Our annual Careers Fair is an important part of our careers programme. It allows access for every pupil in the school, every year, to meet with a range of providers, including employers, training providers, universities, and colleges. We believe that every year group can benefit as the event has something to offer every pupil, depending on the stage of their carers journey.

We prepare our pupils for the event to ensure they can make the most of it. At Key Stage 3, this starts with Year 7 playing ‘Careers Fair Bingo’ to help them discover and understand new terminology around careers; our Year 8 pupils become ‘Careers Fair Detectives’, making links between their career aspiration and the choices that are available in their local area; in Year 9, pupils are supported to consider suitable GCSE subject options in relation to the different learning pathways and qualifications required. Our Key Stage 4 and 5 pupils are supported to focus on the important transitions ahead. For Years 10 and 12, students can start thinking seriously about which learning pathways are right for them and make sure those choices will help them progress onto their chosen career aspiration. They can also use the fair to learn more about what they can be doing now to prepare for future applications. Whereas Year 11 and 13 students will be finalising their next steps plans, weighing up the pros and cons of each pathway, considering entry requirements and recruitment selection processes, and gaining application tips. 

Each year we survey our pupils, with the majority asking for access to the fair every year and valuing the information it provides. This year:

• 89% of pupils said the fair had helped them to consider new careers and learning pathways.
• 91% of pupils said they now understand more about the qualifications, skills or training needed for different careers.
• 88% of pupils feel more confident to make decisions about their future education, training or career.

We have also seen some fantastic impact on future progression from these fairs, with pupils securing roles at apprenticeship providers featured at the fair, to others remaining in touch with providers for several years until they are old enough to apply. Many pupils are also encouraged to do more research, either through the prospectuses they take home, or by attending open days to get a feel for a provider.

The Careers Fair is often a starting point into considering the choices ahead, but it is just one of many events we run to help support our pupils. We explore their options in much more depth through one to one meetings with our qualified careers advisers, lessons with tutors that are embedded into the PSHE curriculum, focused Labour Market Information assemblies for National Careers Week, and many other careers focused events, workshops and visits. This all culminates with extensive support and guidance when it comes to making next steps applications in Year 11 and 13.