AoC English and Maths Conference & Exhibition 2026

Since 1903, we’ve been designing and delivering fair and inclusive assessment – an essential ingredient for a good education. We set and mark around half of all GCSEs and A-levels, but we’re more than an exam board. As an independent education charity, we reinvest all our income into research and innovation that advance assessment worldwide. We’re focused on fair and inclusive assessment and the positive impact it has on teaching, learning, and society.

www.aqa.org.uk

Ascentis is a leading Awarding Organisation and Access Validating Agency providing cutting edge qualifications for training, education and business in the UK and overseas. With nearly 50 years’ experience Ascentis has developed an extensive portfolio including Access to Higher Education Diplomas, Community Interpreting, Construction, Digital Skills, Employability, English & Maths Skills, ESOL, Education & Training and Short Online Qualifications (SOQs).

www.ascentis.co.uk

At Cambridge OCR, we’re committed to making assessment straightforward, so every student can thrive and achieve the results they deserve. Across our broad range of qualifications, expert support and comprehensive resources, we constantly work to deliver the highest level of consistency, accessibility and fairness, year-on-year.

CENTURY is a teaching, learning and assessment platform that provides Actionable Intelligence to educators. Using learning science, artificial intelligence and neuroscience, CENTURY creates constantly adapting personalised pathways for learners and powerful intervention data for teachers.

www.century.tech

The Global Skills Partner of Choice Shaping the future of work through skills, innovation, and partnership. At City & Guilds, we partner with education providers, employers, and governments worldwide to deliver high-quality skills development that transforms lives, industries, and economies. Our comprehensive suite of trusted training and development solutions - including qualifications, apprenticeships, and digital credentials - empowers workforces across more than 28 industries, ensuring proven outcomes for today's needs and tomorrow's challenges.

www.cityandguilds.com

Get Further is an award-winning charity dedicated to helping learners achieve the maths and English qualifications they need to progress to higher-level study, training, and employment. Working in close collaboration with post-16 education providers, we deliver tailored, small-group tuition to English and maths learners, and provide research-informed professional development to the teachers who guide them.

www.getfurther.org.uk

We're an educational charity and leader in vocational and technical learning that designs, develops and certificates qualifications, from Entry Level up to Level 6. First founded in 1848, we’ve been supporting learners for over 175 years. The organisation has evolved throughout the years, becoming the Northern Council for Further Education in 1981. Since the 1990s, as we've evolved and expanded our focus nationally and internationally, we've simply become NCFE. Set up with the belief that no learner should be left behind, our core purpose continues to drive us today - to promote and advance learning, helping to create a fairer, more inclusive society.

www.ncfe.org.uk

Pass transforms Maths and English delivery for FE colleges, training providers, and schools across GCSE and Functional Skills. Our AI-powered platform provides free diagnostics, instant AI-marked mock exams, and advanced reporting to improve pass rates and reduce tutor workload. As a registered exam centre, we deliver Ofqual-regulated exams, simplifying administration through a single, end-to-end service. With proven results and UK-wide partnerships, Pass helps learners succeed in GCSE resits and Functional Skills.

Pass | AI-Powered Learning and Teaching Platform

Trinity College London is a leading international awarding organisation and independent education charity. We specialise in the assessment of communicative and performance skills covering music, drama, combined arts, English language and TESOL. Our ESOL Skills for Life exams are externally assessed by professional examiners and take candidates beyond grammar, vocabulary and paper-based exercises to focus on real-life communication skills, and authentic interaction.

www.trinitycollege.com

We are one of the largest providers of qualifications for schools, academies, sixth form and further education colleges across England, offering valued qualifications to suit a range of abilities. Each and every one of our qualifications is carefully designed to stimulate students and to equip them for the next stage of their lives.

www.eduqas.co.uk

Francesca Grilli has over 15 years’ experience in Further Education, including 14 years at Runshaw College, Lancashire. Initially a Course Leader for A Level Classical Civilisation, Francesca progressed to an Advanced Practitioner role, supporting teaching and learning across diverse programmes. Now in her third year as Head of School for English, Languages and Classics, she oversees GCSE English Language resits and Functional English. Committed to improving outcomes through collaboration, Francesca has led rapid progress for GCSE learners, with results now ranking in the top 25% nationally.

