The announcement highlighted recent DfE research suggesting that 96% of primary schools already offer some kind of careers education provision. The data also showed that the most common approach to careers education was delivery through PSHE (personal, social, health and economic) lessons (87%).

Mr Hinds said that he is “pleased to know that so many primary school pupils have access to career-related learning to expand their ideas of who they could become in the future” and that the new measures were an effort to ensure such opportunities were available to everyone.

Commenting on the data, PSHE Association Chief Executive Jonathan Baggaley said:

“DfE data showing PSHE education as the most popular approach to delivering careers education is a validation of the work carried out day-in day-out by PSHE teachers across the country. It drums home the importance of schools continuing to prioritise the careers and economic wellbeing aspect of PSHE – the ‘e’ after all stands for ‘economic’.

Recent DfE commitment to statutory health education and relationships education is most welcome, but careers and economic wellbeing mustn’t get lost along the way due to not yet enjoying the same compulsory status. We want to build on the 87% of primary schools delivering careers education through PSHE, not see schools unpick the good work they’re already doing in this area.

To ensure schools continue this work we would welcome a strong message from government in support of PSHE teachers’ key contribution to preparing children and young people for the world of work, and encouragement to continue to build on their efforts in this area”