Careers Fair 2026

Inspiring Over 1,000 Students Through Meaningful Employer Encounters

Our annual Careers Fair is one of the biggest events in the Pudsey Grammar School calendar, bringing together employers, universities, colleges and training providers to inspire students and help them explore their future pathways.

As part of National Careers Week, students from Year 8 to Year 13 had the opportunity to attend this year’s Careers Fair, with over 1,000 students engaging with more than 50 employers and education providers from a wide range of sectors.

The event provided students with the opportunity to speak directly with professionals, explore different industries and discover the wide range of pathways available beyond school. Organisations attending included Russell Group universities, local sixth forms and colleges, engineering companies, architects, veterinary organisations, construction firms, IT and artificial intelligence specialists, and creative industries.

One of the highlights of the event was the variety of opportunities available across different sectors. Students were able to explore careers they may already be interested in, while also discovering new possibilities they had not previously considered.

The event also highlighted the importance of developing employability skills alongside academic achievement. A photography studio attended to offer professional headshot photographs for our Drama students, helping them develop their performing arts portfolios and understand the importance of presenting themselves professionally within creative industries.

To ensure all students could access and benefit from the event, we provided tailored support for learners with additional needs. Students with SEND attended the Careers Fair with guided support in smaller groups, allowing them to confidently engage with employers, ask questions and explore opportunities at a pace suited to their individual needs. Students accessing our alternative provision, Future Foundations, were also supported to attend the event in smaller groups, ensuring they had the opportunity to experience meaningful encounters with employers and education providers.

To support younger students in making the most of the experience, Year 8 and Year 9 students used a “Sector Collector” resource to guide their conversations with exhibitors. This encouraged students to explore different industries, ask questions and collect information about a range of career areas.

Students in Year 10 to Year 13 were encouraged to navigate the event independently, speaking directly with employers, universities and training providers about opportunities, entry routes and their own potential next steps.

The Careers Fair was a fantastic opportunity for students to build their understanding of the world of work, develop confidence when speaking with professionals and gain valuable insight into the many routes available after GCSEs and sixth form.

We would like to thank all of the employers, universities, colleges and organisations who gave their time to support our students. Their involvement helped bring careers to life and provided students with meaningful encounters that will support their future decision-making.