Towards Enrichment for All: Launching Our New Report on Enrichment Benchmarks

In partnership with the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, Big Education and Oasis, we're delighted to launch new our report, "Towards Enrichment for All," which outlines benchmarks recommendation to ensure every young person accesses valuable enrichment opportunities, enhancing wellbeing and life skills. Join the movement for a richer, more equitable education.
  • Fran Wilby
  • National Lead for Programmes & Partnerships
  • Rethinking Assessment

Published by The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Big Education, Rethinking Assessment and Oasis Charitable Trust

A Call to Embed Enrichment at the Heart of Education

At Rethinking Assessment, we believe that a richer, fairer education system must value more than just exam results. That’s why we’re proud to co-publish Towards Enrichment for All: Building the Case for Enrichment Benchmarks, a new report that sets out a bold, practical vision for how every child and young person can access high-quality, meaningful enrichment.

This work is rooted in a simple truth: Enrichment matters. From boosting wellbeing and belonging to developing essential life skills and broadening aspirations, structured enrichment is vital to helping young people thrive – especially those furthest from opportunity.

Yet access remains inconsistent, inequitable and under-prioritised. This report presents a compelling case for change, and a practical set of Enrichment Benchmarks to help schools, trusts, and partners take action now.

What’s in the Report?

  • A new definition of enrichment focused on inclusion, participation and personal growth.
  • Evidence showing the deep and lasting impact of enrichment on attendance, wellbeing, life skills and social mobility.
  • Voices from over 175 young people and 75 school and community leaders, reflecting what meaningful enrichment looks and feels like to them.
  • A proposed set of 8 Enrichment Benchmarks to guide schools in designing, delivering and sustaining a high-quality offer.
  • Recommendations for government and the sector – on accountability, funding, infrastructure and implementation.

The 8 Enrichment Benchmarks

Our proposed benchmarks offer a roadmap for schools to build inclusive, high-impact enrichment:

  1. Develop a stable programme – with leadership backing and at least 80 hours per pupil per year.
  2. Sustain a broad, balanced offer – across arts, sports, outdoors, citizenship, and skills.
  3. Link to school priorities – including attendance, wellbeing, and inclusion.
  4. Reflect pupil and staff interests – with youth voice and leadership at the centre.
  5. Target those at risk of missing out – ensuring equitable access for all.
  6. Partner with external providers – to widen opportunity and deepen expertise.
  7. Define and track outcomes – from wellbeing and life skills to engagement and aspiration.
  8. Continuously improve quality and impact – through training, feedback and reflection.

Why Now?

This report lands at a crucial time. Government has now committed to developing a national Enrichment Framework, and conversations about inclusion, attendance and broader outcomes are gaining momentum.

The Enrichment Benchmarks are our contribution to that conversation. We hope they offer a practical starting point for schools, trusts and policymakers to work together, and reimagine what a truly rich, equitable education can be.

Join the Movement

We invite you to:

  • Read the full report and share it with colleagues and partners
  • Explore the benchmarks and reflect on your school or trust’s enrichment journey
  • Join us in calling for Enrichment for All—so that every young person can access the opportunities they deserve

Reach out if you have a comment or would like to be involved in future work to develop a coalition around Enrichment for All: info@rethinkingassessment.com

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