Tuesday afternoon - Strand two breakout sessions

2.01 - Navigating the what, why, and how of artificial intelligence for positive futures

Hall 9

Lead organisation: Pearson

Speakers:

• Les Hopper, Product Director, Pearson
• Holly Hunt, Learning Technologist Team Leader, Basingstoke College of Technology (BCoT)
• Daniel Fairbairn, Group Executive Director – Technology, The Windsor Forest Colleges Group
• David Railton, Customer Director, Faculty AI

Join us for a dynamic session exploring the evolving role of learning and skills in an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven world, with the perspectives of tutors and students at the heart. This discussion will unpack the opportunities and challenges that technology — especially AI — brings to education – from current applications to “mind the gap” issues of confidence, training and ethics that shape its adoption. Attendees will hear, first hand examples of how AI is already being used in educational settings and engage in forward-looking dialogue about what's next: how colleges can harness digital transformation, post-Curriculum and Assessment Review innovation and upskilling initiatives to drive meaningful change. The session will include questions, considerations, and strategic takeaways for college leaders to take back to their institutions and lead their communities confidently into the future of digital and AI-enhanced learning.

2.02 - The increasing role of education technology within Ofsted inspections

Hall 7b

Lead organisation: Mindful Education

Speakers:

• Mark Mckenna, Managing Director, Mindful Education
• Jenny Craig, Principal and CEO, Buckinghamshire College Group
• Robin Webber-Jones, Executive Director of Curriculum, Bedford College Group
• Lindsey Smith, Assistant Principal – Apprenticeships, Nottingham College

As colleges embed digital solutions within their teaching and learning strategies, Ofsted are keen to understand the design, efficacy and impact these approaches are having for teachers and learners. In this session, we will explore how regularly Ofsted report on the use of education technology and digital skills and hear from colleges about their experiences of inspection. We will also consider the essential role of technology within adult learning and apprenticeship delivery, particularly with regards to English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) and inclusion. The discussion will highlight the importance of taking a holistic approach to the use of technology and artificial intelligence, as well as examine the new inspection framework through an education technology and digital skills lens.

2.03 - Transforming high needs provision: A design for life

Executive room 7

Lead organisation: Wirral Met College

Speakers:

• Ste Bailey, Director of Specialist Provision & Support, Wirral Met College
• Henry Cottier, Head of Department, Prep for Life & Supported Internships, Wirral Met College
• Sarah Bailey, Consultant Occupational Therapist & Sensory Integration Practitioner

Winners of the RCU Support for Students Beacon Award 2024/25 will provide an overview of our work behind the award. Attendees will learn how we worked with an occupational therapist to create a state-of-the-art Independent Living Suite, designed to meet the neurodiverse and sensory processing needs of an increasingly complex cohort of high needs learners. We will also look at how the curriculum was re-designed to maximise student independence and empowerment. Collaboration with students on this project led to the establishment of our Neurodiversity Council; we will explain how this enhanced learner voice is now driving further significant improvements.

2.04 - Further education governance in flux - Are we rising to the challenge?

Hall 8a

Lead organisation: Brooklands Technical College

Speakers:

• Melissa Drayson, Director of Governance, Brooklands Technical College
• Christine Stretesky, Head of Corporate Governance and Policy, Education Partnership North East

This interactive workshop explores the evolving role of voluntary governors in further education, highlighting increasing expectations around strategic leadership, accountability, and stakeholder engagement. Governance professionals and governors will share and gain insights into emerging challenges and practical strategies to adapt, strengthen board effectiveness, and support institutional resilience in a rapidly changing sector.

2.05 - College funding update

Hall 5

Lead organisation: Association of Colleges

Speakers:

• Julian Gravatt, Deputy Chief Executive (Policy, Curriculum and Funding), Association of Colleges
• Peter Clark, Assistant Director, Department for Education
• Catherine Hayes, Head of Adult Funding, Department for Work and Pensions
  
• Ailsa Harris, Deputy Director, FE provider infrastructure, Department for Education

This AoC session, involving Department for Education policy officials, will discuss the implications of the 2025 spending review which included a £1.3 billion increase for 16-18 education and a 4 year £2.2 billion capital budget, discuss current issues in college revenue and capital funding, and explore what this will mean for decision-making in the coming years.

