Begin your day by collecting your name badge at the registration desk, enjoying refreshments, and taking the opportunity to connect with fellow school and trust leaders.

Our Better for Everyone conference will open with a welcome and introduction from Valerie Hannon and Whole Education CEO Shonogh Pilgrim. Together, they will reflect on the legacy of the late David Price, to whom this conference is dedicated.

Join nationally respected educator and author Ron Berger as he opens the day with insights drawn from decades of experience in transforming education through purpose, character, and high-quality learning.

Rachel Higginson draws on over 25 years in education to explore how lifelong learning begins in the early years.

Professor Gert Biesta, a leading international scholar in educational theory, will explore the deeper purpose of education beyond outcomes inviting us to consider what it truly means to be educated in a changing world.

Valerie Hannon, a globally recognised thought leader in education, will explore how schools can redefine success and transform learning to help young people thrive in a complex and rapidly changing world.

Melissa Farnham is CEO of ASDAN, leading its mission to empower diverse learners through innovative and inclusive education.

Professor Philippa Cordingley explores how Response to Intervention can drive inclusive, evidence-informed teaching and improve outcomes for all learners.

Dennis Simms leads a practical, evidence-based session to help schools reflect on and strengthen their approach to violence prevention.

Professor Toby Greany explores how schools and trusts can develop leadership capacity that is sustainable, values-led and fit for the future.

David Bartram OBE shares practical strategies for trust leaders to deliver ambitious, inclusive and consistent SEND provision across their schools.

Caroline Essame explores the body-based roots of anxiety and dysregulation, offering practical insights to support emotional readiness in schools.

Dan Conley shares a whole-school hive mind approach to embedding metacognition that empowers even the most vulnerable learners.

Ben Kingston-Hughes reveals how play is not just therapeutic but a powerful, brain-based foundation for learning and inclusion, especially for neurodiverse children.

Secondary leaders from the Whole Education Network share practical insights into transforming curriculum and pedagogy in their schools.

Secondary leaders from the Whole Education Network share how they are creating more inclusive schools where all young people feel they belong.

A facilitated panel discussion with secondary leaders from the Whole Education network, offering insights and audience Q&A.

Whole Education network leaders share practical advice on workforce, leadership and school culture.

Lunch will be available between 12:15pm and 2pm, with time to eat between breakout sessions running throughout.

Dennis Simms leads a practical, evidence-based session to help schools reflect on and strengthen their approach to violence prevention.

Primary leaders from the Whole Education Network share how they are creating more inclusive schools where all young people feel they belong.

Clio Brown explores what strong Early Years leadership looks like and why it matters across your whole school or trust.

The Education Endowment Foundation shares evidence-based strategies to strengthen adult-child interactions in the Early Years.

Primary leaders from the Whole Education Network share practical insights into transforming curriculum and pedagogy in their schools.

Special and AP leaders share future-facing approaches to curriculum and pedagogy that build belonging and success for all learners.

Whole Education network leaders share practical advice on workforce, leadership and school culture.

A facilitated panel discussion with primary leaders from the Whole Education network, offering insights and audience Q&A.

This dedicated 90-minute session offers Trust Leaders from the Whole Education Network the opportunity to meet directly with speakers and expert contributors from across the conference.

In a small group setting, you’ll be able to dig deeper into the big ideas shaping the day, ask questions, and explore how these insights can inform your trust’s strategy, culture and priorities.

If you would like to join this session, we recommend taking lunch between 12.15–1pm.

Secondary leaders from the Whole Education Network share how they are creating more inclusive schools where all young people feel they belong.

Primary leaders from the Whole Education Network share how they are creating more inclusive schools where all young people feel they belong.

AP and Special School leaders share inclusive, relationship-driven strategies that build belonging and connection for every learner.

A facilitated panel discussion with special and alternative provision leaders from the Whole Education network, offering insights and audience Q&A.

A facilitated panel discussion with Early Years leaders, offering insights and audience Q&A.

Whole Education network leaders share practical advice on workforce, leadership and school culture.

Professor Gert Biesta, a leading international scholar in educational theory, will explore the deeper purpose of education beyond outcomes inviting us to consider what it truly means to be educated in a changing world.

Mary makes the case for reclaiming curriculum rigour through the unconventional lens of beauty to ensure all children receive a rich and meaningful education.

Angela O’Brien shares practical Systems Leadership strategies to align and engage your MAT staff behind a clear common purpose for lasting improvement.

Explore how EcoVida Routes supports schools in embracing sustainability and building future-ready communities.

Discover how the University of Sunderland’s InterAction Model fosters radical collegiality and co-constructed research between schools and higher education.

Frances Akinde shares practical, cost-effective strategies and inspiring case studies to help schools and trusts build truly inclusive environments.

Vicky Merrick leads a practical session on curriculum and assessment maturity amid the DfE’s curriculum review, helping education leaders align policy and practice effectively.

Neil Moggan explores trauma-informed practice in PE, sharing neuroscience insights and movement strategies to create safe, supportive environments for young people affected by adversity.

Sarah Quinn offers practical strategies to enhance executive function and reduce dysregulation, helping schools improve outcomes for children.

Trust leaders from across the country share practical examples and insights through peer-led table discussions.

Caroline Essame explores the body-based roots of anxiety and dysregulation, offering practical insights to support emotional readiness in schools.

Neil Moggan shares practical early intervention strategies to help young people manage stress, build resilience, and take ownership of their emotional wellbeing.

Mick Waters guides leaders and teachers to connect their vision with daily practice to improve learning through a pupil-focused perspective.

Jeremy Samways highlights why AI literacy is essential for students and educators today, offering practical steps to prepare classrooms for a future transformed by artificial intelligence.

Steve Eastaugh and Gavin Drake from Mindspan share practical mindset and leadership strategies through CalmHead and Mini Mind.

Zoe Elder of ASDAN shares expert strategies to design curriculum and pedagogy that foster effective learning across all educational settings.

Eleanor Bernades explores how inclusive secondary schools define and practice belonging to create supportive learning environments for all.

Natalie Packer offers practical insights and lessons learned on setting up successful resource provisions to support SENCOs and school leaders.

Ally MacDonald shares practical strategies from Intent-Based Leadership to build ownership and leadership at every level in your school or trust.

Beth Devereux from Elklan offers practical strategies to foster meaningful interactions that support children’s speech, language, and communication development.