DfE Released New Careers Guidance in May 2025 — How’s Your Planning Going?
Schools are now working towards the new statutory expectations for careers education. If you’re still figuring out how to deliver it all, we can help.
We’ve summarised the key updates into a 4-page quick-start guide — and if you’d like support putting it into action, we’re here.
What’s Changed?
📅 Issued: 8 May 2025
📆 Schools working towards from: September 2025
- Every pupil must have the opportunity to take part in 2 weeks’ worth of work experience during key stages 3 and 4
- Updated Gatsby Benchmarks, with a stronger focus on SEND, inclusion, and whole-school leadership
- Every year, from the age of 11, pupils should participate in at least one meaningful encounter with an employer
- Destination tracking and student data now part of careers evaluation
- Greater Ofsted scrutiny on personal development and provider access
What You’ll Get
By completing the form below, you’ll receive:
📥 A 3-page summary of the 2025 statutory guidance
📋 A 1-page careers compliance checklist to see where your current provision stands
📞 The option to book onto our weekly 30-minute Q&A with the Ductu Schools Team — 3.30pm every Monday and Thursday (optional — no pressure)
We hope these tools help you plan with confidence this year.
Forming employer connections whilst still in school
How Ductu Can Help You Meet These New Expectations
The DfE’s updated careers guidance is ambitious — but with the right support, it’s achievable.
At Ductu, we specialise in connecting schools with employers to deliver high-impact, real-world career experiences. Our programmes are built around Gatsby Benchmarks 5 and 6, and tailored to support SEND and FSM learners from the ground up.
We find the employers, plan the sessions, and deliver the experiences — taking the heavy lifting off your team.
With Ductu, You Get:
- Regular employer encounters that count towards your 2-week requirement
- Adapted sessions for SEND learners
- Thousands of experiences of the workplace through national brand partners
- Minimal admin burden for your staff
- Evidence and reporting you can present to Ofsted and governors
We’ve partnered with brands including Swizzels, Holland & Barrett, Harvester, and McDonald’s — with a nationwide employer network ready to support schools just like yours.
