1 Workshop series three

From manual to managed: Designing and sustaining workflows at scale

Room: Mercian

1 Workshop series three

Evaluating what matters: Improving your digital capability in practice

Room: Innovation

1 Workshop series three

Exploring the use of AI agents? Trust leaders share their experience

Room: Connect

1 Main programme

Registration, refreshments, networking and exhibition

1 Main programme

Panel: Safer by design: Seeing and supporting children’s hidden family vulnerabilities

In order to ensure our safeguarding systems can be made coherent, they must first be made inclusive enough to see every child’s needs. This panel will explore the less visible issues that lead to young people needing greater support, including caring responsibilities, parental imprisonment, and the complex dynamics of kinship care. Leaders from trusts and the charity sector will share their inclusion strategies and experiences of helping these children to be not only more visible but more successful.

1 Main programme

Refreshments, networking, and exhibition 

1 Main programme

Breakout series one

Choose from a range of practical sessions exploring violence prevention, safeguarding data, joined-up approaches to vulnerability, and the development of safeguarding leaders across trusts.

1 Main programme

Lunch, exhibition, and networking

1 Main programme

Breakout series two

Explore sessions focused on early intervention in children’s mental health, the use of AI and digital insight in safeguarding, and how trusts can strengthen prevention, identification and support.

1 Main programme

Panel two: Community Exchange

A new opportunity at conference for delegates to tap into the collective expertise of trust colleagues. Selected contributors will introduce a live issue or emerging area of practice, before opening it up for discussion, ideas and practical solutions from fellow members.

1 Breakout series one

Putting violence-prevention evidence into practice: The Oasis case study

1 Breakout series one

From information to insight: Building consistency in your trust’s safeguarding data

1 Breakout series one

Connecting the dots: Behaviour, SEND, attendance and safeguarding

1 Breakout series one

The DSL Development Clinic

1 Breakout series two

Fences, not ambulances: Strategies for supporting children’s mental health before crisis

1 Breakout series two

Superhuman safeguarding: Piloting AI enabled early identification of risk

1 Breakout series two

Safety unfiltered: Connecting digital signals with meaningful intervention

1 Breakout sessions: Series three

What will the shape of the school system be in 2036?

In this final of our three conference debate sessions, a panel of leading trust figures will discuss what our sector might look like 10 years from now, guided by Schools Week Editor Freddie Whittaker. The government has set out plans for long-term reform for schools, post-16, and SEND – but are they achievable, and what will they look like in practice?

1 Breakout sessions: Series three

Trust level inspection: Implications and next steps

Led by Matthew Purves, this session will provide space for discussion and shared reflection following HMCI’s keynote, offering delegates an opportunity to explore the themes, questions, and implications in greater depth.

1 Breakout sessions: Series three

Designing pathways that work: Creating a 'no wrong door' experience for learners across your trust

This workshop explores how trusts can design coherent pathways that help every learner make informed choices and progress with confidence. Working through learner profiles with different strengths, aspirations, and support needs, we will examine where curriculum, qualifications, careers education, and transition points can become disconnected. Together, we will identify common barriers and explore practical approaches to trust-wide curriculum planning, qualification pathways, and destination strategies to create a more joined-up experience. You will gain tools to help review progression pathways across your trust. Ideal for trust leaders responsible for curriculum, inclusion, pathways, and careers strategy.

1 Breakout sessions: Series three

Beyond device deployment: Embedding connected learning across a trust

What is the impact of a pedagogy-first approach to thinking about digital tools to support learning and teaching, and why is it so different from the historical EdTech approach? This session explores how Inspiring Futures through Learning has approached their device provision with a very clear vision – using digital tools to support, extend, enhance, and stay away from specific aspects of pedagogy and practice. Sarah Hand and Dr Fiona Aubrey-Smith will reflect on their year-long impact research, sharing insights about pedagogical drivers, implementation, accessibility, staff development, and the practical realities of classrooms across the 21 school all-through trust. Ideal for directors of education, school improvement leaders, digital strategy leads, and inclusion leaders.

1 Breakout sessions: Series three

The future of headship: Who will lead our schools in the decade ahead?

Who will lead our schools in the decade ahead, and what will they need to succeed? This session explores one of the sector's most pressing workforce challenges: securing a strong pipeline of future headteachers. Bringing together trust and school perspectives, speakers will examine how expectations of headship are changing, the competencies and attributes most critical for success, and what makes the role attractive and sustainable for current and future leaders. Through discussion and shared insight, delegates will explore emerging thinking on the capabilities future headteachers will require and consider the implications for recruitment, retention and succession across the sector. Ideal for headteachers and executive leaders, and trust leaders responsible for people, leadership development, recruitment and succession planning.

1 Breakout sessions: Series three

Governance at scale: Frameworks for resilient and purposeful stewardship

In this session, we will explore CST’s Governance at scale paper, which draws on systems thinking and sector experience to set out a principles-led framework for deliberately redesigning governance for greater complexity, pace, and distance. It focuses on stewardship, assurance, clear accountability, and effective information flows, moving beyond incremental tweaks towards governance that remains viable, resilient, and purposeful at scale. Ideal for trust leaders interested in trust governance, including chief executives, trustees, and governance professionals.

1 Breakout sessions: Series three

Protecting staff when complaints escalate: Leadership, wellbeing, and support

This case study and discussion explore how trusts can respond when parental complaints move beyond formal processes and begin affecting staff wellbeing, reputation, and leadership capacity. Drawing on sector insight, trust experience, and specialist support perspectives, we will examine how concerns can escalate through parent groups, local media and online discussion, and explore practical approaches to de-escalation, communication and staff support. You will gain insight into warning signs, governance considerations and how trusts can assess when additional support may be beneficial. Ideal for CEOs, governance professionals, HR leaders and school leaders.

1 Breakout sessions: Series three

Inclusive by design: Creating environments where all learners thrive

This strategic panel discussion explores how trusts and partners are designing inclusive learning environments that support a wider range of learner needs across mainstream and specialist provision. The panel will translating inclusive design principles into effective spatial strategies, from sensory considerations and adaptability to whole-school planning and external environments, sharing the practical realities of translating ambition into delivery. You will gain practical insight into how to embed inclusive principles into estate strategy, capital planning and project delivery, while balancing long-term adaptability, operational needs and learner wellbeing. Ideal for COOs, heads of estates and directors of operations.

1 Breakout sessions: Series three

Value Match: Strategic procurement round table - Your agenda, your priorities

This facilitated round table provides an opportunity for trust leaders with responsibility for procurement, finance and operations to discuss the issues that matter most to them. Rather than following a predetermined agenda, the discussion will be shaped by attendees, with topics gathered in advance through the conference app. Whether your focus is procurement strategy, value for money, supplier relationships, contract management, sustainability, risk, collaboration or emerging sector challenges, this session offers a space to share experiences, explore solutions and learn from peers. Ideal for CFOs, COOs, and others with strategic responsibility for procurement across their trust.

1 Breakout sessions: Series three

Connecting attendance, belonging and support: What attendance mentoring is teaching us

This evidence-informed session explores early learning from the national attendance mentoring programme. We will examine how trusts are addressing persistent absence through relationships, belonging, family engagement and wider wraparound support. Speakers will share emerging findings, reflections from live delivery and practical considerations around sustainability, scalability and implementation across different trust contexts. You will gain practical insight into approaches that can strengthen attendance, inclusion, and pupil engagement. Ideal for directors of education, inclusion and school improvement, alongside attendance, safeguarding and pastoral leaders.

1 Breakout sessions: Series three

FFT: Supporting reading improvement at scale: What one million assessments reveal

This workshop launches FFT's major new national research on reading fluency, drawing on more than one million reading assessments. We will explore what the research reveals about the gap between phonics, fluency, and comprehension, with a particular focus on the pupils most at risk of falling behind. We will discuss implications for trust-wide improvement and practical approaches to identifying need, benchmarking performance, and monitoring progress across your schools. The session includes a demonstration of FFT's assessments, benchmarking tools, and literacy programmes, supporting reading improvement at scale. Ideal for directors of education and trust literacy leaders across primary and secondary schools.

