Future Skills Questionnaire (FSQ)

Each year at specific points in the academic calendar, students will receive a link to complete the Future Skills Questionnaire through Compass+.

What is the Future Skills Questionnaire?

The FSQ is an online questionnaire designed to help students reflect on the knowledge, skills and attitudes they need for future learning, training and careers. It’s a way of measuring how ready students feel for transitions into higher levels of education, training, or work.

Why is it important?

Completing the FSQ helps the school to:

  • Understand each student’s strengths and areas for growth
  • Provide targeted careers support and guidance where it’s most needed
  • Evaluate how well the school’s careers programme is helping students prepare for the future

The questionnaire is not a test — there are no right or wrong answers. Students should answer honestly and independently to give the most accurate picture.

You can also preview student questionnaires and download the questions via Compass+ resources here: Future Skills Questionnaire resources (PDFs and guidance) – CEC Resource Directory

How are the results used?

The school uses the FSQ data to:

  • Plan and improve careers lessons, events and activities
  • Track progress over time for individual students and whole year groups
  • Identify students who may benefit from extra support or guidance

FSQ data is part of how the school ensures its careers programme is effective and supportive for all students.

How it works

  • The questionnaire takes around 15–20 minutes to complete.
  • Students will need a device with internet access (such as a laptop, tablet, or phone).
  • Students should complete it as independently as possible.

You will receive the link via school systems (e.g. Compass+ message, email or classroom announcement) when it’s time to complete the questionnaire.

Who created the FSQ and why?

The FSQ was developed by careers experts working with schools and sector specialists. The questions are linked to recognised careers frameworks and benchmarks used in education.

Additional Resources