Gatsby Benchmark 7

Encounters with further and higher education - All pupils should understand the full range of learning opportunities that are available to them. This includes both academic and vocational routes and learning in schools, colleges, universities and in the workplace.

Following the governments new legislation in January 2023, schools and colleges should make sure that all pupils by the age of 16 should have accessed information about pathways into apprenticeships and technical education through 6 encounters whilst they are at school.  Alongside this they should hear impartially about all pathways after KS4. 

Full guidance can be found here: Careers guidance and access for education and training providers - GOV.UK

As a minimum, schools must offer: 

• Two encounters for pupils during the ‘first key phase’ (year 8 or 9) that are mandatory for all pupils to attend, to take place any time during year 8 or between 1 September and 28 February during year 9. 
• Two encounters for pupils during the ‘second key phase’ (year 10 or 11) that are mandatory for all pupils to attend, to take place any time during year 10 or between 1 September and 28 February during year 11.
•  Two encounters for pupils during the ‘third key phase’ (year 12 or 13) that are mandatory for the school to put on but optional for pupils to attend, to take place any time during year 12 or between 1 September and 28 February during year 13.

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