1 Breakout sessions: Series three

BeReady: An untapped opportunity? Unlocking the Growth and Skills Levy

Many trusts are looking for ways to strengthen workforce capacity without placing further pressure on already stretched budgets. This interactive session explores how the Growth and Skills Levy can support retention, talent development and inclusive provision, drawing on practical examples from trust leaders in both mainstream and special education settings. We will examine common misconceptions, practical implementation approaches and how funded development opportunities can be used to develop teaching assistants, create career progression opportunities and support staff into qualified teacher roles. Ideal for CEOs, COOs, and HR leads.

1 Breakout sessions: Series three

From centralisation to automation: Putting agentic AI to work

This practical case-study session explores how agentic AI could help trusts realise more of the promised benefits of centralisation. We will examine how AI agents can manage manual administrative processes from end to end, while following trust policies and maintaining a clear audit trail. Drawing on trust case studies, Arbor CEO James Weatherill will share examples involving school trips, risk assessments and Subject Access Requests. You will gain practical insight into where agentic AI could reduce workload, improve consistency and release staff capacity, alongside the strategic, operational and governance decisions involved. Ideal for trust leaders responsible for operations, technology and transformation.

1 Breakout sessions: Series two

What will teaching and learning look like in 2036?

In this second our three conference debate sessions, TES Editor Jon Severs will explore the next decade of teaching and learning with a panel of trust leaders and education thinkers. How will our classrooms look a decade from now? What do we need to do to get there, and ensure it succeeds for all our children?

1 Breakout sessions: Series two

Why political engagement matters: What trust leaders need to know

In this strategic discussion we will explore why building relationships with political stakeholders across the political spectrum matters and top tips for how trusts can engage effectively at local, regional and national levels. We also expect to share an exclusive preview of fresh data in PLMR's Road to 2029 polling and what that might mean for the political landscape. Ideal for trust CEOs, trustees and executive leaders.

1 Breakout sessions: Series two

Navigating conspiracy theories: Misinformation and digital influence in schools

This panel brings together perspectives on how trust leaders can approach the impact of online conspiracies and misinformation on pupils, staff and communities. Drawing on initial findings from the Commission into Countering Online Conspiracies in Schools and the National Institute of Teaching’s work at the Centre for Digital Information Literacy, we will consider the implications for curriculum, pedagogy, and leadership practice, asking what are trusts noticing in their communities? Where are current approaches proving effective, and where are they more challenging? What kinds of knowledge, skills and judgement do staff need to navigate misinformation and conspiracy theory with confidence? Ideal for CEOs, directors of education, safeguarding leads and headteachers.

1 Breakout sessions: Series two

The SEND reforms and inclusive teaching

This session, chaired by Tom Rees, will focus on the SEND reforms and inclusive teaching. Tom will be joined by Hilary Spencer and Professor Becky Francis to discuss their respective approaches to inclusive teaching based on Ambition Institute’s Inclusive Teaching Framework and EEF’s Inclusive Teaching Guide. Ideal for trust leaders responsible for SEND, education, school improvement, and inclusive classrooms, including chief executives and directors of education.

1 Breakout sessions: Series two

How can trust teams best support modern headteachers to succeed?

The general understanding of what headteachers do hasn't changed for decades. But those who work as and with heads in school trusts recognise the evolution of the role in recent years. This discussion will explore those changes and discuss the critical role of headteachers within their schools and communities. It will ask what trust teams can do to alleviate pressure, provide support, and ensure a pipeline of potential education leaders ready to step into school leadership. Ideal for directors of education, school improvement leads, and those interested in the role of headteachers in trusts.

1 Breakout sessions: Series two

Navigating the trust-led system: How to grow with purpose

This session brings together legal and operational perspectives on trust mergers. Jamie Otter, Partner at Stone King, will draw on sector experience to highlight key legal and regulatory pitfalls, including due diligence, decision-making frameworks, and evidencing public benefit. He will be joined by Alan Warboys, who led a trust merger, to offer practical insight into the cultural, stakeholder, and integration challenges that can shape outcomes. Together, they will explore how boards can exercise strong stewardship through complex transitions, balancing risk, purpose, and pace while maintaining trust with communities and partners. Ideal for trust leaders interested in the governance and stewardship of mergers, including executive leaders, board members, and COOs.

1 Breakout sessions: Series two

Making the hidden connections: Saving money, reducing risk, and improving understanding of your estate

This workshop explores a simple truth: you can't control external energy prices, but you can control the information and assumptions that shape decisions about your trust estate. We will unpack the hidden information gaps that can increase costs and create unnecessary risk, drawing on practical case studies covering mergers, decarbonisation, new builds, lettings and everyday operational decisions. You will discover how small changes can improve efficiency, reduce long-term costs and strengthen decision-making across your estate. Ideal for COOs, and estates and operations leaders.

1 Breakout sessions: Series two

The next phase of trust leadership: Building connected organisations

As trusts mature, the challenge is shifting from building strong individual functions to leading increasingly complex organisations. Drawing on new research across finance, HR, estates and IT, this session explores how leadership across these domains is evolving and what this means for executive teams looking to build more connected organisations. We will examine the capabilities, structures and strategic capacity required as trusts grow in scale and complexity and consider what trust leaders need to do differently in the next phase of trust maturity. Ideal for trust leaders responsible for organisational strategy and development.

1 Breakout sessions: Series two

Lloyds Bank: Connecting finance and operations - Rethinking payments across the trust ecosystem

This strategic panel discussion brings together payments expertise from Lloyds alongside sector insight, including reflections from James Rant to explore the changing role of payments and financial operations across trusts. We examine streamlined payment processes, stronger controls and better integration, and the role they play in supporting efficiency, resilience, and visibility across organisations. The session also explores the evolving payments landscape, including straight through processing and embedded payments as part of wider digital transformation. Discover techniques for improving visibility, reducing friction in procure-to-pay workflows and preparing for future payment models. Ideal for CFOs, COOs, finance directors, procurement, and operations leaders.

1 Breakout sessions: Series two

Renaissance: From assessment to action - Connecting data, teaching, and learning

This interactive roundtable explores how trusts can turn growing volumes of data into meaningful action by connecting assessment, teaching, and learning in one platform. You’ll get an early look at Renaissance Intelligence, arriving in the UK in Autumn 2027, and see how connected workflows could help identify needs earlier, strengthen inclusion and support more informed decision-making. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the platform, discuss the challenges of connecting data and practice across your trust, and share priorities that can inform its development. Ideal for trust leaders responsible for digital, data, teaching and learning, inclusion and school improvement.

1 Breakout sessions: Series two

How do we know it’s working? Linking school improvement priorities to evidence of impact

This practical workshop explores how trusts can move from improvement priorities to credible, usable evidence about what is actually working across their schools. Leaders have access to more data than ever before, face growing expectations to demonstrate impact, and must make difficult decisions about where to focus limited time and resources. Through a trust case study on attendance, we will examine how leaders can move beyond data tracking towards targeted evaluation. We will explore practical approaches to building evidence, identifying which initiatives are making the greatest difference, and using evaluation to strengthen decision-making. You will gain ideas and tools to help prioritise improvement activity and focus resources where they can have the greatest impact. Ideal for CEOs, directors of education, executive principals and school improvement leaders.

1 Breakout sessions: Series two

AI-generated complaints: what they're really telling you

When parents use AI to raise a complaint, the technology isn't the issue. The breakdown in the home-school relationship is. This session reframes both the problem and the response and will seek to understand the significant increase in complaints, including from parents of children with SEND, and the possible pathways available to trusts. Drawing on the latest school leaders survey findings, Claire and Victoria will cover how to handle AI-drafted complaints on their merits, what proactive steps cut the risk of formal complaints, and how to build AI literacy across your staff team. Ideal for trust leaders interested in AI, complaints handling, and relational work with parents and families.

1 Breakout sessions: Series two

How do we come together? Building a cross-sector children's workforce

This workshop explores what it would take to build more coherent and connected systems around children and young people over the next decade. We will introduce the children’s workforce as a way of understanding the roles and systems shaping outcomes across education, health, early help and community settings. Drawing on emerging ideas and shared experience, participants will reflect on how the workforce currently operates and will identify opportunities to strengthen collaboration and connection across roles, organisations, and local areas. Ideal for trust and system leaders working across inclusion, partnerships, and place-based strategy.

1 Breakout sessions: Series one

What leadership does education need now – and by 2036?

In the first of our three conference debate sessions, the BBC’s Education and Family Editor Branwen Jeffreys will be joined by a panel of leaders from across the sector to ask what they – and their successors – need to do help trusts continue to improve over the next 10 years. Who are the leaders of the future? How do we find and develop them?

