London Careers Festival to be renamed City Careers Festival by 2028

The London Careers Festival is set to be renamed the City Careers Festival by 2028, following a decision by the City of London's Education Board. This renaming aims to better reflect the festival's focus on businesses and Livery Companies within the City. The decision was made during a meeting of the Education Board on Friday, October 2, 2026, where the evaluation of the 2026 festival was discussed. The renaming is planned to be implemented in time for the 10th festival in 2028 and will be phased in to allow for a considered transition.

Children engage with an interactive display at a careers festival, with a banner promoting apprenticeships in the background.
Children engage with an interactive display at a careers festival, with a banner promoting apprenticeships in the background.Source: Education Board papers, 2 October 2026

The festival, which saw a record in-person attendance of 6,400 learners in 2026, with a total of 14,021 participants, aims to connect young people with careers in the City of London. The evaluation highlighted the success of initiatives like the Lady Mayor's City Insights Days, which significantly boosted learners' confidence in working in Central London, with 86% of participants reporting increased confidence.

Beyond the Lady Mayor's City Insights Days, the evaluation of the 2026 festival also highlighted the success of interactive Guildhall sessions and a new immersive careers experience format, 'The Crisis Room'. Recommendations approved to enhance the festival's future impact include expanding these high-impact initiatives.

A young person interacts with an exhibit at the London Careers Festival.
A young person interacts with an exhibit at the London Careers Festival.Source: Education Board papers, 2 October 2026

Six recommendations were approved to enhance the festival's future impact. These include the renaming of the festival to City Careers Festival by 2028, with a phased transition to allow for a considered rebranding. Other approved recommendations include refocusing resources on in-person experiences, strengthening these experiences by expanding successful initiatives, implementing targeted outreach to new-to-festival schools, expanding near-peer interactions, and introducing an early matching process between regular festival partners and schools.

Targeted outreach to new-to-festival schools will prioritise institutions from specific boroughs, those with above-average Pupil Premium levels, or schools with additional needs. This approach aims to ensure the festival's resources are directed towards those who will benefit most, building on existing outreach efforts.

Near-peer interactions are designed to increase opportunities for learners to connect with apprentices, interns, and recent graduates, who can offer relatable career advice. A plan and concept for this initiative will be developed in collaboration with younger members of the Advisory Board and ESU partners, such as the Outer Circle apprenticeship community.

A diverse group of young people, including a smiling woman in the foreground, are shown at an event, with the "City Youth Guarantee" text overlaid.
A diverse group of young people, including a smiling woman in the foreground, are shown at an event, with the "City Youth Guarantee" text overlaid.Source: Education Board papers, 2 October 2026

The decision and recommendations were discussed during the Education Board meeting on Friday, October 2, 2026. Further details can be found in the Public reports pack and the Agenda frontsheet for the meeting.

A group of individuals, including a man speaking with his hands gesturing, are seated at a table during a meeting or presentation.
A group of individuals, including a man speaking with his hands gesturing, are seated at a table during a meeting or presentation.Source: Education Board papers, 2 October 2026