Meeting the Gatsby Benchmarks: how ASDAN’s career-focused curriculum empowers learners

The relaunch of the updated Gatsby Benchmarks this month marks a significant step forward in delivering meaningful, skills-focused careers education across all settings. 

At ASDAN, we welcome these refreshed standards, which reflect what we have long championed - that all learners, regardless of background, deserve a coherent and empowering transition from education into adulthood. 

Our progressive, career-focused programmes and qualifications - from Key Stage 2 through to Key Stage 5 (England and Wales) - are designed with this transition in mind. They align with the new national direction outlined by the Gatsby Benchmarks and support educators in delivering inclusive, impactful careers education. 

What are the Gatsby Benchmarks? 

The Gatsby Benchmarks are a framework designed to improve careers education and guidance in secondary schools and colleges across England. Developed by the Gatsby Foundation and first published in 2014, they are now embedded within statutory guidance. The refreshed benchmarks reinforce the call for a more inclusive, responsive and future-facing approach to careers education. 

ASDAN’s programmes and qualifications help schools and colleges meet several key benchmarks, including: 

Benchmark 1: A stable careers programme 

ASDAN provides schools with a reliable and structured framework to deliver sustained and meaningful careers education. We offer over 30 portfolio-based Short Courses designed for learners working from the equivalent of Entry Level 3 to Level 1. These practical, accessible courses embody a ‘learning in context’ approach, developing core skills through topics that engage and motivate the learner.  

From our Careers and Experiencing Work Short Course to sector-specific vocational tasters in manufacturing, construction and hospitality, ASDAN’s Short Courses help learners develop skills in real-life contexts. 

Our Employability qualification provides a framework for developing and recognising general workplace skills at Entry level 2 to Level 2. This qualification develops skills within occupational settings, allowing learners to build on their workplace skills and acquire transferable skills that will help them progress in the wider world of work. 

Benchmark 3: Addressing the needs of each pupil 

For over 30 years, ASDAN has worked with educators to design accessible, quality and impactful person-centred courses that support and recognise Learner’s progression. 

The adaptability of our courses allows educators to tailor delivery to meet the diverse needs of learners – a cornerstone of inclusive practice. Whether supporting learners with SEND, care-experienced learners or those at risk of exclusion, our approach ensures that every young person can access a meaningful educational experience. 

Benchmark 4: Linking curriculum learning to careers 

ASDAN’s course content bridges real-world application with academic learning, bringing career relevance into the classroom. 

Our updated Personal Effectiveness Qualifications (PEQ) from Entry Level 3 to Level 2 focus on developing skills in learning, communication, decision making, critical thinking, teamwork and, newly added, self-awareness and wellbeing. 

We emphasise iterative and co-constructed learning, goal setting and reflection, enabling learners to track their own development and build confidence in their abilities. 

Employers are increasingly highlighting the need for personal effectiveness – sometimes labelled ‘soft skills’ - such as initiative, resilience and communication. These skills cannot be acquired from textbooks alone. Learners develop them by participating in real tasks, reflecting on outcomes and gaining insight into their personal strengths. 

This trial-and-improvement process is essential for building the self-belief learners need to pursue new opportunities, whether in work or higher education. 

Benchmark 5 and 6: Encounters with employers and workplace experiences 

ASDAN supports the immersive, experiential learning promoted by these benchmarks by encouraging employer engagement and hands-on experience. 

We are developing our employer outreach offer and forming partnerships with organisations to strengthen pathways from education into employment. 

Our Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) at Level 3 is unique in offering learners the opportunity to base their independent research project on a work placement or vocational interest. This approach provides a clear line of sight to employment and training, while also preparing learners for higher education. The qualification carries up to 28 UCAS points and cultivates planning, preparation and autonomy - essential skills for life after school. 

A flexible curriculum for real-world success 

From pre-Entry to Level 3, ASDAN’s curriculum develops transferable skills through applied learning. Many programmes and qualifications include or encourage meaningful work experience, providing learners with agency and insight into future pathways. 

This is especially critical for those underserved by traditional systems - including care-experienced learners, learners with SEND, and those supported by the youth justice system. 

ASDAN: Supporting schools to meet and exceed the Gatsby Benchmarks 

The updated Gatsby Benchmarks offer renewed momentum for a more inclusive, skills-led education system. ASDAN is proud to already support schools and settings in meeting and exceeding these expectations. 

We champion practical learning and learner-centred development, working in partnership with educators to ensure every learner is equipped to thrive - in learning, work and life.