1 Breakout sessions: Series one

The partnership dividend: How do we build and benefit from it?

The ‘partnership dividend’ is realised through an investment in each other, in people, in ‘our place’. It is ‘paid out’ in the increased collective capacity of and for our children, families and colleagues and in stronger, more resilient communities. In this session, James will be inviting trusts to provide tangible examples of this work already underway at the neighbourhood level. He’ll pose some reflection questions to help consider the leadership implications for trust leaders seeking to support their colleagues in this work, for the benefit of the children, staff and communities they serve. Ideal for all trust leaders interested in system leadership, including chief executives, directors of education, and school improvement leads.

1 Breakout sessions: Series one

Curriculum design at trust scale: The power of belonging, culture, and community

This strategic case study explores how HEARTS Academy Trust has improved outcomes across diverse and disadvantaged communities through a trust-wide approach to culture, curriculum, and implementation. The session will consider the leadership decisions that shaped the approach, how to embed high expectations, forge strong relationships, and design a curriculum that creates equity of opportunity, and expands aspiration and enrichment. We will explore the role of trust culture, belonging, and the marginal gains that often make the greatest difference. Ideal for trust leaders responsible for curriculum, education and school improvement, including chief executives and directors of education.

1 Breakout sessions: Series one

Creating the SEND provision continuum: opportunities and challenges

Successful reform of the SEND system will depend on strong, proactive collaboration and connection across mainstream, special, and alternative provision. Together, we need to provide flexible pathways to meet more of the needs of our children and young people. In this session, you’ll be involved in the conversation as trust leaders explore the opportunities and challenges of maximising expertise and knowledge from across education, to break down sector silos and build a continuum of SEND provision. Ideal for trust leaders responsible for SEND provision, and those interested in system leadership, including chief executives and directors of education.

1 Breakout sessions: Series one

Why they join, and why they stay: Connecting your people to your trust’s mission

Is your trust telling its story to employees and potential recruits? This workshop explores how employer branding, communications, and evidence-based storytelling can strengthen recruitment, retention, and trust-wide connection, including through change and mergers - especially for trusts that have limited capacity. Join this session to learn how trusts have successfully utilised people-focused strategies to showcase the value and fulfilment of working in schools, communicating impact and retaining talent. Ideal for trust leaders interested in trust-wide recruitment and retention strategies, including HR Leads, CEOs and COOs.

1 Breakout sessions: Series one

Leading in an age of uncertainty: Planning for emerging risks

We live in a highly interconnected age, when global conflicts can directly impact school budgets and cyber threats and AI can change how we work daily. This session explores how trust leaders and their boards can identify, assess, and respond to emerging risks in an increasingly complex environment. You will consider trade-offs, risk appetite and audit implications, while engaging with practical tools to support horizon scanning and informed decision-making. Designed as a fast-paced, discussion-led session, it will equip trustees and executive leaders with actionable insights to strengthen oversight and resilience. Ideal for trust leaders interested in governance and risk management, including executive leaders, governance professionals, and trustees.

1 Breakout sessions: Series one

AI adoption in practice: What staff are telling us

Drawing on new Edurio research findings, this interactive session explores how school and trust staff are experiencing the rapid growth of AI and digital technology in education. Iona Kelliher will share insights into staff confidence, concerns, and development needs around AI adoption, alongside perspectives from trust leaders embedding AI and digital tools across their organisations. Through practical examples and audience discussion, we will explore the conditions needed for successful digital transformation and where human judgement remains essential. Ideal for trust leaders responsible for digital strategy, workforce development, innovation, and school improvement.

1 Breakout sessions: Series one

The Human × AI operating model: Rethinking trust design

This strategic, research-informed session asks how we might design trusts differently for an increasingly AI-enabled world. Using the Human × AI Operating Model Framework, we will explore what should remain human-led, where AI can augment professional capability, what could be AI-led with human oversight, what can be automated – and what trusts might stop doing altogether. Trust leaders will bring practical perspectives on these choices, alongside emerging research and structured discussion. You will gain the tools to support executive and board-level conversations about workforce, culture, governance, and risk. Additional session speakers to be confirmed. 

1 Breakout sessions: Series one

Benchmarking that goes deeper: What IMP’s 2026 Financial Benchmarking Report reveals about pay, people, and performance across the sector

This session shares the headline findings from IMP Software's 2026 MAT Financial Benchmarking Report, published in partnership with CST. Drawing on the budget assumptions of hundreds of trusts and thousands of schools, we will examine where the sector is heading on staffing ratios, school-level cost pressures, and the size and shape of central teams. We will go further this year with new analysis on CEO and CFO pay, benchmarked against trusts of similar size, location and school mix, giving trustees and executives hard data for a conversation that often relies on instinct. IMP Software's Co-founder and CEO Will Jordan will walk you through the trends shaping 2026, share what the strongest-performing trusts are doing differently, and equip you with questions to take back to your board. Ideal for CEOs, CFOs, COOs and trustees.

1 Breakout sessions: Series one

Connected practice at scale: Strengthening school improvement through digital

This case study session explores how Windsor Academy Trust is using connected digital ecosystems to strengthen pedagogy, professional learning, and trust-wide school improvement. Through the trust’s EmpowerED digital transformation programme, contributors including will reflect on how aligned digital strategy, staff development and communities of practice can support organisational capacity-building and more consistent implementation across schools. Discussion will include links to CST’s conceptual model of school improvement, alongside practical lessons from scaling connected practice across a trust. Ideal for directors of education, school improvement leaders, digital strategy leads and trust executive leaders.

1 Breakout sessions: Series one

Enrichment in practice: Curriculum and community approaches

This case study session explores two approaches to enrichment, and the role trusts can play in widening participation and opportunity. Leaders from Ormiston Academies Trust will share how a trust-wide commitment to guaranteed enrichment and a timetabled programme have helped improve engagement and attendance. Leaders from Altus Education Partnership will discuss how the Children's University, REACH, alumni networks, employer partnerships and community programmes are helping connect young people to experiences, aspirations and opportunities beyond the school gate. We will explore how these models were designed and implemented, the impact achieved, and the lessons learned for trusts looking to strengthen their own enrichment offer. Ideal for CEOs, directors of education and those responsible for personal development.

1 Breakout sessions: Series one

Access Education: Connected by design – Building the joined-up trust

What does it actually look like when finance, HR, payroll and operations stop working in silos and start working as one? In this product showcase session, trust leaders will share how they are using the Access Education platform to connect core business functions, improve visibility across their organisations and reduce duplicated processes. We will explore their implementation journey, the lessons learnt along the way, and the operational impact of having more connected data and workflows across the trust. The session will also include a demonstration of the platform in practice. Ideal for CFOs, COOs, finance directors, trust business leaders and operations leaders.

1 Breakout sessions: Series one

Place-based connections: Working together to set expectations of school readiness

Demonstrating the value of civic collaboration, this session highlights a cross-sector initiative in York to increase the number of children who are toilet trained when they start school. Drawing on research and guidance from Kindred Squared, Ebor Academy Trust teamed up with York Children's Services and the Healthy Child Service to deliver a city-wide communications and support programme for families. The leaders who came together to make it happen will share their journey from issuing the offer letters to welcoming children in September, and what they've learned for next year's campaign. Chaired by Felicity Gillespie of Kindred Squared, this session shows the power of low-resource, high value partnerships to deliver meaningful change. Ideal for all trust leaders interested in Early Years and partnership development, including CEOs, SLT, and school improvement leads.

1 Workshops series two

How can trusts support and manage neurodivergence in the workplace?

According to recent research by Teacher Tapp, 25% of teachers self-identify as neurodivergent, of which a large percentage is comprised of the younger generation. As we seek to create sustainable conditions for staff to thrive, this session explores a partnership approach to supporting neurodivergent staff, where accountability, shared responsibility and flexibility are prioritised, instead of falling back on reactive statutory interventions. Chris will highlight how proactive, values-led HR practices can improve staff wellbeing, retention, and foster an inclusive culture within your trust.   

1 Workshops series two

Rethinking performance management to support development

When evaluating your trusts’ professional development policy, is there a different way of ‘thinking outside the box’ when it comes to performance management? In this session, Elaine will share their trust case-study, and the learnings that came from creating a strategy that feels fit for purpose, instead of perfunctory. Join this session to connect, share your own policies, and learn from others in the room. 

