The Stephen Longfellow Academy held a Careers Fair to help increase student knowledge of post 16 options and raise aspirations. Students were able to connect with real world employers, colleges, universities and training providers. We wanted all our students to develop a range of skills, such as good eye contact, positive body language, as well as helping them to increase their confidence and self-esteem in communicating with new people.
Students were prepared for the event through form time presentations, making them aware of the value of the Careers Fair and its relevance to their futures. Emphasis was also placed on how students need to come across to employers. By undertaking the Careers Fair, we are also working towards meeting the Gatsby Benchmarks for good careers practice and made sure our students are being provided with a variety of careers interventions and contact with different post 16 and 18 providers.
The Careers Fair took place on 9 December 2025, over 25 external providers attended the event. Students had direct contact with employers such as: Vallely Tankers, Sulzer Pumps, NHS, West Yorkshire Police, West Yorkshire Fire Service, The Army, NG Bailey and lots more. Further Education providers included Leeds City College, Leeds College of Building, Kirklees College, Wakefield College, Bradford College, Askham Bryan College and Elliott Hudson College. A wide range of training providers also attended the fair including Learning Curve Hair & Beauty, MPCT, Juniper and several others. The University of Bradford and Leeds University Centre were also in attendance. The Leeds Apprenticeship Hub and the Leeds Pathways Support Team, both part of Leeds City Council offered post 16 support and apprenticeship information. Every student in academy on the 9 December participated in the Careers Fair.
Students learned about a variety of job areas, some of which they had never considered before e.g. pump engineering or learning about the different departments within the NHS. Many of the stalls had a practical element e.g. trying CPR with the NHS, wiring electrical circuits with NG Bailey to painting the nail hand with the Learning Curve (Hair and Beauty).
Colleges and universities were present to raise awareness of courses and what qualifications are required. The event was a whole school approach with all school years being involved from Year 3 to Year 11. Younger students particularly enjoyed the interaction with providers and were even able to try on public services kit as well.
Teaching staff supported the students to engage with providers. Students were further supported by using a tailored worksheet, which would help them ask relevant questions and record responses.
Before students left the event, they completed a student feedback form. The main question asked was: How useful did you find the Careers Fair in helping you think about the options that you have in the future?
Students were asked to circle a Score 1-5, with 5 = Very useful and 1 = Not Useful at all.
Overall, 75% of students said they found the Careers Fair Very Useful or Useful in helping them think about their future options. 20% Said Some Parts of the Careers Fair were useful. Only 5% of students said the Careers Fair was Not Useful at all in helping them think about their futures.
Below are some of the comments which students had written down in the other comments box on feedback forms.
“I had a good time and lots of options in the hall.” Year 10 student
“I would have liked to see some care home companies” Year 11 student
“It was good” Year 11 student
“I spoke to Building college, think I’m going to do Plastering, after school” Year 9 student
Below are a few of the feedback comments from the providers:
“Better than I expected, loved the student worksheets, other schools could learn from that,” (Rob – West Yorkshire Police)
“Good engagement from students, had a few interested in the MPCT.” (Martin – MPCT)
“Excellent, lots of applications from Year 11 already!” (Jane – Leeds City College)
“Very good engagement, good conversations from students.” (Isma – Bradford College)
“Students engaged well, very polite and asked lots of questions” (Angela- Juniper Training)
From the provider feedback, the only negative was around the hall being a little cold. We will try and ensure the heating is on a little earlier next time.
Overall, the Careers Fair at The Stephen Longfellow Academy was a success in raising awareness of post 16 options but more importantly, helping Year 11 focus on their next steps and promoting access to realistic pathways.
Raj Gill (Director of Careers)