Innovate Dorset

LEVEL UP

LEVEL UP is a bold new rebrand of our post-16 program, launching this September.


Designed to empower young people with the skills, confidence, and experience they need for life beyond school, Level Up offers a dynamic blend of academic support, career readiness, and personal development.

LEVEL UP 

Preparing for Life Beyond Education

We are working towards the Gatsby Benchmarks for Good Career Guidance, using the framework to structure our careers programme.


The program will be delivered over 20 hours a week, with students attending for five hours a day, four days a week. Mornings are dedicated to core subjects like Maths and English, while afternoons focus on BTEC workshops and AQA activities. To encourage healthy habits and financial awareness, students will also take part in budgeting and healthy eating challenges during lunch breaks.

Work experience is a key part of Level Up, with experiences available at a range of local employers. These opportunities are designed to give students real-world insight and practical skills that will support their future career paths.


In addition to academic and work-based learning, Level Up includes a wide range of workshops and enrichment activities. Students will develop independent living skills such as banking and budgeting, prepare for their driving theory test, and explore physical and mental health topics.


To support career exploration, students will attend college visits, job fairs, and careers days. They’ll also receive guidance on apprenticeships and have opportunities to engage with community services.


What does Level Up Offer?


  1. Tutoring in Maths and English
  2. Functional Skills Examinations
  3. AQA Courses
  4. Career Preparation and Pathways
  5. Job Fairs and College Open Days
  6. Careers Advice and Guidance
  7. Driving Theory 
  8. ID Cards and Personal Documentation
  9. Staying Safe Online
  10. Equality, Diversity, and Community Engagement
  11. Independent Living
  12. Health and Well-Being
  13. Renting/Mortgages and housing advice
  14. PSHE 

The Gatsby Benchmarks


The eight Gatsby Benchmarks for Good Career Guidance define world-class careers guidance for young people in England, based on international evidence. They are now used by over 4,700 secondary schools, colleges and independent training providers to shape their careers programmes and provision.


The Gatsby Benchmarks have been central to government careers strategy and policy for young people since 2018. Since then, national performance against the eight benchmarks has more than tripled. In 2024, following two years of extensive research and consultation, the Gatsby Benchmarks were updated to ensure they continue to define world-class career guidance for young people in the future.