18 June 2026 at the Birmingham Conference and Events Centre
School trusts are operating in a period of sustained and accelerating change. Digital and data-related decisions are becoming more visible and more consequential, while expectations around governance, accountability and responsible implementation continue to evolve. Recent national developments – including a stronger focus on AI evaluation, interoperability and secure data infrastructure – are reshaping the policy landscape within which trusts are working.
This year’s conference will be grounded in the community’s shared principles, with particular focus on implementing strong foundational design, building sustainable capability and capacity, and approaching emerging technologies with curiosity and caution. As national policy develops, the need for disciplined evaluation, clear governance and confident leadership has never been more important.
Through thought leadership, policy and regulatory insight, and perspectives from trust leaders, the programme will explore how principles and policy translate into practice. Sessions will reflect on how trusts are strengthening infrastructure before scaling innovation, evaluating AI and edtech responsibly, and using technology to improve workflows, resilience and consistency across their organisations.
The conference offers space for trust leaders with a role or interest in digital transformation, data and innovation to test assumptions, share emerging practice and build collective confidence in proactively shaping what comes next.
Hear from some of today's leading educational thinkers
Give you and your leadership team time to re-think how your trust works
Connect with colleagues from school trusts across the country
Engage with innovative providers to the school trust sector
This conference is an extension of the CST Data and digital transformation professional community - a unique space for school trust staff to network, share, and learn, all year round. Community membership is an integral part of CST membership.
Executive Director, Good Future Foundation
Executive Director, Good Future Foundation
Daniel taught and held senior leadership roles in the UK independent sector for 14 years. He served a six year term as Treasurer and Board Director at the Institute of Global Learning, and in 2023 moved into AI research at Goodnotes. He is Executive Director of the Good Future Foundation and a Governor at Sutton House Academy in Essex.
Director of Research and Consultancy, Educate Ventures Research
Director of Research and Consultancy, Educate Ventures Research
Madiha is an AI researcher and Director of Consulting Services at Educate Ventures Research. She works closely with policy makers, higher education bodies, school groups and EdTech firms in developing ethical and purposeful approaches towards AI. Her particular area of interest is in the use of data and AI to extract meaningful insights about teaching and learning. She has a PhD in self-regulated learning, specifically exploring a learning analytics approach towards monitoring tutor co-regulation of learners in an online classroom.
In addition to academia, Madiha has over 10 years of experience working in the EdTech sector, advising EdTech firms, accreditation bodies and education and training suppliers on their digital strategies. Madiha’s combined academic and commercial experience enable her to take an evidence based, yet commercially astute approach, towards supporting her clients.
Deputy Director for the Digital Strategy for Education, Department for Education
Deputy Director for the Digital Strategy for Education, Department for Education
Kath Moulds is Deputy Director for the Digital Strategy for Education and leads on DfE’s work to help schools and colleges use technology and AI safely and effectively to improve outcomes. Kath started her career as a French and Spanish teacher and then head of languages, working in big mainstream secondary schools in North London and teaching abroad in France and Malawi. After having her first child, Kath left teaching and moved into the Department for Education. She has been working at DfE for 16 years, in cross-cutting policy and stakeholder engagement roles, including leading the DfE’s policy to tackle excessive teacher workload.
For details about commercial tickets, please contact partnerships@cstuk.org.uk.
CST members only: Full conference access including keynotes, workshops, lunch, and resources
Book your place£402 inc VAT at 20%
Non-CST member place for conference including keynotes, workshops, and lunch
Coming soon£474 inc VAT at 20%
Our conference takes place at the Birmingham Conference and Events Centre, a short walk from Birmingham New Street train station.
We recommend using public transport wherever possible to attend. The venue is within Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone and there may be additional fees for driving to the venue.
Birmingham Conference and Events Centre
Hill Street
Birmingham
B5 4EW
The conference takes place on 18 June 2026.
The full programme will published nearer to the event date, but delegate registration is expected to begin at around 08:00 with main programme running approximately 09:30 to 16:00.
Delegate places include full access to conference main sessions, workshops, and exhibition, plus refreshments, and lunch during the day.
Overnight accommodation is not included and delegates are responsible for their own travel arrangements.
The event programme is provisional and subject to change. Booking terms and conditions apply.
Imagery is from past events and may not reflect future programmes.
Confederation of School Trusts · Registered in England & Wales, company no: 05303883 · Charity no: 1107640.
CST Professional Development Ltd · Registered in England & Wales, company no: 10354936 · VAT Registration Number 270 0880 18
Registered offices both at 167-169 Great Portland Street, 5th Floor, London, England, W1W 5PF