Raising Aspirations Fair Ignites Future Dreams for Halesowen Pupils

3rd July 2025

Last week, Halesowen Town Hall buzzed with excitement and possibility as the Halesowen Teaching and Learning Community (HTLC), hosted its second annual Raising Aspirations Fair. The event saw over 550 enthusiastic Year 5 and Year 4 pupils from local schools engaging with professionals from diverse fields, gaining invaluable insights into future career opportunities.

Building on the success of last year, this year’s fair underscored the vital link between education, good school attendance, and achieving life goals. Students arrived eager to explore the various stalls, each offering a unique glimpse into the working world. They came with their "Raising Aspirations Fair" booklets, ready to record their discoveries and questions after having an igniter lesson beforehand.

"It was truly inspiring to witness the curiosity and engagement of these young people," said Van Willerton, Head of Community Development at Windsor Academy Trust. "This fair is in complete alignment with our civic leadership commitment at Windsor Academy Trust. We firmly believe that by exposing children to a wide spectrum of career possibilities, and by highlighting how their efforts in school today lay the groundwork for their successes tomorrow, we are actively empowering them

 to thrive. This collaborative spirit, bringing together schools and our community partners, is essential for shaping a brighter future for all children in Halesowen."

Dominic Simpson, Headteacher at Tenterfields Primary Academy and a key organiser of the event, added, "We are incredibly grateful to all the parents, individuals and businesses who gave their time to inspire our Year 5 pupils. Seeing the children's faces light up as they learned about different jobs and understood how their schooling connects to these pathways was truly rewarding. This fair is not just about showcasing careers; it's about giving our children a real drive to attend school and understand the importance of good attendance in the working environment."

The event successfully showcased a range of professions, from surveying and architecture, to electricity and water supplies, to further and higher education, pharmacy, health and a whole host of NHS roles, and many more.  Students gained a deeper understanding of jobs they might not have previously known about. Many of the professionals present emphasised the role of education; consistent school attendance; and persistent effort in their own career journeys - reinforcing key messages for the young attendees.

The fair serves as a testament to the power of community partnership in action. The generous participation of local businesses and organisations was crucial to the event's vibrancy and impact, fostering meaningful connections between the students, their families and the wider professional community.