Personal Guidance
Personal Guidance (Gatsby Benchmark 8)
Personal guidance in careers education refers to one-to-one guidance interviews between a student and a qualified careers adviser. It is the most personalised form of careers support, helping individual students explore their interests, strengths, and options through a structured conversation. Personal guidance is formalised as Gatsby Benchmark 8 — a statutory requirement for all UK secondary schools.
Key facts
- Gatsby Benchmark 8 requires every student to have opportunities for personal guidance with a qualified adviser
- The adviser must hold a recognised qualification — e.g., QCG, Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance, or CDI-accredited equivalent
- Schools can use internal Careers Leaders or external careers advisers
- Personal guidance should be timed to key decision points: Year 9 (GCSE options), Year 11 (post-16), Year 13 (post-18)
- Guidance records, follow-up action plans, and adviser qualification records all constitute Benchmark 8 evidence
Frequently asked questions
What is personal guidance in careers education?
Personal guidance is a structured, one-to-one conversation between a student and a qualified careers adviser. Its purpose is to help the student explore their own interests, values, and aspirations, understand their options, and make an informed decision about their next steps. It is distinct from careers information (which provides facts) or group sessions (which are not personalised). Gatsby Benchmark 8 requires every student to have access to personal guidance.
Who can deliver personal guidance for Gatsby Benchmark 8?
Gatsby Benchmark 8 requires guidance to be delivered by someone who is 'suitably qualified'. Accepted qualifications include the QCG (Qualification in Career Guidance), Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development, and CDI-accredited equivalents. An unqualified teacher providing career conversations does not satisfy the benchmark. Schools can use internal staff with the right qualifications or commission external careers advisers.
Related terms
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