1 Workshops series two

Leading beyond HR: The journey from professional expert to strategic leader

Drawing on her experience at Ted Wragg Trust, Lisa Thomas shares six practical lessons from building an organisation-wide people strategy. The session explores strong HR foundations, organisational leadership, challenging established practice, listening beyond the data, professional development and the importance of relationships. Participants will reflect on their own trust context and identify practical actions to strengthen their influence and people strategy.

1 Workshops series one

Building inclusive career pathways and maximising your apprenticeship levy

This workshop explores how values-led, intentional workforce planning can transform recruitment, retention, and career progression across trusts. Ben and John will examine how aligning recruitment practices at STEP Academy Trust with organisational values can attract and sustain a more inclusive workforce. The session will also explore how creating diverse entry routes such as apprenticeships, can build inclusive career pathways that support progression for all, including alumni, building a stronger, more connected workforce.

1 Workshops series one

How ready is your trust for the changing industrial relations landscape?

Planning how to support your school leaders to build constructive industrial relations is important when handling any potential disputes. This session will help you have conversations with colleagues about the changes we are seeing across education and the need for Trusts to consider industrial relations as a potential challenge and risk for the future. Carl and Emma will cover early signs that industrial relations may be developing, negotiating fundamentals, and employee engagement and trust in leadership as key drivers of constructive dialogue.

1 Workshops series one

Culture is everyone’s business: How HR, comms and leadership join forces to attract and keep great people

This session explores how Comms, HR and leadership can work in partnership to strengthen recruitment across your trust, where employer brand, storytelling, and internal culture all play a role. With recruitment challenges continuing across the sector, a more joined-up approach between internal teams can position your trust as employer of choice. Even if your trust doesn’t have a dedicated MarComms team, we’ll explore how aligning messaging, amplifying authentic staff voices, and leveraging word of mouth can help attract and retain the next generation of teachers in a competitive market. 

1 Main programme

Registration, refreshments, networking and exhibition

1 Main programme

Refreshments, networking, and exhibition 

1 Main programme

Keynote: Maintaining constructive industrial relations

Join Leora and a panel of sector voices to explore patterns and trends in industrial action, and maintaining constructive relationships. Full panel to be confirmed.

1 Main programme

Workshop series one

Choose from a series of practical workshops exploring inclusive career pathways, the changing industrial relations landscape, and how HR, communications and leadership can work together to attract, engage and retain great people.

1 Main programme

Lunch, networking, and exhibition

1 Main programme

Workshop series two

Choose from a series of practical workshops delivered by sector experts and trust leaders, exploring inclusive approaches to supporting neurodivergent staff, rethinking performance management, and how people professionals can strengthen their strategic influence across the trust.

1 Main programme

Afternoon comfort break

1 Main programme

Afternoon activity and networking

This practical reflection session will help us distil the day’s insights into a small number of specific, actionable steps you can take back to their trust. Through guided reflection and focused discussion, attendees will identify what matters most for their context, clarify where to start, and leave with concrete next actions to strengthen HR practice in the months ahead.

1 Workshop series two

Making systems work together across your trust

Room: Innovation

1 Workshop series two

Doing more with data: How trusts are using OEAI to build capacity

Room: Mercian

1 Workshop series two

What does good look like? AI procurement, data protection and supplier assurance round table

Room: Connect

1 Workshop series one

From dashboards to decisions: Building data capability

Room: Mercian

1 Workshop series one

How leaders are approaching trust-wide piloting and implementation of AI tools

Room: Innovation

1 Main programme

Registration, refreshments, networking, and exhibition

1 Main programme

Table discussions

1 Main programme

Refreshments, networking, and exhibition 

1 Main programme

Workshop series one

Choose from a range of workshops exploring how trusts are leading digital transformation in practice, from working within constraints and building data capability to evaluating emerging technologies such as AI with clarity and care.

1 Main programme

Lunch, networking, and exhibition

1 Main programme

Workshop series two

Choose from a range of workshops examining how trusts are strengthening digital foundations, with a focus on connected systems, effective use of data and robust approaches to procurement and assurance.

1 Main programme

Workshop series three

Choose from a range of workshops exploring how trusts are embedding digital practice at scale, including strengthening workflows and governance, evaluating organisational capability and approaching emerging technologies with discipline and oversight.

1 Main programme

Closing remarks

1 Workshop series two

The proposed role for AP within a reformed school system

Alternative Provision plays a key role in our education system and has the potential to change lives. Mark will be joined by a panel of trust leaders and the DfE to explore the thinking behind the proposed new role for AP with a reformed school system. Panel members will also highlight the collaborative approaches that currently take place between mainstream and specialist provision and explore how they might be maximised and developed in the future to both build capacity in our schools and transform even more lives.

1 Workshop series two

Developing a sequential curriculum model for pupils with complex needs in mainstream settings, inclusion units and resource bases

This workshop will provide colleagues with an understanding of the curriculum continuum approach developed by Humber Education Trust which is used across both their mainstream and specialist settings. Attendees will understand the rationale for the progressive, sequential model developed, and the implementation approach adopted to ensure that pupils with complex needs can be supported in either mainstream or specialist settings.

1 Workshop series two

Distributed leadership of SEND: Discussion and networking

This session will be an opportunity for attendees to connect and network in an informal setting. Facilitated by an experienced trust leader, this time will be focused on distributed SEND leadership, and an exploration of strategies to implement accountability and ownership in your trust. Join this session for solution-focused conversations and be prepared to share your own practice with other colleagues. Speakers to be confirmed.

1 Workshop series two

Inclusion bases: Secondary focus

This workshop provides two distinct inside looks: a headteacher’s journey in transforming a secondary resource base into the heart of a school, and the strategic leadership and quality assurance systems developed by a Trust Director of SEND. In this session, Amy explores the cultural shift required to ensure pupils access excellent, integrated provision that defines the school's identity rather than sitting on its periphery. Complementing this, Becky outlines how the trust’s use of steering groups and research-led working parties are establishing a shared understanding of purpose and principles across seven local authorities, aiming to provide a rigorous foundation for quality assurance processes.

1 Workshop series one

Implementing reasonable adjustments: Principles and guidance

With SEND tribunals rising and expectations around reasonable adjustments increasing, trusts face growing pressure to balance legal compliance with classroom realities. This session introduces a series of principles curated by Stone King to support leaders in making defensible, consistent decisions about adjustments. We will explore how schools can meet their duties while navigating capacity, workforce, and operational constraints.

1 Workshop series one

Quality assuring Enhanced Provision

This session explores how strong leadership underpins quality assurance and management in Enhanced Provision, drawing on insights from Ambition Institute’s community of practice. Participants will consider a practical quality management framework, hear real-life examples from a senior leader of enhanced provision, and reflect together on effective approaches and common challenges. The session closes with a summary of key points and next steps for Ambition’s ongoing work in this area.

1 Workshop series one

Supporting school leaders to maximise the impact of the SENCO role

Across England, the SENCO role is under increasing pressure, with rising vacancies, unsustainable workloads and growing expectations, set against a rapidly changing policy landscape. The SEND Reform White Paper signals a shift towards a more strategic SENCO role, while the new Ofsted framework places greater emphasis on inclusion and how effectively schools support pupils with SEND. This session explores what these changes mean in practice for schools and trusts. Drawing on system leadership experience across a school trust, it will examine how leaders can reposition the SENCO role towards strategic leadership of inclusive provision and teaching. Participants will gain practical approaches to workforce design, distributed leadership and SENCO support to strengthen inclusive classrooms and improve the sustainability of the role.

1 Workshop series one

Effective leadership in Alternative Provision

Join this session to hear a clear and honest exploration of how a failing pupil referral unit was transformed into an outstanding alternative provision through strong systems, consistent routines, and sustained leadership. Astrid and Af will examine what effective leadership looks like in this context, with a focus on high expectations, strategic staff recruitment, and continuous school improvement for vulnerable learners. The session will highlight the importance of early assessment and timely intervention, alongside high-quality teaching that meets diverse needs. Attendees will also explore approaches to developing positive attitudes, personal growth, and successful pathways into further education, training, or employment.

1 Main programme

Registration, refreshments, networking and exhibition

1 Main programme

Keynote: Building an inclusive school system

Tom, Leora, and Claire will share their reflections on the Government’s Schools White Paper, plans for SEND reform, and the implications for trusts.

