AoC Curriculum Conference 2026

Speaker Nashwa Aly Muhammad Session information This practical session addresses the limitations of one-size-fits-all assessments. It explores the positive impact of creating equitable opportunities for all learners, including those with special educational needs, while catering to cultural differences and varied learning preferences. Learn about the key principles of accessible and inclusive assessment and how to integrate these to accommodate diverse needs, by providing alternative testing formats and designing fair and unbiased assessments.

Speaker Paula Asad Session information Have you ever felt overwhelmed by stacks of test papers, questioning whether they truly reflect what your learners know or can do? In this practical webinar, we reimagine traditional testing and explore creative strategies to help learners authentically demonstrate their learning. Discover how to use whiteboards and exit tickets for instant feedback, how to apply teach-back methods to deepen understanding and how to design authentic assessments that foster higher-order thinking.

In this webinar, Simon Murphy, Executive Headteacher at Scoill Phurt Le Moireey School, joins Anna Rushby, Chief Product Officer at Juniper Education, to share how his primary school changed its approach to assessment tracking. You’ll hear the practical steps taken to reduce admin, introduce new ways of working, and give teachers more time to focus on pupil progress. A real account of leading change in a school, including what worked and what they would do differently.

Too often, KS3 is seen as a warm-up for the 'real' work of KS4. But what if it’s actually the engine room of thinking, curiosity, and confidence? In this session, Mary talks with Steve Willshaw and Alex Fairlamb about the research supporting a more demanding offer for pupils at Key Stage 3.

Over the last 6 years, the Rethinking Education Conference has examined how earning happens and how it must evolve—through competency-based approaches, digital transformation, learner empowerment, leadership development, and child development. In 2026, the conversation hits a critical turning point, with a focus on coherent learning systems with the theme: From Pedagogic Innovations to Impact: Building Coherent Learning Systems for Skills Development Across the world, education systems are rich in initiatives - but poor in alignment. Innovation has outpaced coherence. Pilots have multiplied, yet impact remains uneven and fragile. This conference invites researchers, educators, system leaders, policymakers, and practitioners to move beyond isolated reforms and engage with a central challenge: How do we design, align, and sustain learning systems that genuinely support skills development at scale? We invite abstracts that explore: - System coherence across curriculum, pedagogy, assessment, and technology - Translating educational innovation into measurable, sustained impact - Teacher and leadership capacity as system infrastructure - Skills development in digitally mediated systems - Policy, governance, and financing for integrated learning systems - African and global perspectives on system-level education reform - Evidence-based models that connect learning to life outcomes Day 0 29 July Pre-conference Dinner and Networking ​ Day 1 30 July Demonstrations and Workshop Day 2 31 July Academic Presentations Day 3 1 August Roundtable Discussions and Reflections

In a year of this much change, can you afford not to attend? New curriculum, new assessment, a new inspection framework, and reforms to accountability. If you lead on data in a school, college or trust, the landscape you're navigating now looks nothing like the one you knew twelve months ago, and the pace isn't slowing. What does the day look like? This is a full, practical day. The morning session features updates direct from those shaping the national picture, with time built in for your questions. In the afternoon,  practitioners lead the way with honest, grounded sessions on what is actually working in schools and trusts now. What will I take back to my school? You will leave with: Confidence to lead informed conversations with your headteacher, principal, CEO, governors or trustees, which are grounded in direct updates from the DfE and Ofqual, not filtered through someone else's interpretation. Clarity on inspection and RISE, including where the framework is heading, what evidence matters most, and how to position your school or trust to respond with confidence. Practical strategies you can apply straight away , drawn from practitioners already doing this work, including approaches to data-driven improvement and supporting disadvantaged learners. A sharper handle on the accountability calendar so you can plan ahead, avoid surprises, and lead your team through the year with purpose. Stronger professional networks and connections with peers navigating the same pressures, as well as access to exhibitors who specialise in supporting data leadership. Last year's conference sold out and this year, with more to navigate than ever, make sure you book early.

A hands-on Science of Reading workshop with Doug Lemov, focused on strengthening reading comprehension and close reading for Grades 3–12. This workshop is designed to support teachers and school leaders in deepening their understanding of the Science of Reading and, crucially, in turning that research into classroom practice that is intentional, coherent, and effective. While awareness of the Science of Reading has grown rapidly, many educators are still grappling with how to apply the research in ways that genuinely improve student understanding. This session bridges that gap, connecting evidence to pedagogy and curriculum so that reading instruction leads to meaningful, lasting learning.

Following their record breaking conference in March 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. 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 both the morning and afternoon, allowing you to deep-dive into the areas most relevant to your current priorities.

Join Doug Lemov for an exclusive training event in Bangkok. This one-day professional learning experience offers educators the opportunity to learn directly from one of the world’s most influential voices in teaching and learning. Drawing on the latest research from cognitive science and the principles explored in The Teach Like a Champion Guide to the Science of Reading, this highly practical workshop will unpack how students become powerful readers after phonics, and what great literacy instruction looks like from primary through to secondary education and beyond.