Futures Fair

At The Springfields Academy, our approach to careers education is driven by a clear moral purpose: to improve life chances for autistic young people and to challenge the inequitable employment outcomes they face. 

We are acutely aware of national data relating to employment for disabled and neurodivergent adults. Whilst around a quarter of the working-age population is recognised as living with a disability, just over half are in employment (Department for Work and Pensions, 2024). This gap is even more pronounced for neurodivergent individuals, where employment rates fall significantly below those of their non-disabled peers, with just 31% in employment (Department for Work and Pensions, 2025). These statistics are simply not good enough. 

Employment provides more than just economic participation; it supports identity, belonging and independence. Our aspiration is that all young people leave Springfields better prepared to live a safe, independent and meaningful life. 

Our Futures Fair is integral to our mission of building safe, independent lives. We want all our learners to leave Springfields prepared, excited and looking forward to their next steps. Our annual Futures Fair enables our young people and their families to meet local businesses, national organisations, adult social care services, and charities. 

Our next Futures Fair takes place on Wednesday 28th April 2027, 9.15am-11.45am.

Please contact community@springfieldsacademy.org if you would like to be involved.