Your Future in Catholic Education Starts Here!

London 14 November 2026

FREE ENTRY

Manchester 16 January 2027

FREE ENTRY

Birmingham 13 February 2027

FREE ENTRY

Interested in working in a Catholic school or college?

Looking for advice on teaching training, apprenticeships, or career pathways in education?

Relocating or seeking promotion?

Visit one of our Education Careers Fairs. It’s a great chance to connect with schools and colleges that value faith and skills. Whether you’re exploring new opportunities or ready to take the next step, this event makes finding the right pathway easy and fun. Don’t miss out on meeting like-minded people and discovering exciting career paths.

Considering a role as a classroom assistant, trainee teacher, or exploring other opportunities in schools and education? This event connects you with local Catholic schools, Catholic multi-academy trusts and colleges actively recruiting for a variety of positions.

Connect with adult education experts for tailored guidance on apprenticeships, teacher training, and support staff certifications designed to help you gain the qualifications you need to succeed.

Join Us for a Flagship Catholic Recruitment Education Fair!

This event is a flagship initiative by Catholic Recruitment, created to inspire and attract talented teachers and dedicated support staff who share a passion for shaping the future of children and young people in Catholic schools and colleges. It’s also the perfect opportunity for those considering a career in education—whether as a teacher or in a vital support role—to explore exciting pathways and take the first step towards making a real difference.

What to Expect

Pathway Rooms: Gain valuable insights in our dedicated Pathway Rooms, where presentations cover a range of topics such as how to become a teacher. Engage in interactive Q&A sessions with local experts and get answers to your most important questions about careers in education.

Apprenticeship Opportunities: Discover exciting apprenticeship routes! Providers will be on hand to share expert advice and practical insights, helping you explore this rewarding training option and kick-start your career in education.

Taster Sessions: Step inside Catholic schools and colleges with supervised tours, meet supportive staff, and enjoy presentations on current vacancies and opportunities. These sessions give you a real feel for the environment and help you make informed choices.

Whether you’re an experienced educator, a skilled support professional, or someone looking to start a fulfilling career in education, this event is your gateway to new opportunities and a brighter future.

Workshop and presentation schedule

To be announced

Quick Answers

How do I become an exhibitor?

Our Education Careers Fairs welcome all Catholic schools and colleges as exhibitors. Training providers are also invited and do not need to be Catholic. Please note that we will not be hosting any exhibitors selling products or services. The event is dedicated to recruitment and training opportunities.

For full information and to download an application form click here

Is this fair only for people who want to work in the classroom?

No, all schools require support staff like cleaners, caretakers, receptionists, estate managers, IT support and Finance staff, to name just a few. Some of these positions can be apprenticeships. Come along and see what support jobs are on offer and chat to the schools and multi-academy trusts.

How do I become a teacher and will there be information on this?

Yes, teacher training providers will be attending to support those wishing to join the profession.

If you are already qualified, schools and multi-academy trusts who decide to attend will be promoting vacancies too

There are 3 main routes into teaching

1. School based training

– Professional Graduate Certificate of Education with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

– Post-Graduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

– Post-Graduate Diploma in Education and Leadership (PGDE) and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

2. Combination of school-based practice and university led study

– School Direct: Combining school-centred employment with university-led study leading to Post-Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

– Post-Graduate Teaching Apprenticeships: Combining school-centred employment with university-led study leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

3. University Based Training

– Primary route only – a degree qualification and/or a Post-Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS))

– Primary and secondary routes – Post-Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

What are Teaching Assistants and what training do they receive?

Teaching assistants support children and young people in the classroom, often alongside a teacher. You might help those with special educational needs and disabilities or work with a small group. As you progress in your career, the role can evolve, offering opportunities for specialisation, such as working as a one-on-one or advancing to become a higher level teaching assistant (HLTA).

Becoming a teaching assistant is a rewarding experience as you play your part in shaping future generations. Not only will you be making a difference, but you’ll also enjoy the benefits of the role

– Flexible working patterns including school holidays – great for working parents/carers.

– Training opportunities – specialise in your role as a 1:1 support or advance as a higher level teaching assistant.

– A job like no other – see the impact you have on children and young people on a daily basis.

Training courses to become a teaching assistant

If you want to gain a qualification to support children and young people, speak with our adult education provoders visiting today to who are offering level two and level three courses. While a formal qualification isn’t always necessary to get a support job in a school or college, it will help you build the knowledge, expertise and skills to succeed in your role.

What roles do school employ apprentices for?