1 Main programme

Refreshments, networking, and exhibition

1 Main programme

Keynote panel: From policy to practice

This panel will reflect on the policy landscape post-White Paper and explore what this means in practice for our young people, schools, and trusts. Katherine will be joined by a panel of trust leaders, who will discuss how we move forward in planning our policies and processes to enact change in the lives of our young people and families. Panellists: to be confirmed

1 Main programme

Workshop series one

Select from workshops focused on rethinking the SENCO role, building sustainable workforce models, and embedding inclusive practice across your trust.

1 Main programme

Lunch, networking, and exhibition

1 Main programme

Workshop series two

Select from workshops exploring the future role of alternative provision, building specialist workforce capacity, inclusive curriculum models, and distributed SEND leadership.

1 Main programme

Comfort break

1 Main programme

Keynote panel: The best start in life

This panel brings together a range of different expert perspectives to share practical examples on how we ensure young children with SEND get off to the best start in life and education. Panellists: to be confirmed

1 16 October

Registration, refreshments, networking, and exhibition

Join us in Hall 3 for refreshments and networking.

1 16 October

Keynote: Preparing for trust level inspection

Sir Martyn will outline Ofsted's preparations for trust level inspection and how the mechanisms and support for this new accountability measure will progress over the year ahead. The session will include a question-and-answer session hosted by Leora Cruddas, with questions submitted by delegates via the conference app.

1 16 October

In conversation: Remaking the relationships between us

Leora Cruddas is joined by social entrepreneur and author Hilary Cottam to explore how we can strengthen relationships, rebuild trust, and create the conditions for communities to flourish. Drawing on Hilary’s influential work, including Radical Help and The Work We Need, the discussion will consider how we as school trust leaders can deliver support at a more human, local scale to unlock new possibilities for young people and for the places that we serve.

1 16 October

Refreshments, exhibition, and networking

Join us in Hall 3 for refreshments and a chance to connect with colleagues and leading suppliers to the school trust sector.

1 16 October

Breakout sessions: Series three

Choose from a range of workshops, seminars, discussion panels, case studies and solutions delivered by trust leaders and sector experts.

1 16 October

Lunch, exhibition, and networking

Join us in Hall 3 for lunch.

1 16 October

Keynote: Improving education outcomes for white working-class children

Despite sustained attention on standards and improvement across the education system, white working-class pupils continue to experience some of the poorest educational outcomes in England. Katie will draw on the findings from the Inquiry into White Working Class Educational Outcomes, to shed light on the complex conditions shaping these outcomes and propose how we, as a sector and as individual leaders, can address these entrenched challenges.

1 16 October

Conference close

1 15 October

Registration, refreshments, networking, and exhibition

Collect your badge and join us in Hall 3 for refreshments and networking.

1 15 October

Refreshments, networking, and exhibition

Join us in Hall 3 for refreshments and a chance to connect with colleagues and leading suppliers to the school trust sector.

1 15 October

Breakout sessions: Series one

Choose from a range of workshops, seminars, discussion panels, and case studies delivered by trust leaders and sector experts.

1 15 October

Lunch, exhibition, and networking

Join us in Hall 3 for lunch.

1 15 October

Breakout Sessions: Series two

Choose from a range of workshops, seminars, discussion panels, and case studies delivered by trust leaders and sector experts.

1 15 October

Refreshments, exhibition, and networking

Join us in Hall 3 for refreshments and a chance to connect with colleagues and leading suppliers to the school trust sector.

1 15 October

Keynote: School improvement: Where we go next, together

When schools improve together what makes the difference - and how can more children benefit? In September, CST published major research tracking attainment across England’s state schools since 2007. It found that schools in trusts have, on average, improved more than other types of state-funded school, with particularly strong gains in disadvantaged communities. These findings pose a productive challenge: how do we move from evidence of improvement to a deeper understanding of what drives it? And how can we identify, codify and share the practices that make the greatest difference?

1 15 October

Drinks reception and networking

Join us in Hall 3 for the drinks reception.

1 Workshop series two

Sustained and coherent in times of change: into the great teaching future

We stand at a crucial time of reform in England, navigating the Curriculum and Assessment Review, the rise of AI, and urgent priorities in inclusion and school culture. In this shifting landscape, building deep collective expertise in teaching is the number one priority, and it cannot be piecemeal. Professional development that is disconnected from strategic priorities and individual needs wastes time, money and good will. In this talk, Stuart, Jablai, and Ben will map the CST’s Implementing Improvement strand against state-of-the-art research, as well as the updated inspection requirements for sustained, coherent and evidence-based professional learning that builds expertise. In doing so, they will share insights about how staff can curate clear, evidence-based goals and actions to ensure that every hour of PD builds pedagogical expertise where it really matters.

1 Workshop series two

CAR: An opportunity for authentic collaboration

Representing voices from across the sector, the Curriculum and Assessment Leads Network (CALN) has recently published a collaborative think-piece in collaboration with CST to outline the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead in responding to the CAR. This session will explore the three tenets of our collective response: Be measured, Lean into the evidence, Collaboration is key. Never before has it been more important to work in partnership with those around us. This session will be a chance to share some of the CALN's early thinking about the implications of the CAR and to extend an open invitation to the sector to join us in the spirit of authentic collaboration.

1 Workshop series two

Capacity, context and change: A people-powered approach to school improvement

Join Sam Gibbs and Tracy Goodyear as they explore how genuine collaboration becomes the engine of sustainable school improvement. The session will be centred around the Trust-wide CPD Leaders' Networks' Six Contextual Lenses, demonstrating how sensitive, intelligent understanding of context allows school improvement and staff development to work in harmony. Drawing on work from their own trusts and the Trust-wide CPD Leaders' Forum, Sam and Tracy will share insights into developing subject leadership at scale, building capacity through expertise, and empowering colleagues to think critically about change.

1 Workshop series two

Beyond a nod and a tick: building agency with school leaders

When working with schools, compliance is the floor, not the ceiling. The most successful trusts move beyond the monitoring trap to curate brilliance, facilitating a culture of professional partnership rather than simple oversight. This session explores the balance between trust-level strategy and the agency of the school leader, shifting the dynamic so leaders are co-architects of strategy rather than just recipients of it. We will share practical frameworks for high-challenge, high-support approaches that respect local context and professional expertise, and explore how alignment doesn’t come at the cost of leadership agency or school improvement.

1 Workshop series two

How to significantly improve reading at scale: a Lift Schools case study

Reading sits at the heart of pupils’ life chances, shaping access to the curriculum, future study and the opportunities available beyond school. This workshop offers a practical case study of how Lift Schools has driven significant improvement in reading at scale. It will share the steps taken to build a coherent, trust wide approach, the impact achieved to date, and the challenges that remain. Focusing on implementation over theory, the session will set out the practical actions taken at each stage, from defining the problem through to embedding consistent practice across schools. It will also share the most recent learning as the work continues to evolve, providing clear and actionable insights for leaders seeking to secure strong reading outcomes at scale.

1 Workshop series one

Coherent PD for a coherent curriculum

This workshop explores how high-quality, subject-specific professional development turns curriculum principles into classroom practice. Drawing on the idea that teacher learning mirrors student learning, we examine how carefully sequenced, subject-specific PD strengthens curriculum coherence, depth and inclusivity. The session will provide insights for how rehearsal, feedback and iterative development build the expertise needed to interpret and enact curriculum with precision.

1 Workshop series one

Built together: How collaboration transformed our curriculum

Two years ago, our schools faced inconsistent outcomes and fragmented learning. We chose bold action: implementing a trust-wide, “bookletised” curriculum designed to guarantee every child access to a high-quality education. This presentation shares our journey, the challenges we overcame, and the tangible impact on teachers, students, and school performance - demonstrating that curriculum coherence is one of the most powerful tools we have for social justice.

1 Workshop series one

Stewarding sustainable outcomes: designing coherence in school improvement

How do trusts move beyond short-term improvement to sustain strong outcomes over time, particularly as organisations grow and contexts diversify? Drawing on trust-wide practice, this session explores how senior leaders deliberately design coherence across strategy, leadership behaviours, teaching, inclusion and the early years so that moral purpose becomes lived reality. Through concrete examples from SEND, EYFS, teaching quality, leadership development, alongside longitudinal impact evidence, the session will examine how clarity, shared language and disciplined priorities enable improvement to be embedded and sustained.

