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

The Big Band from Malcolm Arnold Academy, part of the David Ross Education Trust

Welcome

Sir Hamid Patel CBE

Welcome to CST Annual Conference 2024: A welcome address from Leora Cruddas CBE and Sir Hamid Patel CBE

Keynote: Secretary of State for Education

The Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson MP

Keynote speech from the Secretary of State for Education, the Rt. Hon Bridget Phillipson MP.

Keynote: Ten lessons in leadership

Lord Adebowale CBE

Lord Victor Adebowale will discuss the practice of leading organisations in the context of todays society and suggest ten things that leaders need to consider in taking up and carrying out their roles.

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

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

Sir Mo Farah CBE

Alison Oliver MBE will lead a conversational journey with Sir Mo Farah CBE on his incredible life story, key moments that led to him becoming Olympic Champion, and his new campaign Mo's Mission.

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

Keynote: Exploring the Big Ambition

Dame Rachel de Souza

Children’s Commissioner for England, Dame Rachel de Souza, is joined by Youth Ambassadors for a very special exploration of the Big Ambition, the culmination of three years' work to bring the voices and experiences of a million children to prominence.

Keynote: Reaching for the stars

Dame Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock MBE

Dame Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock, introduced by Hilary Spencer, 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

Reflections from Steve Rollett on day one of Annual Conference 2024.

Drinks reception and networking

Join us in Hall 3 for networking drinks with colleagues and exhibitors, kindly sponsored by RM. The reception is open to all delegates, and will close at 18:40.

Annual Conference dinner

Join us in Hall 4 for our Annual Conference dinner, kindly sponsored by Etio. Note: The conference dinner is available only to delegates who booked a dinner package.