2.06 - Professional development that leads to change: Education Endowment Foundation's professional development guidance report

Executive room 8

Lead organisation: Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) and The Middlesbrough College Group

Speakers:

• Katie Luxton, Senior Programme Manager, Education Endowment Foundation
• Lucy Jones, Head of Teaching and Learning The Middlesbrough College Group

In September, the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) released its first 16-19 guidance report focused on professional development. In this session, the EEF will present and contextualise the guidance report alongside Middlesbrough College. This session is about supporting colleges to make professional development more effective, by translating evidence into practice in ways that genuinely support improvement. We’ll be sharing guidance that’s rooted in the best available evidence, carefully analysed to identify what really works. It’s been developed with input from professional development leaders and practitioners, so it reflects the realities of settings today. We’ll explore not just the theory, but what this looks like in practice: how to design and deliver personal development that leads to meaningful behaviour change, supports professional growth, and ultimately improves outcomes.

2.07 - Beyond the benchmarks: rethinking Level 1 for lifelong success

Hall 11b

Lead organisation: EKC Group

Speakers:

• Lucy Mcleod, CEO, EKC Group
• Nick Holbrook-Sutcliffe, Assistant CEO, Education, EKC Group
• Charles Buchanan, Chair of Governors, EKC Group

Achieving strong learner outcomes is more than data; it demands attention to what drives engagement and long-term success. Alongside academic results, the hidden curriculum, social belonging, personal growth, and future readiness shape retention and progression. This session shares EKC Group’s alternative Level 1 approach. Participants will gain insights into how rethinking curriculum design at the earliest stages and embracing risk where it benefits students can build a more inclusive and motivating educational experience. The discussion will highlight practical approaches that enable students to be ambitious, remain engaged and overcome challenges, while also covering the key factors leaders of the organisation need to consider when making such decisions.

2.08 - Building inclusive communities: Colleges and the Safer Streets mission

Hall 7a

Lead organisation: Association of Colleges

Speakers:

• Dennis Simms, Assistant Director of Change in Education, Youth Endowment Fund
• Inspector Rich Field, Safer Neighbourhood Teams, West Mercia Police
• Alison Arnaud, Principal, New City College
• Sal Friel, Director of Student Services, Heart of Worcestershire College
• Shaid Mahmood, Chair, Association of Colleges

This session will explore the role of colleges in the government’s mission to make our streets safer. It will be an opportunity to hear from colleges facilitating innovative partnerships and developing student-led initiatives to build inclusive, safe communities, as well as exploring the barriers they face and changes in both policy and ways of working locally which might allow colleges to fully deliver on the safer streets mission. It will also be an opportunity to discuss how colleges can play a greater role in the government aims to half knife crime and violence against women and girls.

2.09 - A guide to effective practice in the delivery of post-16 English and maths

Hall 10b

Lead organisation: Further Education Commission

Speakers:

• Francesca Elgie, Head of Teaching and Learning, Middlesbrough College
  
• Emma James, Group Curriculum Director – Maths, New City College London
• Shelagh Legrave, Further Education Commissioner
• Helena Crow, Department for Education, Head of 16-19 English and Maths Policy
• Eddie Playfair, Senior Policy Manager, Association of Colleges
• Pauline Hagen, Further Education Adviser - FEC
• Sally Challis-Manning, Further Education Adviser - FEC

Attendees will be introduced to the key findings emerging from a forthcoming guide to effective practice in the delivery of post-16 English and maths. Session leaders will draw on both fieldwork with colleges and research to present aspects of leadership, pedagogy, engagement and support which have led to improved English and maths progress and outcomes for young learners and adults with an Education, Health and Care Plan. Participants will hear from teachers and leaders about successful methods, tools, systems and resources which have led to stronger student progress, attainment, motivation, and confidence.

2.10 - Strategic approaches to 14-16 education within further education: Overcoming key barriers, improving engagement and enhancing culture

Hall 6b

Lead organisation: Plumpton College, South Devon College and South Gloucestershire & Stroud College

Speakers:

• Scott McCue, Director of Education Pathways and Foundation Learning, Plumpton College
• James McCauley, Head of Faculty, Sixth Form and High School, South Devon College
• Thomas Beer, Headteacher, SGS Create, South Gloucestershire & Stroud College
  

Whether your 14-16 delivery is primarily direct entry, day release students from schools or those that are electively home educated, this presentation will provide leaders with practical strategies that result in a sustainable provision, the creation of an inclusive and cohesive culture and improve that all important engagement of our young people. Hear from experienced leaders in this field and take away actionable delivery models and strategies linked to a range of topics such as: funding; student attendance; teaching, learning and assessment; transition, specific relational approaches, and reducing those not in education, employment, or training (NEETs). If this is an area of your college that you are invested in or looking to further improve - pay us a visit!

