28 August 2026
Gatsby analysis finds careers adviser numbers are growing
Updated analysis by Gatsby shows the regional distribution of careers advisers and a rise in numbers qualifying at level 6.
Carried out by the Institute for Employment Studies (IES), the analysis showed that 400 careers advisers were qualified at level 6 in each of the last three years – the highest level since 2012. Newly qualified staff at level 6 now exceed those qualifying at level 4, strengthening the trained workforce across the country.
The previous research in 2024 showed a decline over ten tears in the careers adviser workforce of 18.8% but a near doubling of careers adviser numbers in schools and colleges. This likely reflects the closure of central careers services by government and push of services onto individual institutions. As the requirements on schools has increased with the Gatsby Benchmarks and statutory guidance, schools have sometimes struggled to recruit qualified careers advisers, so the higher numbers becoming qualified will be welcome.
The analysis now includes a breakdown of careers adviser population by region, including by each sector in which they work.
Read the full report on The Careers Adviser Workforce 2025.
Carried out by the Institute for Employment Studies (IES), the analysis showed that 400 careers advisers were qualified at level 6 in each of the last three years – the highest level since 2012. Newly qualified staff at level 6 now exceed those qualifying at level 4, strengthening the trained workforce across the country.
The previous research in 2024 showed a decline over ten tears in the careers adviser workforce of 18.8% but a near doubling of careers adviser numbers in schools and colleges. This likely reflects the closure of central careers services by government and push of services onto individual institutions. As the requirements on schools has increased with the Gatsby Benchmarks and statutory guidance, schools have sometimes struggled to recruit qualified careers advisers, so the higher numbers becoming qualified will be welcome.
The analysis now includes a breakdown of careers adviser population by region, including by each sector in which they work.
Read the full report on The Careers Adviser Workforce 2025.
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