Careers Education in England, 2024/25
02 Mar 2026
Set within the context for careers education, this annual report summarises insights from 331,075 young people, 4,863 schools and colleges, and 783 employers in England, during the 2024/25 academic year.
It explores how:
- Careers provision in schools and colleges is improving
- Students say they are more prepared for work, but some need more support
- Employers are investing in careers education to build future talent
With an unprecedented volume of data and insight available, we can track the wider impact of careers education - identifying what works, highlighting gaps and opportunities, and shaping a system that delivers better outcomes for young people, schools and colleges, and employers.
The report uses highlights from our publications throughout the year and introduces three “personas” of young people, based on trends in the data.
Where next?
The evidence shows a careers system in England that has strengthened in quality, scale and consistency. At the same time, gaps exist and challenges persist.
There is an opportunity to further grow the future to become fully responsive to the range and depth of learner and employer needs. A 5-point blueprint for the careers system is outlined below.
1. Cement a firm foundation of quality career education for all learners: Embed the updated Gatsby Benchmarks across every school and college, using peer review and continuous improvement to deliver inclusive, personalised careers programmes that raise standards and outcomes for all learners.
2. Use modern work experience to build essential skills: Scale high-quality, structured work experience so every young person, especially those facing barriers, can develop confidence, essential workplace skills and clear career pathways, while employers strengthen diverse talent pipelines.
3. Identify and address gaps early: Start early from primary through secondary to spot gaps in skills, confidence and aspiration, using whole-school approaches and data to ensure every student secures a supported post-16 destination.
4. Support emerging sectors and employers to prepare for future skills needs: Align careers education with local and national skills priorities, enabling growth sectors and employers of all sizes to engage simply and effectively, and build the future workforce they need.
5. Bring enrichment and careers agendas together for learners: Join up careers education and enrichment to help young people connect experiences, build essential skills over time, and confidently evidence their strengths to employers.
Read the full findings
Explore the findings in Careers Education in England, 2024/25.
Download the report