Ministers should set benchmarks for extracurricular activities similar to those for careers advice to tackle “concerning inequalities in access”, according to the Education Policy Institute (EPI).
Participating in sports and other hobbies at secondary school is “associated with positive outcomes” for pupils by the time they reach their early 20s. But not all pupils “have equal access to such activities and their benefits”, a report published today found.
The think tank said non-statutory benchmarks should set the expected standard for provision that is “accessible and appealing to a broad spectrum of students”.
It said these could be “akin to the Gatsby benchmarks”, eight key standards announced by the Department for Education in 2018 which set targets on careers advice for schools to meet by 2020.
