for careers guidance

Monitoring and Review

Our careers programme is monitored and reviewed regularly to ensure it continues to meet the needs of students and aligns with the Gatsby Benchmarks and statutory guidance. Feedback from students, parents, staff, employers and providers, alongside destination data, is used to evaluate impact and inform ongoing improvement.