The inyourroots® October “Stronger Than You Think” week couldn’t come at a more critical moment for young people. The Youth Voice Census 2025 and the Gatsby Benchmarks provide a vital snapshot of what young people really need from careers support and where the gaps still exist.
The newly released research is a wake-up call, revealing the challenges and the opportunities facing youth across the UK. At inyourroots®, we’re not just listening. We’re building solutions that put strengths, support, and real opportunity at the centre.
The Reality: What the Youth Voice Census 2025 Shows
This year, over 8,200 young people shared their stories. The results are striking:
Wellbeing Remains Fragile, Despite More Support
41% of young people
say access to mental health support has improved (up from 31% in 2024), and 54% report better physical health support.
Yet, anxiety is high
10% record maximum anxiety scores, and over half rate their life satisfaction as only “middling.
22% of students
missed more than 10 days of education last year, and 55% said their learning was disrupted. Mainly by illness, mental health, and poor behaviour from peers.
Confidence & Preparation for Work Are Patchy
- Only 49% of young people believe they know what employers want. This drops to just 26% for NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) youth.
- 60% think they have the qualifications to get a job, but only 55% feel they have the skills, and 50% the work experience needed.
- Access to careers advice, employer engagement, and volunteering is declining, leaving many feeling unsupported.
Inequality Is Persistent and Systematic
NEET young people
those eligible for free school meals, and those with additional needs are least likely to feel supported or confident.
Female and Black respondents
report the most significant barriers to opportunity, progression, and workplace confidence.
Disparities are not marginal
they are systematic, impacting access to support, skills, and opportunities.
The Future of Work Feels Uncertain
53% of young people
fear AI will take jobs; only 35% are excited about new tech.
Only 25% believe
employers are supportive of hiring young people, down from 31% in 2024.
60% want fair pay
71% want flexible hours, and 59% want autonomy at work, but only half feel fairly paid or able to ask for a raise or promotion.
Curious about the full picture of what young people are experiencing right now? The Youth Voice Census 2025 shares powerful stories and data straight from over 8,000 young people across the UK.
Want to dive deeper into how the Gatsby Benchmarks are shaping the future of careers guidance in the UK? The latest “Good Career Guidance: The Next 10 Years” report is packed with insights, stats, and recommendations for schools, employers, and young people.
The Gatsby Benchmarks: What Good Looks Like and Where the Gaps Are
The Gatsby Benchmarks set the gold standard for careers education in the UK. Here’s how they stack up against the Census findings:
- Benchmark 1: A Stable Careers ProgrammeToo many young people report inconsistent or absent careers advice.
- Benchmark 2: Learning from Career & Labour Market InformationFewer than half feel informed about what employers want or where opportunities are.
- Benchmark 3: Addressing the Needs of Each PupilThe Census shows support is not reaching those who need it most, especially NEET, FSM, and SEND youth.
- Benchmark 4: Linking Curriculum to CareersMost young people don’t see how classroom learning connects to real jobs.
- Benchmark 5: Encounters with Employers & EmployeesOnly a minority have meaningful contact with employers; 26% accessed work experience.
- Benchmark 6: Experiences of WorkplacesWork experience is valued but rare, especially for disadvantaged groups.
- Benchmark 7: Encounters with Further & Higher EducationMany young people aren’t aware of all their options or how to access them.
- Benchmark 8: Personal GuidanceSupport is improving for some, but remains patchy and hard to access for others.
Key Gatsby Benchmark Stats
96% of secondary schools and colleges in England
are now using the Gatsby Benchmarks as a framework for their careers programme (up from just 10% in 2014).
Over 70% of schools
are achieving at least half of the 8 Benchmarks.
Only 11% of schools and colleges
are fully meeting all 8 Gatsby Benchmarks.
According to the latest Gatsby report 40% of students have meaningful workplace experiences before they leave school. The impact is clear: schools that meet more Benchmarks see students with higher confidence, more employer contacts, and better job outcomes. But gaps remain, especially for disadvantaged and SEND students, who are less likely to benefit from a full careers programme.
Across the UK, schools in the North East lead on Gatsby adoption, while some regions lag behind due to resource and employer engagement gaps.
How inyourroots® Is Responding *(and What’s Coming Next)*
At inyourroots®, we’re building a platform that directly responds to the gaps highlighted by the Youth Voice Census and Gatsby Benchmarks. While we’re still in beta and some features are in development, here’s what we offer now and what’s coming soon:
Local Opportunities (Launching Soon)
We’re actively building partnerships with SMEs and startups in Hertfordshire, Essex, and Suffolk. Our goal is to make work experience and local opportunities more accessible, especially for those often left out (Benchmark 6).
Championing Accessibility and Diversity (Core Value)
Radical inclusivity is at the heart of inyourroots®. We’re committed to making our platform accessible and supportive for neurodivergent, disabled, and disadvantaged youth. We are researching features and partnerships to ensure this is delivered as we grow.
Why This Matters and Why You Should Get Involved
The Youth Voice Census and Gatsby Benchmarks give us a roadmap and a reality check. Every answer helps shape what schools, employers, and the government do next. According to the youth voice census 2025, young people in our regions are still facing barriers to meaningful careers support.
This week, we’re:
- Breaking down the numbers and what they mean for you.
- Sharing real stories and practical advice to help you move from “meh in the middle” to confident, supported, and optimistic.
- Inviting you to take our quiz, join the conversation, and help us build a future where every young person is stronger than they think.
Join us on socials, read our blog, and let’s turn insight into action, together.