Kara Kellett is an experienced English teacher and Curriculum Leader of GCSE English at Runshaw College, Lancashire. Kara has over twelve years of secondary teaching experience, and a proven track record of driving GCSE achievement. An SSAT-recognised Lead Practitioner, she has led significant developments in curriculum design, and assessment, securing consistently strong outcomes at Key Stage 4 before making the switch to sixth form education 2 years ago. Her leadership is defined by research-informed practice, rigorous evaluation, and a commitment to high-quality teaching for all learners. Kara also brings over ten years of expertise as an Eduqas GCSE English Language examiner.

Chloe Hudson-Jones is a significantly experienced individual within the further education (FE) sector, having worked in the industry for over 13 years. She has held roles as a lecturer, middle manager, and senior manager across multiple FE colleges, gaining extensive expertise in curriculum leadership and quality improvement. Since October 2023, Chloe has served as Director of English and Maths at Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG), where she leads strategic development and delivery of core subjects. Her career reflects a strong commitment to raising standards and supporting student success across the FE sector.

Luan Morrall is Head of GCSE Maths at Newcastle & Stafford Colleges Group, bringing 26 years of teaching experience across primary and further education. She has served as a teacher, lecturer, middle and senior leader, gaining extensive experience in curriculum design, assessment models, staff development and school improvement. Luan specialises in supporting learners who struggle with maths, developing impactful teaching approaches and evidence‑informed curriculum design. A former Primary Mastery Specialist and current FE Mastery trailblazer, Luan is passionate about building confidence and resilience and is dedicated to raising student outcomes and standards in maths.

James Daniel is the Head of GCSE English at Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG), having stepped into the role in June 2025. He began teaching GCSE English Language to FE learners at NSCG in 2021, bringing with him extensive experience from secondary education between 2005 and 2021, where he taught across KS3 and KS4 and held roles as Deputy Head of English and SENCo. James specialises in GCSE English Language, particularly supporting learners with weak literacy and numeracy skills, and leads the planning and management of the English provision with a clear focus on raising standards and improving outcomes.

Afsan Redwan is Deputy Head of Sixth Form at Milton Keynes College Group, with strategic responsibility for teaching and learning, curriculum development, and student outcomes across A Level provision. With an academic background in Science and Religious Studies and extensive experience in cross-college quality improvement, Afsan specialises in disciplinary literacy, oracy, and inclusive pedagogy for post-16 learners. He is currently a PhD candidate researching religious texts, translation, and meaning-making. Afsan regularly leads staff development, curriculum reform, and sector-facing work focused on disadvantage, SEND, and social mobility, and is committed to bridging research, policy, and classroom practice within Further Education.

Emma Bell is a mathematics education leader with a strong commitment to social justice and improving life chances for learners of all ages. She believes mathematics education should help learners and teachers feel confident and capable, particularly in further education, where many students are rebuilding confidence in their mathematical skills.

Emma works nationally with teachers, leaders, colleges and providers across post-16 and adult education. Her work focuses on helping teachers work together, learn from one another and make sustained change. She is particularly interested in professional development that respects teachers’ expertise and fits the realities of the FE classroom.

Mary Roberts is Assistant Principal of Access and Continuing Education at Blackpool and The Fylde College, leading English and Maths, adult learning and inclusive education pathways. With over 20 years in further education, she has held senior leadership roles in curriculum design and quality improvement at several institutions in the North-West. Mary holds a Level 7 Senior Leadership qualification, a PGCE in Adult Literacy, and a BSc in Psychology. She is passionate about widening participation and creating lifelong learning opportunities.

