Communications Summit 2026: Communications on the cusp

Themed on Communications on the cusp, the summit explored how strategic communications can help school trusts respond with confidence to changes in inspection, curriculum, parent engagement, budgets and the media landscape.

104

delegates

12

speakers

9

sessions

The CST Communications Summit is the perfect space to unpick the communication challenges facing schools and trusts, and to connect with experts who’ve been there and found effective solutions. It’s a collaborative, idea‑driven environment where fresh thinking is encouraged. No matter your role or the size of your trust, you’ll find a place at the CST Communications Summit.
Lauren WilsonHead of Brand Strategy, The Thinking Schools Academy Trust​
A valuable opportunity to connect and learn with colleagues working in what can feel like quite a lonely role. I loved the balance of content, with strategic food for thought and very practical ideas to take back to our trusts.
Helen MillerCommunications Lead, Tenax Schools Trust
Both a practical and inspiring day and so many helpful connections made - unmissable!
Abigail MosleyCommunications & Marketing Business Partner, Creating Tomorrow Trust
The CST Communications Summit was a genuinely valuable and well‑designed day. The programme struck the right balance between strategic insight and practical, trust‑level application, with opportunities to learn from peers facing similar challenges. The introduction of the Unconference session was particularly effective, allowing delegates to shape discussions around real, current issues and share lived experience. I left with clear ideas, reassurance that others are navigating the same complexities, and practical approaches I can take back into my trust.
Catherine BennettHead of Marketing, Communications and Partnerships​
CST Communications 2026
CST Communications 2026
CST Communications 2026
CST Communications 2026
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Inspiring sessions

Throughout the day, delegates explored:

  • How strategic communications can help trusts respond to a changing education landscape
  • The role of brand, values and storytelling in supporting people through uncertainty
  • Building partnerships with parents, communities and local businesses to strengthen trust reputation
  • How communications can evolve as trusts grow, change and demonstrate their impact

Focused insights

Discussions covered:

  • Helping parents, staff and the media understand the new format Ofsted inspection reports
  • Freedom of Information for school trusts, including legal duties, common requests and practical approaches
  • Using mobile phones to create effective video content for trust communications and marketing
  • Developing clear, consistent parent communications during school improvement and trust growth

Making connections

Attendees had the opportunity to:

  • Shape the agenda through an interactive unconference format
  • Share challenges, ideas and practical solutions with communications colleagues
  • Learn from trust communications leaders, sector experts and national bodies
  • Network with colleagues and leading suppliers to the sector

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Join us for 2027

We would love to see you at our next Communications Summit, taking place on Thursday 4 March 2027 at the Birmingham Conference and Events Centre.

Book your place