Gatsby Benchmarks
Gatsby Benchmarks offer a framework of guidance for schools in their careers provision. Developed by Sir John Holman on behalf of the Gatsby Foundation, they provide a structured approach to careers provision, ensuring students receive comprehensive support and information to make informed decisions about their future. The benchmarks are enshrined in statutory guidance and are used to evaluate and improve careers programs in educational settings.
Benchmark 6 refers to “Experiences of Workplaces” and states:
Every student has first-hand experiences of the workplace through work visits, work shadowing and/or work experience to help their exploration of career opportunities and to expand their networks.
The indicators of success are listed as:
- A wide range of workplace experiences are offered.
- Workplace experiences have clearly defined outcomes attached to them: what students need to take away from meeting a range of people from workplaces.
- Feedback from students and employers is captured to measure impact and share success.
In May 2025, the benchmarks were updated. While the eight core benchmarks themselves remain unchanged, the update includes practical refinements based on a two-year review. These refinements strengthen key areas like inclusion, leadership, data use, and parental engagement, ensuring the framework stays current with evidence and best practices. The updated benchmarks are now part of the government’s statutory guidance for schools, colleges, and independent training providers, with implementation beginning in September 2025. (See the full update on the Gatsby Benchmarks site.)
Student fixing a computer at their placement
Student at a dog groomer’s work placement
From September 2025, it is stated that 2 weeks of work experience should be available to every student. Whilst this is an ambitious aim, at Blue Stamp, it is one that we fully endorse. We recognise the benefits of work experience. Hence, the reason we offer our flagship package, Work Experience Abroad, and our hybrid Work and Study packages in France, Germany and Spain for students studying A Level or equivalent (or higher). Students can travel from 1 week upwards, contributing towards or completing the full recommended requirement for work experience, whilst having a great opportunity to refine their language skills, killing two birds with one stone.
Students with certificates for successful Work Experience placements in Rouen, France
Blue Stamp Travel like to support schools with their careers provision, particularly in relation to careers where using language skills can be advantageous. On our Classroom Resources page, there are several sets of careers posters, ideal for any MFL corridor or classroom.
