Curriculum Conference 2026
Venue to be confirmed...
In the simplest terms, ‘curriculum’ is a description of what, why, and how students should learn within schools. However, in reality, it includes so much more. Curriculum planning and design is also not a one-off activity but rather an ongoing evaluation and reflective practice.
The Schools North East Curriculum Conference offers an invaluable opportunity for school leaders, educators, and curriculum specialists to collaborate, exchange ideas, and explore strategies for creating a broad and enriching curriculum. The event has seen remarkable growth since beginning in 2020, with over 300 delegates from across the North East attending last year alone.
Attendees will benefit from insights shared by leading practitioners, academic experts, and fellow educators from North East schools, centred around the vital topic of curriculum development. The Schools North East annual Curriculum Conference also serves as an excellent occasion to connect with peers across the region, creating a community of shared best practice.
As the Ofsted Education Inspection Framework places a strong emphasis on curriculum quality, this conference will prompt delegates to reflect on the intent, implementation, and impact of their school’s curriculum. Additionally, delegates can engage with curriculum-focused organisations at our specialised exhibition, enhancing their professional network and resource base.
Who should attend?
- Head Teachers and Deputy Head Teachers
- School and Trust Senior Leaders
- Middle Leaders
- Curriculum Leads
- Teaching & Learning Leads
- Teaching Practitioners
Event Overview
Chris Zarraga
Director, Schools North East
Chris has been part of the Schools North East team since its inception in 2007 and in 2019 he was appointed Director.
Chris works with other leaders across the North East, the education sector and charity sector to represent the voice of North East schools, and lobby policy makers to ensure that the North East is not left behind when it comes to education policy. Chris has overseen the launch of the Ednorth evidence-based excellence programme, as well as the partnership with SHINE bringing over £500,000 worth of funding to North East schools.
Under Chris, Schools North East has moved to a greater focus on lobbying around education policy, with the launch of the Manifesto for North East Education in December 2019. As well as being a trustee of a local MAT, Chris sits on various boards including the board for Opportunity North East. Prior to joining Schools North East, Chris worked with over 165 schools in the North East and various education organisations including local authorities, Excellence Partnerships, 14-19 Groups, the Specialist Schools & Academies Trust, and School Improvement Officers. He led a large scale culture change project in education across the North East and was the development consultant for the LEGI funded Wansbeck Enterprise Education Network.
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