1 Workshop series one

Empowering every teacher and pupil: leading high-impact inclusion through excellent teaching at scale

Inclusion in mainstream settings remains one of the most urgent priorities for contemporary education. This session explores how leaders and teachers can redefine inclusion with ambition and clarity, challenge low expectations, and implement an evidence-informed improvement model that drives coherence, consistency and excellence. Participants will explore a working model that ensures every learner is supported through high-quality teaching, scalable trust systems and school level approaches, making inclusion real, sustainable, and impactful for staff and pupils.

1 Workshop series one

Circles in action: A smarter system for strategic delivery

This workshop introduces the Dixons Circles operating system, a high-value, low-bureaucracy approach to delivering strategic priorities through expertise-led collaboration. Participants will explore how big-move, standing and transformation circles operate, how decisions flow through clear cycles of delivery and review, and how circle leads ensure accountability. Through practical examples, the session will examine how radical transparency and healthy professional relationships enable faster problem-solving, stronger cross-trust alignment and more disciplined execution of the work that matters most.

1 Main programme

Registration, refreshments, and networking

1 Main programme

Headline sponsor spotlight: HFL Education

A short address by Liz Shapland Education Services Director (Secondary, Special and AP) and Education Development and Partnership Lead, HFL Education.

1 Main programme

Refreshments and networking

1 Main programme

Workshop series one

Delegates can choose from a selection of sessions led by trust leaders and sector experts on different areas of school improvement.

1 Main programme

Guided networking

1 Main programme

Lunch and networking

1 Main programme

Workshop series two

Delegates can choose from a selection of sessions led by trust leaders and sector experts on different areas of school improvement.

1 Main programme

Keynote: Enriching inclusive practice: The Inclusive Teaching Framework

As trusts continue to steward SEND reform as a core element of school improvement, this keynote will introduce Ambition’s new Inclusive Teaching Framework. Developed to support educators in understanding the diverse ways children think, feel and develop, the framework has been rigorously evidenced and draws on insights from developmental psychology, speech and language, occupational therapy and physical development, building on teachers’ existing expertise in great teaching. Anne Heavey and Dr Neil Gilbride will explore how the framework can support trusts to better understand, anticipate and adapt to a broader range of pupils’ needs.

1 Workshops series two

SEND reform: Implications for governance

The reform of the SEND system places significant new responsibilities on governance. Boards will be accountable for developing a workforce that can deliver, repurposing school estates, and stewarding the cultural shift toward a more inclusive mainstream. This session offers practical guidance and clear takeaways on how boards can approach their strategic role in SEND reform, strengthen oversight, and ensure their trust is ready to meet the expectations of a more inclusive, high‑accountability system.

1 Workshops series two

Evolving complaints to conversations

Parents have never been more involved in their children’s education. This creates both opportunities and challenges for trusts, particularly when expectations diverge or complaints escalate. With the Schools White Paper signalling a shift from ‘withdrawn to engaged’, governance will be expected to steward stronger, more intentional relationships with families. This session explores how trusts can rebuild relational trust, reduce friction, and move from complaints to constructive conversations. Join this session to hear from work at Orion Education, who are treating relationships with the same intentionality as curriculum and pedagogy.

1 Workshops series one

AI Governance: From postmortem to practice - three things every governance professional should lead on now

Today we are asking what we do to shift from theory to practice, particularly in light of policy changes and the advent of AI. In this interactive session, we revisit the cautionary tale of Mackenzie Education Trust and go further: translating the lessons into three concrete actions every governance professional should be taking right now. Because an AI policy alone is not enough - effective AI governance demands culture, process, and people. Governance leads will leave this session empowered to show the way.

1 Workshops series one

Purposeful transitions: Not growth for growth’s sake

With the shift toward a fully trust led system, mergers and growth remain critical strategic questions for trust boards. Purposeful, values led mergers are the most likely to deliver lasting benefit for pupils, staff, and communities. Following the governance of their recent merger, Kate and Jill will examine what worked well and what could have been better, as well as an honest look at the complex parts of a merger: how to ensure culture and values are a strong match, how to effectively communicate the ‘why’ with both communities, how to manage the integration of two boards? Join this session to explore the realities of the merger journey.

1 Workshops series one

Harness technology, transform governance

Technology and AI offer powerful ways to embed Next-gen governance by improving how we capture stakeholder voice, speed up feedback loops, and create intelligent, insight‑rich information flows. This session explores how boards can harness digital tools to reduce workload, improve strategic focus, and build more sustainable governance systems. We will hear from a trust that has used technology creatively and intentionally to enhance oversight, support better decision making, and make governance fit for the future.

1 Main programme

Registration, refreshments, networking, and exhibition

1 Main programme

Opening performance

Opening performance from Moor Green Primary Academy, REAch2 Multi-Academy Trust.

1 Main programme

Keynote panel: Shared challenges, smarter responses: Making governance sustainable

This panel brings together practitioners from outside the education sector to explore the shared pressures shaping modern governance. From heavier board‑reporting demands and limited capacity to emerging risks such as AI, cybersecurity, and geopolitical instability, boards across sectors face similar challenges. Our panel will examine practical responses that reduce fluffload, make governance more sustainable, and offer insights trusts can use to strengthen strategic focus, manage risk, and support better decision making in a rapidly changing environment.

1 Main programme

Refreshments, networking, and exhibition

1 Main programme

Workshops series one

Choose from a selection of workshops delivered by trust leaders and sector experts. Topics to choose from include AI governance, trust growth and mergers, and using technology to strengthen governance and decision making

1 Main programme

Keynote panel: Governance at scale

As the sector moves toward a fully trust‑led system, more trusts will operate at significant scale. We know that scale profoundly changes governance, and trusts need clarity about how to evolve governance as scale increases. Drawing on insights from a variety of trusts that have recently experienced growth, this keynote introduces our joint paper for consultation, setting out the principles of effective governance at scale and exploring why these will matter for every trust in the years ahead.

1 Main programme

Lunch, exhibition, and networking

1 Main programme

Workshop series two

Choose from a selection of workshops delivered by trust leaders and sector experts. Topics include governance at scale, the implications of SEND reform, and building stronger relationships with families.

1 Main programme

Afternoon comfort break

1 Main programme

Keynote panel: Listening to our young people

This discussion with Shuab Gamote, co‑author of Inside the Mind of a 16‑Year‑Old and lead author of the more recent Inside the Mind of a NEET, will draw on his two major projects that centre young people’s voices. We will explore what meaningful listening really requires, what young people say when they are genuinely heard, and how trusts can build governance approaches that respond to their insights with honesty, humility, and purpose.

1 13 July

Arrival and registration

Bags can be left at the cloakroom. Luggage for delegates staying at Hotel du Vin will be transferred ready for check in during the evening break

1 13 July

Lunch and networking

Join us for a buffet lunch.

1 13 July

Welcome

Join us in the Grand Ballroom for the afternoon session.

1 13 July

The partnership dividend

Drawing on CST and The Reach Foundation’s joint paper, The Partnership Dividend, this session will set out a vision for the trust sector that is rooted in a cultivation of a partnership mindset, for the educational benefit of the children we serve. This approach involves an integrator’ mindset. It is not intended to create further burdens on schools or expect schools to take on the remit of other services. Rather, it invites system leaders operating at a level of scale while drawing on local knowledge, experience and relationships to create real and tangible change.

1 13 July

Table conversations

Discuss the topics raised so far with fellow delegates from your region.

1 13 July

Headline sponsor address

A short address from our headline sponsor, Sync.

1 13 July

Refreshments and networking

A chance to mingle, refresh, and reflect in the Crush Bar and Horton room.

1 13 July

Case study: Young people’s leadership in place

Lee and Julie will be joined by pupils from Outwood Grange Academy to showcase the trust’s ‘Out There’ initiative, a partnership-driven programme empowering young people as community changemakers. Co-designed with students, the initiative connects pupils with charities, local services, and employers to deliver projects addressing real-world issues such as sustainability, inclusion, and social isolation. Through over 100 student-led projects, young people develop agency, leadership, and civic responsibility while strengthening community ties. Attendees will gain practical insight into building effective cross-sector partnerships, embedding student voice, and scaling youth-led social action within trusts.

