Gatsby Benchmarks & Provider Access

Our careers programme is shaped by the Gatsby Benchmarks, a national framework that sets the gold standard for careers guidance in schools. These eight benchmarks ensure that every student receives high-quality careers education, including:

• Access to independent personal guidance
• Opportunities for work experience and work shadowing
• Encounters with universities, colleges, and apprenticeship providers
• Inspirational talks from employers and industry experts
• Support to understand the full range of education and training options

By embedding the Gatsby Benchmarks into our provision, we make sure our students are well-informed, motivated, and ready to take their next steps with confidence.

The Provider Access Legislation (PAL) — sometimes called the Baker Clause — ensures that all schools give students the chance to hear from a wide range of education and training providers.

At Chiltern Hills Academy, all students in Years 8 to 13 are entitled to:

• Learn about technical education qualifications and apprenticeships as part of our careers programme
• Hear directly from local and national providers about the opportunities they offer
• Gain practical support on how to make applications for the full range of academic, technical, and vocational routes

We welcome providers into school to talk to students about their pathways, helping every young person to explore what’s possible and to find the right route for them.

We work closely with Bucks Skills Hub and other regional partners to design a careers programme that not only meets statutory requirements but also reflects the needs of our diverse student community.

This includes:

• Careers fairs and employer visits
• Apprenticeship workshops
• University trips and college taster sessions
• Motivational talks from professionals across a wide range of sectors