England Publishes Enrichment Framework and Benchmarks for Schools and Colleges (England, June 2026)
The Department for Education published non-statutory guidance to help schools and colleges in England design and review high-quality enrichment for pupils and students. The framework includes benchmarks, tools, resources, case studies and evidence materials.
Source: Department for Education - The enrichment framework for schools and colleges
The Department for Education published non-statutory guidance to help schools and colleges in England design and review high-quality enrichment for pupils and students. The framework includes benchmarks, tools, resources, case studies and evidence materials.
What Changed?
Schools and colleges now have a national enrichment framework with benchmarks covering strategic alignment, breadth of activities, communication, student voice, accessibility, partnerships, outcomes and continuous improvement.
Old System vs New System
Enrichment provision was largely shaped locally, with no single national benchmark framework for schools and colleges to self-assess their offer.
DfE has provided a structured non-statutory framework that schools and colleges can use to plan, strengthen and monitor enrichment opportunities across arts, culture, civic engagement, sport, nature, outdoor learning and life skills.
Who Is Affected?
Student Impact
Students may gain more consistent access to extracurricular and enrichment activities, especially where schools use the framework to identify participation gaps.
Parent / Family Impact
Parents may receive clearer information about activities, expectations, access routes and how their child's participation is recognised.
School / Institution Impact
Schools and colleges can use the self-assessment and action-planning tools to audit provision, improve equity of access and work with community partners.
Teacher / Staff Impact
Teachers and leaders may need to map existing clubs, trips, civic activities, outdoor learning and skills programmes against the new benchmarks.
Key Dates
- 13 June 2026: wider Every Child Can announcement
- 15 June 2026: enrichment framework published.
What To Do
- Schools and colleges should review the benchmarks
- complete a self-assessment and identify gaps in access for disadvantaged pupils
- students with SEND
- young carers and persistently absent learners.
What To Watch Next
Implementation will depend on how schools, colleges and local partners use the framework and how the Every Child Can programme is funded and targeted.
Global Context
The framework shows England placing structured enrichment alongside academic learning, reflecting global concerns about belonging, wellbeing, social skills and opportunity gaps after the pandemic period.
Source Record
Source type: Guidance
Source name: Department for Education - The enrichment framework for schools and colleges