Gatsby Benchmarking
Career Development Institute
Preparing Young People for Their Future
Gordonstoun is committed to ensuring every young person is equipped with the knowledge, skills and confidence to make informed decisions about their future. Our comprehensive Careers and Higher Education Programme supports students throughout their educational journey, helping them explore opportunities, develop aspirations and prepare for success beyond school.
Our programme is guided by the Gatsby Benchmark Framework, that defines best practice in careers education, information, advice and guidance.
A Comprehensive Careers and Higher Education Programme
We provide a progressive programme of careers education that enables students to:
- Understand their strengths, interests and aspirations
- Explore a wide range of career pathways and industries
- Learn about current labour market trends and future opportunities
- Develop employability skills through practical experiences
- Access impartial careers advice and guidance
- Discover paths through a visiting lecturer programme
- Make informed choices about further and higher education.
The Gatsby Benchmarks
Our approach is built around the eight Gatsby Benchmarks, which ensure students benefit from a well-rounded and meaningful careers education:
1. A Stable Careers Programme
Students have access to a clear and structured careers programme that supports progression and future planning.
2. Learning from Career and Labour Market Information
Students are encouraged to explore up-to-date information about employment sectors, workplace trends and future opportunities to help inform their decisions.
3. Addressing the Needs of Each Student
We recognise that every young person is unique. Our programme is tailored to meet individual aspirations, strengths and needs.
4. Linking Curriculum Learning to Careers
Students are helped to understand how their classroom learning connects to real-world careers and future opportunities across a range of industries.
5. Encounters with Employers and Employees
Through talks, workshops, networking events and mentoring opportunities, students gain valuable insights from professionals working across diverse sectors.
6. Experiences of Workplaces
Work experience, workplace visits and employer-led activities allow students to develop practical skills and gain a realistic understanding of working environments.
7. Encounters with Further and Higher Education
Students are introduced to a broad range of pathways, including universities, degree apprenticeships and other specialist training opportunities.
8. Personal Guidance
Every student will access one-to-one guidance from the Head of Futures at Gordonstoun and qualified careers advisers, helping them make informed decisions about their future.
Supporting Every Student's Journey
Our Careers and Higher Education Programme is designed to inspire ambition and open doors to opportunity. By combining academic learning with meaningful career exploration, employer engagement and personalised guidance, we help students develop the confidence and skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Whether a student is considering university, an apprenticeship, a gap year or direct entry into employment, our aim is to ensure they leave Gordonstoun prepared for the next stage of their journey and ready to achieve their full potential.
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