College Takes Major Step Towards Top National Careers Education Award
Esher Sixth Form College has officially begun its journey towards securing the prestigious Quality in Careers Standard—the highest national accolade for careers education in schools and colleges.
This sought-after award, available across England, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands, is fully aligned with the Gatsby Benchmarks for “Good Career Guidance” and is strongly recommended by the Department for Education in its statutory guidance.
To achieve the standard, the College must complete a comprehensive online portfolio demonstrating the strength and depth of its careers provision by July 2026. Success will require meeting or exceeding all updated 2025 Gatsby Benchmarks, which are now more rigorous than ever. These updated benchmarks have an increased focus on support for disadvantaged learners and those with additional learning needs, as well as ensuring all teaching staff in careers education and guidance link curriculum subjects to careers more closely.
Anna Young, Head of Progression Guidance, reflected on the progress so far, “We are already well underway, with over 550 careers appointments offered so far this academic year. With the College approaching its busiest time of year for careers appointments, the goal is for at least 50% of all students to have had a scheduled careers appointment by the end of the academic year”.
Extra careers clinics will be offered during the Progress Review appointment window in early June, as well as throughout Wider Skills Week. These are in addition to the regular careers appointments being offered to tutor groups as part of the annual schedule.
In a further push to embed careers guidance across the curriculum, the College will also host a full day of professional development for staff in June. The training will focus on careers and progression, equipping staff with the tools to help students reach their best-ever destinations.
This commitment underscores our dedication to equipping every student with the guidance, opportunities, and confidence needed to navigate their future pathways. By embedding careers education into the fabric of the college experience, we are ensuring that all students—regardless of background—can access meaningful support and inspiration to achieve their ambitions.
– Jane Duscherer, Careers Link Trustee