2.11 - Zeroing in: Practical, cost-effective steps to net zero

Executive room 2

Lead organisation: Sustainable Energy First

Speakers:

• Alex Wilson, Senior Consultant, Sustainable Energy First

This session explores how further education colleges can take meaningful, affordable steps toward achieving net zero. We’ll zero in on the role of climate action plans and sustainability leads in driving change, highlight innovative approaches to green energy procurement that balance impact with cost, and showcase real-world examples from colleges already making progress. Attendees will leave with actionable insights, strategic ideas, and a clearer understanding of how to embed sustainability into their operations without overstretching budgets.

2.12 - From strategy to success: A whole-college approach to attendance, behaviour and attitudes

Hall 8b

Lead organisation: Kirklees College and Orbital South Colleges

Speakers:

• Rebecca Taylor Vice Principal, Curriculum and Standards, Orbital South Colleges
• Nicola Parrot Assistant Principal, Quality and Student Experience, Orbital South College
• Pauline Hughes, Vice Principal Quality and Student Experience, Kirklees College
• Carlie Smith, Head of Safeguarding and Behaviour, Kirklees College

This session brings together two proven approaches to transforming attendance, behaviour and attitudes across college settings. Delegates will gain insight into how clear frameworks, positive behaviour policies and trauma-informed strategies can drive improvement, alongside the importance of culture, data and whole-staff commitment. Drawing on real impact—from improved consistency and confidence to a successful Ofsted grade shift—this session offers practical, adaptable tools and leadership lessons. Attendees will leave with strategies to embed high expectations, foster engagement, and deliver measurable improvements in their own institutions.

2.13 - Employers and apprenticeship programmes
*This session has been cancelled*

Due to Government restrictions on speakers, this session can no longer take place. We are sorry for any disappointment caused.

2.14 - Building the future National Health Service workforce - A college-trust partnership that works

Executive room 1

Lead organisation: North Hertfordshire College

Speakers:

• Nina Clutton. Head of School Health and Education, North Hertfordshire College
• Cheryl Hall, Deputy Head of School, North Hertfordshire College

North Hertfordshire College, in collaboration with East and North Hertfordshire Foundation Trust, invites delegates to explore a pioneering partnership model that’s tackling workforce shortages in Health and Social Care head-on. This session will showcase how a robust further education (FE)- National Health Service (NHS) collaboration is delivering high-impact T-Level placements, guaranteed interviews, and real-world career pathways for learners—while directly supporting NHS recruitment and retention. Join us to hear how our amazing new hospital, curriculum alignment, structured placement frameworks, and employer-led masterclasses are transforming student outcomes and workforce readiness. Expect practical insights, student voice, and a blueprint for replicable success.

2.15 - Real people, real impact: How the College Collective is changing continuing professional development for good

Hall 10a

Lead organisation: The College Collective, established by The KWP Ltd and the Association of Colleges

Speakers:

• Alison Maynard, Deputy Principal, New College Durham
• Fiona Matthews, Group Curriculum Director, New City College
• Dr Kate Webb, Managing Director, The KWP Ltd
• Miranda Gay, Group Head of Safeguarding, New City College

This session explores the real-world impact of The College Collective’s peer-led CPD model, through the eyes of the people and colleges who’ve lived it.

We’ll hear about two case studies: one institutional, one individual. At New College Durham, involvement in the Collective has helped shape whole-college strategy. Alison Maynard shares how staff development, maths delivery and behaviour practice have all improved through honest collaboration with other colleges. At New City College, safeguarding expert Miranda Gay, and English and maths expert Fiona Matthews, reflect on the personal and professional transformation that came from stepping into a mentoring role, renewing their confidence, refreshing their leadership, and raising the profile of safeguarding and English and maths across New City College.

2.16 - Markus: The artificial intelligence tool that's making the impossible possible in further education assessment

Hall 6a

Lead organisation: Markus, Hull College, Kendal College, United Colleges Group

Speakers:

• Duncan Webster, Markus
• Mark Hyde, Chief Learning Strategist & Pedagogy Lead, Markus

Markus is a new initiative built by educators, developed in response to the long-standing challenges of teaching English and maths in further education. This session shares how we are using artificial intelligence (AI) to improve assessment, support progression from starting point to exam readiness, and reduce teacher workload—without compromising pedagogy. Ten colleges across the United Kingdom are actively involved in providing feedback and supporting the training of our AI through real learner work and insight. Thousands of learners have already benefited from this approach. This is about sharing practical tools, grounded in classroom reality, that are helping make the impossible feel possible.