DfE publishes new enrichment framework and benchmarks: summary

Find out how to use the DfE's enrichment framework and benchmarks to plan, strengthen and review your enrichment offer, and access tools and resources to assess your provision against the benchmarks.

New
on 17 June 2026
School types: AllSchool phases: AllRef: 53687
Contents
  1. What is enrichment?
  2. What activities should we include?
  3. What are the enrichment benchmarks?
  4. Review your provision against the benchmarks and plan improvements
  5. How will Ofsted inspect your offer?
  6. What additional funding and support is available?
  7. Next steps

The DfE has published its enrichment framework to help schools and colleges design and deliver a high-quality enrichment offer for all pupils and students. The guidance is non-statutory, but Ofsted will consider how your enrichment offer has regard to the framework from September 2026 (read more about this below)

What is enrichment?

Enrichment refers to activities and experiences that go beyond your standard curriculum to support pupils' personal development and wellbeing, help them explore interests, try new activities and develop valuable skills for their future.

What activities should we include?

Civic engagement – e.g. volunteering, debating, school and college democracy, community engagement Arts and culture – e.g. taking part in, and having live experiences of music, art, dance, theatre and other expressive arts; museum and gallery visits Nature, outdoors and adventure – e.g. time outdoors, climate education