partner Event

The Association of Education Advisers (AoEA) invites education professionals to attend the Ninth Connecting Educators Summit, taking place on Thursday 30 April 2026 at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Manchester Airport.

As AoEA’s flagship event, the Connecting Educators Summit is a key gathering for advisers, school leaders, and system-level practitioners committed to raising the quality of education advice. It provides a dynamic and collaborative space where participants can exchange ideas, reflect on practice, and engage with the latest thinking in school improvement.

The 2026 programme offers a rich and varied agenda designed to inspire and inform. The Summit will feature three high-profile keynote presentations:

• Wayne Harris (CEO, Inclusive Attendance Ltd) exploring how schools can build inclusive attendance cultures
• Felicity Gillespie (Chief Executive, Kindred Squared) examining the critical role of governance in school improvement
• Emma Turner (School Improvement Advisor and Consultant) delivering a thought-provoking session on leadership through the lens of early learning

In addition to keynote sessions, delegates will participate in an expert panel discussion titled “Beyond Compliance: Values-Driven Leadership for Sustainable Improvement”, chaired by Mike Ion and featuring leading voices from across the education sector.

A hallmark of the Summit is its “Sharing Great Practice” sessions, where AoEA Associates present real-world case studies and practical strategies across areas such as curriculum design, professional development, leadership, and organisational change. These sessions provide valuable, actionable insights that can be applied directly within participants’ own contexts.

The Summit experience begins with a pre-conference dinner on 29 April, offering a relaxed environment to build connections, exchange ideas, and engage in professional dialogue. This element has become a valued tradition, supporting deeper collaboration across the AoEA community.

This year’s dinner will feature a panel discussion exploring a timely and important question:
If we were designing the education system now, what major shifts would we prioritise? We are pleased to welcome an outstanding evening panel:
• Baroness Estelle Morris
• Les Walton CBE
• Rory File

Throughout the event, delegates will also have opportunities to network with peers, engage with exhibitors, and contribute to discussions shaping the future of education advice.

The Connecting Educators Summit is more than a conference. It is a space where professional relationships are strengthened, innovative practice is shared, and collective ambition for improving education is realised.

👉 Secure your place today!