What is Gatsby Benchmark 8?

Personal Guidance

In detail

  • Every pupil should have opportunities for guidance interviews with a Careers Adviser, who could be internal (a member of school staff) or external, provided they are trained to an appro priate level. These should be available whenever significant study or career choices are being made. They should be expected for all pupils but should be timed to meet their individual needs.
  • Every pupil should have at least one such interview by the age of 16, and the opportunity for a further interview by the age of 18.

Hear from Careers Leaders delivering this benchmark

Staff from The Link School speak about the importance of Personal Guidance.


We have worked with Careers Leaders from across the sector to identify useful online resources that are freely available:

Resource Description Access resources
Gatsby Benchmark toolkits Our practical toolkits focus on the Gatsby Benchmarks. They are designed to help schools and colleges identify what 'good' looks like across the eight benchmarks.

Toolkit for Schools [PDF]

Toolkit for Colleges [PDF]

Toolkit for SEND [PDF]

The Skills Suitcase This resource supports learners in identifying their own skills and abilities, as well as identifying those they may need further help in developing. Can be used as a 1-2-1 or group activity.  Skills Suitcase [website]
What's your strength Cards that have been designed to help young people recognise their skills and qualities and understand how they can develop them further. (Costed resource) What's your strength [website]


Key reports from our research on this Benchmark:

Personal Guidance in schools. What works?
This research sets out to establish what works in the provision of personal guidance in schools and colleges and to identify the impact on young people.

Work experience, job shadowing and workplace visits. What works?
This paper summarises the research on three forms of work related learning: work experience placements, job shadowing and workplace visits, showcasing the effectiveness of these activities and highlighting examples of best practice.