In 2013 the government via Gatsby commissioned Sir John Holman – Emeritus Professor of Chemistry at the University of York, senior education adviser and former headteacher – with setting out what career guidance in England would be like were it good by international standards.
After six international visits, analysis of good practice in English schools and a comprehensive review of current literature, John wrote the The Good Career Guidance Report which identifies a set of eight benchmarks that schools can use as a framework for improving their careers provision.
The eight Gatsby benchmarks of Good Career Guidance
1. A stable careers programme
2. Learning from career and labour market information
3. Addressing the needs of each pupil
4. Linking curriculum learning to careers
5. Encounters with employers and employees
6. Experiences of workplaces
7. Encounters with further and higher education
8. Personal guidance