The Department for Education’s (DfE) new Enrichment Framework for Schools and Colleges places enrichment firmly on the agenda for every school in England. Published in June 2026, the framework provides eight benchmarks that schools can use to evaluate and improve their enrichment offer.
For school leaders, enrichment is no longer simply an “extra”. The framework highlights the role high-quality enrichment can play in supporting personal development, aspiration, careers education, wellbeing and future skills.
At Solutions for the Planet, we’re proud that the Big Ideas Programme already helps schools deliver against six of the eight DfE enrichment benchmarks.
Through a combination of STEM learning, enterprise, sustainability, employer engagement and skills development, the programme provides meaningful opportunities for young people to explore real-world challenges and gain essential skills for the future.
Benchmark 1: A strategically aligned enrichment offer
The framework emphasises the importance of enrichment that aligns with wider school priorities such as attainment, careers guidance, personal development and wellbeing.
The Big Ideas Programme supports these goals by helping young people develop confidence, communication, leadership and problem-solving skills while working with local businesses and employers.
Benchmark 2: Delivering a broad and well-rounded experience
Benchmark 2 calls for varied enrichment opportunities across multiple categories. The Big Ideas Programme contributes to several of these, including:
- Civic engagement
- Nature, outdoors and sustainability
- Wider life and future skills
It also runs throughout the academic year, allowing schools to build enrichment into a sustained programme rather than a one-off event.
Benchmark 3: Celebrating participation and achievement
Recognition matters.
All participants in the Big Ideas Programme achieve a British Science Museum CREST Discovery Award and those who go on to present at Regional Finals are awarded a Bronze CREST award. We present certificates, trophies and badges at multiple stages throughout the competition. These opportunities help schools celebrate achievement while encouraging deeper engagement and participation.
Benchmark 5: Ensuring accessibility
The framework places a strong emphasis on ensuring enrichment is accessible to all learners.
The Big Ideas Programme is designed to be inclusive, supporting students from a wide range of backgrounds, including those with SEND and EAL needs. We also actively work with schools serving disadvantaged communities to help widen access to high-quality enrichment opportunities.
Benchmark 6: Working in partnership
One of the framework’s benchmarks recognises the value of partnerships with external organisations.
As an award-winning social enterprise working nationally since 2013, Solutions for the Planet brings together schools, employers and communities to provide meaningful, real-world experiences for young people.
Benchmark 7: Focusing on outcomes
The framework encourages schools to consider the impact of enrichment, not simply participation.
As a Skills Builder Level 4 accredited programme, Big Ideas provides schools with a structured way to develop and evidence key employability and life skills.
Helping schools get ahead
As schools begin reviewing their enrichment provision against the new DfE benchmarks, programmes that deliver clear educational, social and skills-based outcomes will become increasingly valuable.
The Big Ideas Programme offers an established, evidence-based way for schools to strengthen their enrichment offer while empowering young people to tackle the challenges facing their communities and our planet.
If you’re reviewing your enrichment provision for the coming academic year and would like to explore how the Big Ideas Programme can support your pupils, get in touch!