Insight briefing 3: The promise of primary

Insight briefing 3: The promise of primary — final pilot findings

New evidence from all three waves of Start Small; Dream Big 

Changing how we see primary career-related learning

This final report brings together evidence of impact across all three waves of Start Small; Dream Big. The pilot set out to test whether structured career-related learning in primary schools could broaden horizons and aspirations and challenge stereotypes from an early age. Thanks to our partners, Careers Hubs, employers and schools, the pilot has transformed how careers education is delivered in primary schools.

Key findings

• Empowering schools and educators
  73 % of participating schools now have a formal careers strategy (up from almost none); 60 % have embedded careers into their curriculum, compared to just 17 % at the start. Senior leadership engagement surged from 46 % to 81 % as teachers reported substantial gains in knowledge, skills and confidence.
• Broadening pupils’ horizons and challenging stereotypes
  Pupils developed interest in a wider range of professions beyond the usual favourites. Girls’ aspirations in business and finance increased by 31 %, with similar growth in digital, law, and construction. Three-quarters of teachers observed fewer pupils limiting themselves due to gender stereotypes.
• Stronger engagement with employers and parents
  93 % of participating employers said they will continue to support primary schools. Parent awareness and involvement also rose: more families are having deeper conversations about careers and are more conscious of bias and opportunity.

What we did & who we reached

• Schools involved: 1,394 primary schools joined the start of the pilot, mostly in areas of high deprivation or with above-average free school meal (FSM) rates.
• Pupils reached: almost 400,000 pupils benefited from their school taking part, with 199,244 receiving a direct employer encounter such as workplace visits, talks and other activities.
• Employers: Over 1,000 employers engaged in creating real-world links and opportunities.
• Teacher professional development: Delivered in collaboration with Teach First, equipping staff to integrate careers learning within the curriculum and address stereotypes.

Why these results matter

These findings reinforce that early intervention in career-related learning isn’t a “nice extra” but a crucial foundation. Where schools were supported with strategies, curriculum alignment, and employer relationships, change was not only possible but durable.

Children exposed to diverse career pathways show greater confidence, expanded aspirations, and less gender stereotyping. Teachers, buoyed by leadership and high-quality training, emerged more confident and intentional. And employers and families joined as partners, reinforcing that what happens in school matters beyond its walls.

Lessons & next steps

• Sustained support is essential: The progress in career-related learning (CRL) needs long-term commitment. Many schools started from low baselines; without ongoing resource, training and employer networks, there is a risk of regression.
• Role of Careers Hubs: The hub-and-spoke model worked. Hubs facilitated employer linkups, CPD, communities of practice, and local support that schools would struggle to secure alone.
• Accessible CPD for educators: Substantial CPD content was rapidly developed and delivered and teachers highlighted the importance of realistic, flexible delivery models to encourage engagement. Building on these insights, CEC will offer accessible CPD to ensure all primary schools – regardless of size or context – can confidently deliver impactful careers education from the earliest years.

Looking forward

As the pilot ends, we at the Careers & Enterprise Company are committed to keeping the momentum. We will be:

• Providing free CPD, resources and support for all primary schools through our Digital Academy and Primary Platform.
• Leading a National Primary Community of Improvement for Careers Hubs, to share best practice, align strategies, and ensure consistency in quality across regions.
• Developing a clear impact model that defines how CRL should look in primary settings, so schools and Hubs can measure progress and build on what works.

Primary career-related learning has been proven: children gain wider career awareness, teachers gain confidence, and schools become more intentional. Now is the time to embed what has been learned so that every child, regardless of background, can dream big.