1 13 July

Leading with presence and purpose

In this session, Maggie, Sally, and Leora will explore how effective leadership begins with how we relate to ourselves. Grounded in awareness, kindness, curiosity, care, and ethics, this approach positions self-understanding as the foundation for leading others with authenticity and humanity. Particularly relevant to education, the session will examine how these principles shape compassionate, values-driven leadership in schools. Participants will reflect on their own practice and consider how nurturing inner awareness can strengthen relationships, decision-making, and organisational culture.

1 13 July

Evening break

An opportunity to check in to your hotel room and refresh ahead of the evening dinner and networking.

1 13 July

Drinks reception

Join us in the Crush Bar and Horton room to connect with colleagues over informal drinks, and hear from James Weatherill, CEO and founder of Arbor, our dinner sponsor.

1 13 July

Dinner

Join us for our CEO Summit dinner from to continue the day’s conversations.

1 14 July

Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, before checking out. Luggage can be left at the Grand Hotel cloakroom.

1 14 July

Opening of day two

Join us in the Grand Ballroom for our second day of keynotes and discussions.

1 14 July

The Bristol approach

Hannah Woodhouse and Sir Jon Coles will share the learning from the work in Bristol which involves the collective school community (maintained schools and trusts) working together in a deep partnership to improve outcomes for children.

1 14 July

Panel: Civic leadership in place

As trust leaders within education, how can we be effective at leading in place, for the wellbeing of the children we serve? In this panel, Anne-Marie Canning will be joined by sector stakeholders to discuss different approaches and insights into this question.

1 14 July

Refreshments and comfort break

1 14 July

Table conversations

1 14 July

Networking lunch

Join us for an informal networking lunch, or take lunch to go before beginning your journey home.

1 Main programme

Registration, refreshments, networking, and exhibition

1 Main programme

Opening and welcome remarks

Opening remarks from Leora Cruddas, Chief Executive, CST and Sherise Daly, EYFS Leader, Unity Schools Partnership, and Chair of CST's Early years professional community.

1 Main programme

Panel: Foundations for learning: Neurodevelopment and school readiness in practice

This session explores what educators need to know about early child development and the foundations for learning, with a focus on neurodevelopment and school readiness. Drawing on the latest KindredSquared findings and resources, Felicity sets out the scale of the challenge and why early development matters for later outcomes. The panel brings a trust and school-level perspective, focusing on what this looks like in practice - from working with families and early years settings, to setting clear expectations and supporting staff to have confident conversations. Through real examples, they will share what is and isn't working, where challenges persist, and how schools are responding to the growing gap between responsibility and readiness.

1 Main programme

Refreshments, networking, and exhibition 

1 Main programme

Case study: Exploring effective teaching practices to develop handwriting and early English

Molly and Madeleine share insights from their ongoing action research across schools, focusing on effective approaches to handwriting development. They present practical, evidence-based strategies for inclusive teaching, and consider the implications of the recently published DfE framework on transcription and composition in Reception. Attendees will leave with practical ideas to enhance classroom practice through research-informed strategies towards confident, fluent writers in the early years.

1 Main programme

Lunch, networking, and exhibition

1 Main programme

Table discussions

1 Main programme

Refreshments, exhibition and networking

1 Main programme

Panel: Attendance - How can we build positive habits early?

This session explores the targeted interventions, whole-school approaches, and mindset shifts that have driven measurable improvements in Reception attendance. Attendees will take away strategic insights and practical examples to support early engagement with families and nurseries, to build positive habits from the very start.

1 Main programme

Panel: Place based partnership – how can we mobilise effective support for the best start in life

How do we build local partnerships that genuinely shift outcomes for children in the early years? And what is the role of schools and early years settings in making these partnerships work? This session explores how place-based approaches can strengthen early identification, join up support across health, education and early help, and reduce the barriers that prevent families from accessing what they need. We look beyond traditional notions of “parental engagement” to understand how multi-agency relationships, shared priorities, and community-level collaboration can create the conditions for children to thrive from birth to five. This session focuses on what is practical, realistic and doable in typical settings. Attendees will take away a clearer understanding of their role within local partnerships, examples of what works, and actionable steps to strengthen collaboration in their own communities.

1 Main programme

Closing remarks

1 Programme

Registration and refreshments

1 Programme

Opening and welcome remarks

1 Programme

Refreshments, networking and exhibition 

1 Programme

Lunch, networking and exhibition

1 Programme

Unconference: The sessions

This is the hour where anything could happen. Expanding on our Communications Room 101 session from previous summits, we’re giving the floor over to the community to select and discuss the topics that matter most, selected at our pitch session earlier in the day. 

1 Workshop series three

Panel: What is the role of commercial leadership in education?

As the growth of school trusts continues in a tight fiscal climate, many finance and operations leaders are considering the role that commercial leadership can play in their schools’ sustainability and success.  Our panel will share what commercial leadership means in their trusts, reflecting on the strategies that they are taking and their learnings along the way. This discussion will give insights into the scope of commercial leadership for trusts, the risks to be mitigated, and the potential benefits and opportunities for trusts in sustaining operations and increasing impact for children and young people.

1 Workshop series three

Procurement 101 Round Table

Taking a strategic approach to procurement can have a significant positive impact on your trusts' finances and support improved operations. Creating the conditions for successful procurement practice often requires a new mindset and skillset, different tools and clear governance and oversight. If you are wondering how to start building a more strategic and impactful procurement function or grappling with barriers to transforming your trust's current procurement, join up to 24 other trust leaders for our round table discussion. Led by specialists from Value Match in a format that is part clinic, part open mic, this is an opportunity to share your questions and challenges and explore practical solutions. Please note this workshop requires advance registration and has a maximum capacity of 25 participants.

1 Workshop series three

Leveraging the levy: the strategic role of teaching apprenticeships

This session will explore how trusts can make strategic use of the apprenticeship levy to upskill teaching assistants and support staff into qualified teacher roles, while minimising costs. The levy is widely underutilised, often due to misconceptions about its relevance and complexity. This workshop will address myths surrounding the levy, share best practice, and offer a clear, operationally focused overview of how trusts can leverage the levy to create great career pathways. Attendees will hear directly from trust leaders who have used the levy to access the first TA to teacher pathway, without the need for a traditional degree. Join us to explore how integrated teaching apprenticeships can transform your workforce and talent development strategies.

1 Workshop series three

Leading financial and estates strategy through trust growth

As funding remains constrained, cost pressures rise, and growth adds complexity, trust finance and estates leaders are navigating strategic choices while continuing to deliver safe, compliant and sustainable environments. This session explores the realities of leading financial and estates strategy through periods of trust growth, balancing ambition with capacity, particularly where central teams are lean. The discussion will focus on practical strategic actions, including long-term financial planning, budgeting for lifecycle and capital costs, and aligning estates investment with pupil demand and curriculum intent. It will also consider the role of centralising estates functions, maintaining robust due diligence, and integrating financial and estates strategy to support sustainable growth and long-term value for money.

1 Workshop series two

From core to strategic: maximising the impact of the trust finance function

The finance function is evolving fast - no longer just about balancing the books, but about driving strategic decisions, shaping growth, and enabling value and growth. In this interactive session will present new research exploring the evolving role of the finance function within Trusts - from core transactional delivery to strategic enabler of value and growth. Drawing on IMP Software’s benchmarking data from trusts of varying sizes, the session will examine how financial service delivery is distributed across Trusts, the relationship between cost and value, and what defines a truly strategic finance function. Through discussion and peer reflection, leaders will consider how their function can maximise strategic impact and strengthen the overall value they bring to their Trusts.

1 Workshop series two

Leading and managing an education estate: Taking strategic action

When funding is neither guaranteed nor sufficient and when data is never perfect, how can trust and estates leaders take strategic action whilst dealing with the day-to-day pressures of keeping our school buildings open and safe? This interactive session explores the realities of strategic estates leadership — balancing long-term planning with the courage to act when the conditions are less than ideal. Our speakers will draw on case studies to share lessons on how effective estate strategy isn’t just about buildings and budgets — it’s about leadership, influence, and culture. We’ll debate how the most effective leaders take the long view by acting strategically, not reactively. Participants will be invited reflect on what their organisation is currently “waiting on” — and how to move from caution to confident, evidence-informed action.

1 Workshop series two

Maritime Children’s Foundation: Why did we set it up? How did we do it? What have we learned along the way?

This session is for colleagues in trusts who are curious about the why how and what of setting up a charity. Join us for an overview of our experience over the last 3 years, the good, the bad and what we’ve learned along the way. We’ll share why Maritime chose to set up our charity back in 2023. We will then walk you through the steps we took to set it up - in simple terms, with key learnings along the way. Then we will reflect on what we have learned from just over one year of running the registered charity and the impact that we have had so far.

