DfE extends careers advice duties for schools

From September, schools will be required to secure independent careers advice for all pupils in years 8 to 13 and ensure they have access to a range of post-16 education and training options.

They will also need to use initiatives such as Business in the Community and Inspiring the Future to forge links with local employers so that they can mentor pupils and inspire them to have successful careers.

The measures are contained in statutory guidance published today that extends schools' careers advice responsibilities to post-16 pupils as part of a broader plan to help schools equip young people with the skills and confidence needed to find employment.

The approach is geared towards narrowing the attainment gap between disadvantaged young people and their peers, and schools will be required to measure the success of their initiatives to assess how effectively their pupils move into the next stage of education, employment or training.

Skills and enterprise minister Matthew Hancock said it is vital that successful employers mentor young people.

He said: “This important guidance will encourage schools to help pupils develop high aspirations to realise their potential.

“Employers and those in careers they love are best placed to pass on knowledge and enthusiasm to young people. That is why we are encouraging schools to build links with employers to ensure pupils leave school with the skills employers need.

“There is now no excuse for schools and colleges not to engage local employers or for employers not to support schools and colleges to help young people in the transition from education to employment.”

The Department for Education will review the guidance annually.