Above: Pupils Masa and Kate visit a higher education stand at the Futures Fair
A powerful celebration of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in education and employment took centre stage at Dame Allan’s Schools’ biennial Futures Fair, offering pupils valuable insights into diverse career paths and inclusive workplaces.
With over 20 higher education institutions and 30 companies and apprenticeship providers in attendance, the event emphasised the importance of ensuring opportunities for all, regardless of background, ability or neurodiversity.
Open to all pupils from Year 6 to Year 13, as well as visiting children from Wingrove Primary School and Percy Hedley College, the fair provided them an opportunity to explore career paths that align with their talents and aspirations, while also meeting employers who actively support diversity in the workplace.
Special Education Needs Co-ordinator Kelly Lowery, who led the Schools’ SEND stand, perfectly encapsulated the theme of the Futures Fair: “The message is clear - having a learning difficulty or disability doesn’t limit someone’s value in the workplace or stand in the way of higher education. In fact, neurodiverse individuals often bring unique strengths, like creativity and problem-solving skills, that can be a real asset.
“Mindsets are changing and many are leading the way in embracing neurodiversity and making workplaces more accessible.”
Year 8 pupil Rory (above), an advocate for neurodiversity, attended the fair and shared his experience of living with ADHD, autism, dyspraxia and dyslexia. “I see it as having a superpower that no one else has! I look at things in a different way,” he said. “It makes me happy that lots of people now understand more about neurodivergence.”
Northumbria University representative Eve Champney-Smith, an ASC (Autism Spectrum Condition) Specialist Tutor, said higher education institutions are increasingly recognising the value of neurodivergent students.
“We know neurodiverse students bring fresh perspectives and creativity, and by embracing those differences, we create a sense of belonging,” she said. “At Northumbria, we ensure students feel supported through tailored career events, one-on-one support and workshops designed to meet their needs. It’s all about creating an inclusive environment where neurodiverse students can thrive."
Higher education representatives from institutions such as Durham University, Newcastle University, and Imperial College London were in the Sixth Form centre, the Queen’s Building, while a diverse array of businesses, organisations and charities showcased opportunities across various sectors - including education, finance, law, the armed forces, healthcare and STEM - in the Newsom Hall.
Among the attendees was Sadaf Chaudry, a former Dame Allan’s student who now teaches at Wingrove Primary. Reflecting on her own experience, she said: “Dame Allan’s isn’t just a school - it’s a family. I learned here that inclusion isn’t just about acceptance; it’s about empowerment.”
Sadaf (above) applies these values at Wingrove, where 86% of pupils speak more than one language and come from diverse backgrounds, with 27 languages represented in the school community. Her Year 6 pupils had the opportunity to visit the fair, which left a lasting impression on them.
“They’ve loved it,” she said. “Some are amazed at the careers they can have and now see purpose behind the subjects they learn because there’s a clear end goal. This event gave them the chance to learn about careers and speak directly to experts in their fields, sparking their curiosity. Coming and talking to a nurse, a teacher, an architect or someone from the Armed Forces makes those careers real and relatable for the children.”
As part of the fair, a series of informative ‘Grow Your Mind’ presentations were held for Year 10 to 13 pupils and their parents, featuring alumni such as Dr Willins, who discussed her journey from Dame Allan’s to a career in general practice, Simon Rushworth, who shared insights into media and communications and James Gunn, who explored opportunities in business intelligence and data analytics.
Event organiser Bel Whitehouse, the Head of Careers at Dame Allan's Schools, said: “Once again, the Futures Fair has been a fantastic success, bringing together pupils and professionals from all backgrounds in a vibrant celebration of opportunities. It’s inspiring to see our pupils engage with a diverse range of career paths and recognise the power of inclusivity in shaping their futures.”