The National Education Leaders Conference 2026

A must attend education conference RETURNS! Across multiple rooms with over 25+ speakers, hosted by the Network for Education Excellence.
About this Event

The National Education Leaders Conference 2026 - DoubleTree by Hilton, Milton Keynes

Following their record breaking conference in February 2026, join nEdEx (Network for Education Excellence) this October for The National Education Leaders Conference 2026, a dynamic and crucial event designed to equip heads, trust leaders, and senior staff with the insights and tools needed to navigate the evolving educational landscape. Hosted on Thursday 8th October 2026 at the Double Tree Hilton, Milton Keynes.

This conference brings together a community of influential leaders committed to driving real, positive change across the sector. The conference is filled with 25+ speakers, networking opportunities focused on best practices, and workshop sessions based on the key themes decided by education leaders, for education leaders.

nEdEx delivers conference agendas that are grounded in realism, pragmatism and best practice.

A Flexible Agenda Tailored to Your Needs

We understand the complexity of leadership roles, which is why the 2026 conference is structured to offer maximum flexibility for delegates.
Beyond the main agenda, which will feature industry leading keynote speeches, delegates have the power to curate their own day. You can choose from bespoke sessions across 6 dedicated, key-themed rooms, which open up in the afternoon, allowing you to deep-dive into the areas most relevant to your current priorities.

Places are limited, so please secure your place now.

Interested in sponsoring or becoming an exhibitor? Email: [email protected]

https://vimeo.com/1183701354
Agenda for the conference

🕑: 08:15 AM - 09:00 AM
Registration, Breakfast & Networking ☕

Info: Welcome to The National Education Leaders 2026! Upon arrival, our helpful team will check you in before you take a moment to grab a coffee and breakfast!

🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:15 AM
Chair's Welcoming Address
Host: Sir Steve Taylor, CEO, Cabot Learning Federation

Info: A warm welcome to the conference from our chair of the day.

🕑: 09:15 AM - 09:35 AM
Keynote Session
Host: Andrew O'Neill, School Policy Adviser, DfE (Invited)
🕑: 09:35 AM - 10:00 AM
Meet the Sponsors!

Info: Our event would be nothing without the sponsors supporting it - our 'Meet the Sponsors' session will be 60 seconds per sponsor to deliver a quick introduction to the audience!

🕑: 10:05 AM - 10:20 AM
Keynote Session
Host: Sir Steve Taylor, CEO, Cabot Learning Federation
🕑: 10:20 AM - 10:40 AM
How can Trusts harness the power of the AI at scale, safely and responsibly?
Host: Fiona Law, Head of New Partnerships & Engagement, Google
🕑: 10:40 AM - 11:00 AM
The Education Hot Seat
Host: Matt Crawford, CEO, Embark Federation

Info: An all new session format - Quick fire questions to Trust Leaders who will rotate in and out of 'The Education Hot Seat'!

🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Mid-AM Refreshments & Networking Break ☕

Info: Enjoy some chats, refreshments and snacks during the Mid-AM break.

🕑: 11:45 AM - 12:05 PM
Keynote Session
Host: Hosted by Magma Maths
🕑: 12:05 PM - 12:25 PM
Keynote Session
🕑: 12:25 PM - 12:45 PM
Keynote Session
Host: Hosted by MyNewTerm
🕑: 12:45 PM - 01:05 PM
Panel Discussion
Host: Rowena Hackwood, CEO, Astrea Academy Trust
🕑: 01:05 PM - 01:10 PM
Chairs Morning Reflections
🕑: 01:10 PM - 01:50 PM
Lunch, Refreshments & Networking ☕

Info: Enjoy a complimentary hot lunch and buffet, we also cater to dietary requirements, along with providing desserts and light snacks!

🕑: 01:50 PM - 02:05 PM
Themed Room Session 1 - People Strategy
Themed Room Session 1 - Parental Engagement
Themed Room Session 1 - AI
🕑: 02:10 PM - 02:25 PM
Themed Room Session 2 - People Strategy
Themed Room Session 2 - Parental Engagement
Themed Room Session 2 - AI
Host: Edward Vitalis, CEO, Invictus Education Trust
🕑: 02:30 PM - 02:45 PM
Themed Room Session 3 - School Improvement & RISE
Themed Room Session 3 - SEND & Inclusion
Themed Room Session 3 - Growth & Mergers
🕑: 02:50 PM - 03:05 PM
Themed Room Session 4 - School Improvement & RISE
Host: Andy Riches, CEO, Inpsiring Primaries Academies Trust
Themed Room Session 4 - SEND & Inclusion
Host: Marie Sweetlove-Smyth, CEO, Fortis Trust
Themed Room Session 4 - Growth & Mergers
Host: Tim Plumb, CEO, PolyMAT
🕑: 03:05 PM - 03:30 PM
Drinks Reception

Info: Wrapping up with a drinks reception - all delegates, sponsors and speakers are invited to enjoy complimentary drinks!