Embedded Files
This is where you can find a wealth of information on all things Skills Builder to gain inspiration for your own setting.
Interactive Case Study Showcase
Interactive Case Study Showcase
Explore how others have embedded essential skills through the Accelerator programme on the interactive Case Study Showcase here.
Filter via the following:
region- find examples based on geographic area. You may discover programmes nearby to your setting
award level- explore programmes who achieved a similar level of impact
educational phase - find ideas from Skills Leaders supporting the same age or specialism
Here are just a few examples...
The Oaks Academy
The Oaks Academy
Essential skills are aligned to the school’s existing Personal Development Programme with Years 7-10. There are regular teaching opportunities during form time and also Career Champions across all curriculum areas focusing on employability skills. The skills are embedded into the school’s reward system and referenced in assemblies, extra curricular activities, enterprise days and careers events throughout the year.
“ Skills Builder has provided a universal language for staff and pupils when discussing essential skills for life. The skills are used to complement our existing Personal Development programme…
Form tutors use the resources and have reported improvement in the use of the skills and increased confidence from pupils using them throughout the year. “
Skills Leader - The Oaks Academy
Read their case study here.
St Francis Xavier Sixth Form College
Students are given the opportunity to reflect on their essential skills via the online self-assessment tool, Skills Builder Benchmark. Students track progress and discuss areas for development in conversation with their tutors or lecturers, and skill targets are set. Essential skills are championed through curriculum areas, project based learning, work experience and special employer events.
“Adopting the Universal Framework has given teachers and students a simple language to make the teaching of these essential skills explicit…
These are the skills that will help our students with social mobility and benefit their futures.”
Skills Leader - St Francis Xavier Sixth Form College
Read their case study here.
Nancealverne School
Essential skills are threaded through the taught curriculum for the whole school. There is allocated time on the timetable to develop essential skills, including project based learning and off timetable challenge days. Skills and steps are linked to existing planning, assessment and feedback systems. Learners practise their essential skills as a matter of course throughout their day.
“Skills Builder is the perfect resource for us... as the Universal Framework links well to our principles and values. Teachers and students really engage and respond to Skills Builder.”
Skills Leader - Nancealverne School
Read their case study here.
Networking
Networking
Each year we provide opportunities for our Skill Leader community to talk to one another about all things essential skills related. We provide a specialised programme of events dedicated to providing networking opportunities so you can share tips and tricks, learnings and also discuss wider changes in the educational landscape, whether that be through taking part in our Communities of Practice, or via our Conference Day.
Below is a taster of some of the webinars Skills Leaders have been part of in 2025/26.
Joining up the Journey – Essential Skills for All Ages
We explore the outcomes of a Skills Builder Partnership research project which focused on how essential skills can act as a golden thread across educational settings, providing learners with the confidence and self-efficacy needed to embrace new challenges. Hear from schools leading in best practice in this area.
Read the blog and watch the webinar here.
Navigating Education Policy within the UK: A Focus on Essential Skills
Attendees heard from Skills Builder Head of Policy and External Affairs, Alice Chan, who outlined policy developments in areas such as the Curriculum and Assessment Review, Ofsted reforms, teacher training, and the government’s upcoming Youth and Post-16 Skills strategies.
Read the blog and watch the webinar here.
Building Essential Skills Inclusively
Here from speakers across the Skills Builder Partnership, including guest speakers within specialist settings. Both share their experience, tips and goals for building essential skills inclusively.
Read the blog and watch the webinar here.
Bridging Essential Skills and Careers
Hear ideas from across the partnership as to how essential skills have been woven into how we think about career provision. Contributions include examples from secondary provision, our work with employer partners, and how to develop strong workplace behaviours through teaching essential skills.
Read the blog and watch the webinar here.
Essential Skills and the Curriculum
Hear insights from speakers across the Skills Builder Partnership on how to effectively embed essential skills into the curriculum.
Read the blog and watch the webinar here.
Further reading
Further reading
Explore the latest research from Skills Builder linking essential skills with literacy, numeracy, careers aspirations, income and life satisfaction.
“High education level, numeracy, and literacy – when not complemented with high essential skill levels – are associated with poorer life outcomes.”
-Essential Skills Tracker, 2023
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