Conference programme

Registration, exhibition, and networking

Time to collect your conference pass and programme, as well as a chance to meet with fellow delegates over coffee and explore our conference exhibition.

Opening performance

Music from pupils from the David Ross Education Trust.

Welcome

Sir Hamid Patel CBE

An introduction to our two-day event by CST chair and CEO of Star Academies, Sir Hamid Patel CBE.

Keynote: Building the school trust sector

Leora Cruddas CBE

CST's Chief Executive Leora Cruddas CBE explores the themes of our conference.

Ten lessons in leadership

Lord Adebowale CBE

Lord Victor Adebowale will discuss the practice of leading organisations in the context of today’s society and suggest ten things that competent leaders of school trusts need to consider in taking up and carrying out their roles as leaders.

Refreshments, exhibition, and networking

Workshops - series one

Choose from a broad selection of workshops delivered by trust leaders, sector experts, and CST partners including the National Institute of Teaching and Ambition Institute.

Lunch, exhibition, and networking

In conversation with Sir Mo Farah CBE: A MOment in time

Sir Mo Farah CBE

Alison Oliver, CEO, Youth Sports Trust, will lead a conversational journey with Sir Mo through his incredible life story and the key moments that led to him becoming Olympic champion.

Workshops - series two

Choose from a broad selection of workshops delivered by trust leaders, sector experts, and CST partners including the National Institute of Teaching and Ambition Institute.

Refreshments, exhibition, and networking

Exploring the Big Ambition

Dame Rachel de Souza

Children’s Commissioner for England Dame Rachel de Souza is joined by young ambassadors to explore the Big Ambition, the culmination of three years' work to bring the voices and experiences of a million children to prominence. Chaired by CST Chief Executive Leora Cruddas CBE.

Reaching for the stars

Dame Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock MBE

Dame Dr Maggie will discuss her life journey and lessons she has learned on the way. She will also take us on a journey into space and time, exploring some of the deep philosophical questions that we have always asked: Are we alone in the universe? How did it all begin and will we ever, literally, reach the stars?

Closing remarks

Steve Rollett

The formal close of day one of the conference.

Drinks reception and networking

Join fellow delegates in the exhibition hall to network and reflect on the day's speakers and workshops. The reception is open to all delegates, and will close at 18:40.

Conference dinner

An optional conference dinner, giving a relaxed opportunity to meet with fellow delegates and continue the day's conversations over dinner. Due to limited capacity, the dinner is not included in standard delegate tickets and must be purchased separately.