1 Workshop series two

How smaller trusts can build capacity: Rethinking structures, outsourcing and collaboration

Join this panel to explore the ways in which smaller trusts are rethinking key levers to increase their capacity. We’ll hear an SMRA perspective, developed across Sukwinder Bassi’s work with over 200 trusts, gain insights into two different trust approaches from Mark Greatrex in London and Gill Martin in Cumbria, and open the floor for discussion with the experts in the room.

1 Workshop series one

Real world ICFP: A CFO’s playbook for sustainable planning in uncertain times

This session will explore how Integrated Curriculum and Financial Planning (ICFP) supports trusts to plan confidently through uncertainty. It will share the real challenges trusts are facing, the role of ICFP in long term sustainability, and practical approaches that leaders can take. Join us for an insight into Oasis Community Learning’s ICFP journey and open Q&A that will provide a balanced mix of insight, lived experience and practical guidance

1 Workshop series one

The lesson in the middle of the day: Aligning the business of school catering with educational value

How do school trusts connect their catering and educational provision, and what's the business case and operating framework for making change? In this session we'll consider how school trusts can centralise the management of catering services whilst empowering local teams to perform. You'll hear the latest trends on catering insourcing and outsourcing from across the sector from The Litmus Partnership, and gain insight into Asset Education trust's decision to insource catering across its 15 primary schools to forge a deep connection between food, the curriculum and pupil well-being. A connection that gives chefs and heads agency with a central trust framework, which can save money whilst delivering a better service, and which aims to have a lasting impact on pupils for learning and for life.

1 Workshop series one

The Fundamentals of effective estates planning

Effective estates leadership is fundamental to your trust's ability to provide a good education. This workshop invites estates leaders to take a holistic look at the strategic function of estates and consider both the performance data and the wider intelligence that you need for effective stewardship of your trust's assets. We will look at how you can take a long view of sustainability, education provision and sufficiency to ensure that the working and learning environments of your schools play a key role in their success.

1 Workshop series one

Partnering for impact: How and why Invictus Education and The Way Youth Zone are collaborating to bring education and youth services together

Redeveloping a school site is much more than a building project. It's a wider opportunity to rethink how the school estate can deliver more value as a community asset. This session shares the emerging and innovative thinking between a school trust and a youth centre (part of a national movement) to make the case for the design and build of new schools with purpose-built facilities for the delivery of youth services outside school hours. You'll get an insight into the vision that is driving this discussion to improve the life chances of young people, the practicalities of shared facilities design and co-location of services and take away ideas and inspiration for developing civic partnerships.

1 Main programme

Registration, refreshments, networking and exhibition

1 Main programme

Welcome remarks by the Community Chairs

Welcome remarks from CST's Finance and operations professional community Chairs:  Catherine Hughes, Director of Finance/CFO, Creative Education Trust, and Ben March, Chief Finance and Operations Officer, STEP Academy Trust.

1 Main programme

State of play: 2026 benchmarks for the trust sector

This keynote marks the publication of the 14th Annual Kreston UK Academies Benchmarking Report 2026, based on the financial data of over 260 trusts. The lead authors of the report will discuss the benchmarks that form the financial and operational baselines in school trusts for the next wave of education reforms and highlight the key trends that indicate our sector’s health, resilience and capacity for change.

1 Main programme

Sector finance: The big picture

Sam will share the big picture of sector finances, cost pressures across the piece and consider what this means for the operational and strategic planning for school trusts.

1 Main programme

Talking funding

Leora Cruddas puts your questions to our funding speakers.

1 Main programme

Refreshments, networking, and exhibition 

1 Main programme

Workshops series one

Delegates can choose from a range of workshops led by trust leaders and sector experts on ICFP; cost-effective centralisation of catering services; the fundamentals of effective estates planning; and redeveloping school sites for community value.

1 Main programme

Workshops series two

Delegates can select from sessions exploring how trusts can maximise the impact of their finance functions; develop strategic estates leadership and culture; and learn how one school trust set up their own registered charity.

1 Main programme

Lunch, networking, and exhibition

1 Main programme

Workshop series three

Delegates can choose from a diverse mix of workshops including an exploration of the role of commercial leadership in education; unlocking greater benefits from procurement; and how to make best use of the teaching apprenticeship levy.

1 Main programme

Final remarks and close

1 Main programme

Keynote: Do managed moves really work?

In this session, we will hear a (former) pupil perspective, as Elliot McKenzie shares his experience of a managed move in conversation with Jon Needham.

1 Main programme

Refreshments, networking and exhibition

1 Main programme

Workshops: series one

Choose from a selection of impactful workshops delivered by trust leaders and sector experts, focusing on critical safeguarding issues. Topics include supporting the well-being of safeguarding staff, addressing extremism and being aware of potential bias in the application of Prevent policies, and exploring what education settings can learn from global strategies to combat child criminal exploitation.

1 Main programme

Lunch, networking and exhibition

1 Main programme

Workshops: series two

Explore our second series of workshops which delve into innovative safeguarding practices led by experienced trust leaders and sector experts. Topics include strengthening safeguarding through the power of multi-disciplinary teams, addressing emotionally based school avoidance to foster belonging, and building robust safeguarding capacity in small trusts.

1 Main programme

Refreshments, exhibition and networking

1 Workshop series one

Protecting your safeguarding staff: A trust-led approach to maintaining health, safety and well-being

Safeguarding can be a hugely rewarding area of practice. Protecting children and young people in risky and complex situations can also be tough, especially when things go wrong. This workshop will explore the trust's duty of care to protect its safeguarding workforce physically, emotionally, mentally and professionally. Raminder and Becci will share her extensive experience of creating protective structures for the safeguarding professionals in their trusts, and strategies to identify and respond to staff in crisis.

1 Workshop series one

Understanding and addressing extremism: Exploring bias and applying 'Prevent' effectively in your trust

Last summer's civil unrest and its impact on children and families highlights the importance of addressing extremist ideology and online disinformation in education. This interactive workshop session aims to foster an open dialogue about personal values and attitudes towards extremism and consider ways in which trust safeguarding leaders can improve the applications of safeguarding policies, including Prevent, without potential bias. Kevin will explore case studies, invite delegates to share experiences of addressing false narratives and disinformation in their safeguarding practice, and discuss examples of how to recognise and address biases in policy application.

1 Workshop series one

We can't stop what we can't see: Making the connection between global and local CCE

Children and young people vulnerable to Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) rarely identify themselves as at risk. In fact, they often feel that their exploitative relationships are normal and keeping them safe. This practical and empowering workshop will explore how trust safeguarding leaders can help colleagues to cut through the misinformation about CCE and trafficking to recognise how these global issues show up in schools and communities, and how to mobilise young people to tell their stories and take protective action. Participants will be invited to share their experiences and consider how they can equip young people to answer three simple questions: What is trafficking? How does it affect me? What can I do about it?

1 Workshop series two

Strengthening trust safeguarding through diversity: The power of multi-disciplinary teams

Safeguarding in education has traditionally been undertaken by teachers specialising in child protection. As trusts grow, and safeguarding practice becomes more complex, trust safeguarding leaders have been thinking differently about the skills and background that a safeguarding team needs to enable it to do more and be more effective. In this workshop, Louis will share his team-building strategy at Creative Education Trust, taking us through the thinking and practice of building a multidisciplinary team from pastoral, clinical and other services and the impact this has had on safeguarding capacity and outcomes in the trust.

Thursday 7 November

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.

Thursday 7 November

Opening performance

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

Thursday 7 November

Refreshments, exhibition, and networking

Thursday 7 November

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.

Thursday 7 November

Lunch, exhibition, and networking

Thursday 7 November

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.

Thursday 7 November

Refreshments, exhibition, and networking

Thursday 7 November

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.

Thursday 7 November

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.

Friday 8 November

Exhibition and networking

Time to meet with fellow delegates over coffee and explore our conference exhibition.

Friday 8 November

Opening performance

Poetry performed by pupils from Mulberry Schools Trust

Friday 8 November

Refreshments, exhibition, and networking

Friday 8 November

Workshops - series three

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.

Friday 8 November

Lunch, exhibition, and networking

Friday 8 November

Workshops - series four

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.

Friday 8 November

Conference close