Schools employ apprentices in a wide range of roles, from direct student support (like Teaching Assistants for mainstream, SEND, or literacy) to business functions (like Business Administration, HR, Finance, IT Support, Marketing), and even for teaching itself via postgraduate teacher apprenticeships, covering roles from Early Years to management, all combining paid work with formal training.

Speak with schools and multi-academy trusts visiting today to see what roles they have open for apprentices.

Why teach or work in a Catholic school? View our questions and answers.

For those who are not Catholic and have never taught or worked in a Catholic school, the prospect of applying for a job in one can seem daunting. Likewise, for Catholics who have never taught in a Catholic school, there may be a degree of nervousness about applying for your first job in a Catholic school. Don’t worry.

The number of Catholic teachers in Catholic schools varies by region. According to the latest figures from the Catholic Education Service shows about 42% of all staff in Catholic schools identify as Catholic, with higher percentages in primary (nearly 60%) than secondary (around 30%), indicating a significant presence of non-Catholic educators who embrace the school’s ethos.

In other words, around 5 or 6 teachers out of every 10 in the staffroom in our Catholic schools are not Catholic. Without them there would be no Catholic schools. They are there because the governors trust them to do a job in the school. Here are some answers to the most common questions which may help you in your quest to join them:

Do you have to be Catholic to teach in a Catholic school?

No, in most cases. There are certain posts in a Catholic school called ‘reserved posts’ which have to be filled by practising Catholics. These posts are the Head, Deputy Head and Head of Religious Studies. A Lay (i.e. not a priest) Chaplain should also be a practising Catholic.

If I’m not a Catholic do I have to believe everything the Church teaches?

No. Your main focus will be to teach the subject you’ve been employed to teach and any other activities stipulated in your contract. You will be expected to support the ethos and identity of the school, which will include not speaking out against aspects of Church teaching you may not personally agree with or undermining it by your conduct.

What does support the ethos mean in practice? Will I have to attend religious services?

Yes, in most cases teachers are form tutors or class teachers so will be expected to lead pupils in prayer. Resources will be provided to help you with that. You will also be expected to attend assemblies and services with your pupils if that is in the calendar.

Your pupils may be asked to lead certain aspects of a service or assembly in which cases you will be expected to co-ordinate and support that.

What if my lifestyle is not compatible with what the Church believes?

In most cases, if your lifestyle does not impinge on your life in the school and is a private matter then there should be no issues. In a residential school environment of course that can be more of a challenge, especially if you live on site.

Can I choose teaching materials which might contradict Church teaching?

There are many places in the curriculum where choice is required. For example in English, it will be at the discretion of the teacher or the Head of Department to choose which novels to study. If a text is presenting or promoting activity which is clearly in breach of Church teaching (e.g. black magic) then that would not be appropriate.

It will depend of course on the age of the pupils. As pupil get older they will need to encounter a fuller range of human experience and behaviour. Some episodes from history are very dark indeed but that does not mean they should not be taught, quite the reverse.

Do Catholic schools study other religions?

Yes, very much so. It is part of the expectation of the bishops that Religious Education must include the study of other world religions. The new RE GCSE must include the study of a second religion and most bishops require that this should be Judaism. The Catholic school should be a place of openness to plurality and difference, committed to promoting dialogue. The pupils are encouraged to think critically, to ask questions and to grow in wisdom and understanding.

Further Reading

For more information on teaching or working in a Catholic school, including more general information about Catholicism, please refer to How to Survive Working in a Catholic School by Raymond Friel and Sister Judith Russi (Redemptorist Publications, 2013).

Come and discover what makes our Catholic schools and multi-academy trust unique – we’d love to welcome you for a visit and a chat.

What are taster sessions?

Participating employers will be offering taster sessions, giving attendees the chance to visit a specific school or organisation, take a tour, meet staff, and learn more about what it’s like to work there, before applying.

We understand that some people may feel unsure or lack experience in the workplace. These sessions are designed to build confidence and provide a real insight into education careers.

Each employer will manage their own taster sessions and may introduce a waiting list if demand is high. More details on which organisations are taking part will be shared as we get closer to the event

Do I need to register for the Pathways Room?

The Pathways Room has a capacity for 30 people per talk. There will be two Pathways Rooms at each event. We will be running different sessions throughout the day. Your event ticket automatically gives you access to these rooms, so there is no need to book an additional ticket.

You can re-enter the event throughout the day if there is a session you want to attend at a different time.

We will publish a full schedule of presentations and workshops for each event, nearer the time.

Do I need to bring my CV?

Most schools will want you to complete an application online without the need for a CV. However, it is still helpful to have an up to date CV as it will help you list your experience and qualifications.

Are you ready to start your career in education? We look forward to meeting you soon!

London 14 November 2026