Glossary

CEIAG

Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance

CEIAG is the umbrella term for all careers-related provision in UK schools and colleges. It encompasses structured careers education (delivered in lessons), impartial information (resources and tools students can access), independent advice (from a qualified careers adviser), and guidance (personalised support to help students make career decisions).

Key facts

  • CEIAG is a statutory duty for secondary schools in England under the Education Act 1997 and subsequent statutory guidance
  • Schools must publish their careers programme online, including CEIAG provision
  • The Gatsby Benchmarks provide the quality framework for CEIAG in England
  • Ofsted inspects CEIAG quality as part of the Education Inspection Framework
  • The CDI (Career Development Institute) sets professional standards for CEIAG practitioners

Frequently asked questions

What does CEIAG stand for?

CEIAG stands for Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance. It is the collective term used in UK education policy for all careers-related provision in schools and colleges, covering curriculum-based careers education, access to information resources, impartial advice, and personalised guidance.

Is CEIAG statutory in UK schools?

Yes. Under the Education Act 1997 and the statutory guidance 'Careers guidance and access for education and training providers' (updated 2023), secondary schools in England are legally required to provide independent careers guidance to students in Years 8–13. The Gatsby Benchmarks define the quality standards schools should meet.

What is the difference between careers advice and careers guidance?

Careers advice provides information and options without making a recommendation — it helps students understand what is available. Careers guidance is a deeper, personalised process where a qualified adviser helps a student explore their interests, strengths, and options to reach their own informed decision. Gatsby Benchmark 8 specifically requires access to personal guidance from a qualified adviser.

Related terms

Gatsby BenchmarksCareers LeaderPersonal GuidanceCDI

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