Benchmark 7

Encounters with Further and Higher Education

All pupils should understand the full range of learning opportunities that are available to them. This includes both academic and vocational routes and learning in schools, colleges, universities and in the workplace.

What does good look like?

By the age of 16, every pupil should have had a meaningful encounter* with a provider of the full range of learning opportunities.
By the age of 18, all students who are considering applying for university should have had at least two visits to universities to meet staff and students.
*A ‘meaningful encounter’ is where the student has an opportunity to explore what it is like to learn in that environment. This includes academic and vocational routes and learning in schools, colleges, universities and the workplace. Refer to the Making it Meaningful checklist when planning any Benchmark 7 activity.

Why does this matter?

Exposure to higher and further education and to apprenticeships, helps raise aspiration and allows young people to make the right choices for them. Young people currently have many more encounters with higher than further education.
The UK’s future depends on all young people finding the right path for them and fulfilling their potential.
One in four pupils from disadvantaged families make it to university, whereas nearly double the amount of other children make it. If those children from poor families had the same support to achieve as others, four in ten would go to a top university instead of the current one in ten.

Tips for Employers

>> Employers can play an important role in helping to tackle the cultural and social reasons why young people from disadvantaged backgrounds are in danger of being left behind.

>> Highlight the significance of advanced further and higher education qualifications, including higher and degree level apprenticeships in your industry or sector.

>> Do the necessary checks to ensure you are passing on accurate and up-to-date information about the qualifications that are recognised in your industry.

>> Prepare and plan for the kinds of questions students may ask you.

>> Familiarise yourself with the Statutory Guidance in order to support schools you work with.