How to meet the statutory careers requirements (secondary)

Last reviewed on 3 March 2023
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School types: All · School phases: Secondary, 16 Plus
Ref: 12179

Find out how to meet your requirements for careers guidance, including how to achieve the Gatsby Benchmarks in full.

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Contents

  1. Who this applies to
  2. Changes for the 2022/2023 academic year 
  3. What you need to do
  4. How to meet the Gatsby Benchmarks

Who this applies to

The DfE's statutory careers guidance applies to:

  • All maintained schools, including maintained special schools and pupil referral units (PRUs)
  • Academies and free schools (including alternative provision (AP) academies and free schools) 

The requirements do not apply to non-maintained special schools and independent schools.

Changes from 1 January 2023 You must provide a minimum of 6 encounters with technical education or training providers to all pupils in years 8 to 13 This was introduced by the Skills and Post-16 Act 2022 on 1 January 2023, and you should transition to these new arrangements as soon as possible. You must offer: 2 encounters for pupils during the 'first key phase' (year 8 or 9) All pupils must attend Encounters can take place any time during year 8, and between 1 September and 28 February during year 9 2 encounters for pupils during the 'second key phase' (year 10 or 11) All pupils must attend Encounters can take place any time

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