Hollie Brownlie has worked at Blackpool and The Fylde College for 15 years, beginning her teaching career in Computing before specialising in maths. She led GCSE Maths for five years and is currently the Curriculum Manager for English and Maths study programmes, a role she has held for the past four years. With over 14 years’ experience working with post-16 learners, Hollie is passionate about improving engagement and outcomes for learners who have previously struggled. She is deeply committed to continuous improvement in teaching and learning and is recognised for her relentless focus on learner success.

John has been a teacher and in quality roles in Further Education for 15 years. Prior to that he worked with homeless young people and in outdoor education. He holds an M.A. in Outdoor Education, alongside QTLS and a PGCE and is currently serving as the Head of Quality Assurance at Harlow College. He works in the quality team at Harlow college, focusing on organisational quality and supporting with innovation and development of teaching, learning and assessment across the College.

Gary Trowles has over 40 years’ experience in education across further education, adult learning, and employer-facing provision. He is currently Quality Improvement Co-ordinator at Harlow College, where he leads on quality assurance, teaching and learning audits, compliance with awarding body requirements, and the monitoring of SAR and QIP processes. His work spans quality auditing in both public sector education and commercially delivered provision. Gary has extensive experience delivering and leading initial teacher training programmes, coaching and mentoring teachers to improve practice, performance, and learner outcomes.

Dr Dimitrios Tsokanos holds a PhD in American Literature with honours and international recognition from the University of Almería, Spain. He is Head of Maths and English at Loughborough College and a Board Member of the Edgar Allan Poe Spanish Association. Dimitrios Tsokanos has published widely in international peer-reviewed journals and is committed to combining academic rigour with practical, student-centred leadership in further education.

Tony Medhurst is the Principal & Chief Executive of Hertford Regional College, a post he has held since August 2015, having previously held the same position at a London based college for 7+ years. Previously he held leadership roles in both the public and private sectors, including two Vice Principal, Curriculum & Quality, roles in colleges in London and Essex. He chairs the AoC’s Curriculum Strategy Group and is a member of the AoC 2030 Strategy Group.

Richard is a career civil servant with over 20 years spent in DfE, including Deputy Director posts across Early Years, Children & Families, Schools, central strategy and funding, and now (very happily) FE. He has been in his current role since January 2024 with responsibility for the English and maths condition of funding policy. From this year he is also leading the 16-19 Level 2 and below vocational and technical reforms set out in the Skills White Paper.

Linda began her career in catering and hospitality before moving into education, supporting disengaged young people to achieve vocational qualifications. She later focused on Functional Skills and joined Derby College in 2015, teaching GCSE Maths and Functional Skills. Her passion for helping learners succeed led her into leadership, and for the past decade she has managed the Cross College Maths team, driving improvements and supporting staff to create the best outcomes for students.

With over 15 years experience in education, Sophie Goerge is defined by a commitment to putting learner needs at the core of everything she does. She spent a number of years teaching and leading GCSE Maths. As a previous maths resit learner, she is determined to help learners overcome challenges and find success. As Faculty Head, she manages a diverse portfolio including English, Maths, ESOL, Animal Management, Travel and Tourism, Public Services, Business, and Computing. In this role, she has been instrumental in boosting attendance levels ensuring high engagement and improved outcomes. She leads with a student-centred approach to drive excellence.

Matt Ridgill is Vice Principal for Academic Education at Derby College Group, with strategic responsibility for English and Maths GCSE across the college. With over 20 years’ experience in the FE sector, his career has focused on leading and delivering high-quality academic qualifications. Matt oversees provision for more than 1,600 students resitting English and 1,800 resitting Maths within one of the largest FE providers in the region and under his leadership, progress has consistently exceeded national benchmarks.

Debbie manages the GCSE Plus programme at Derby College. English Language and Mathematics sit at the heart of the programme along with a further six GCSEs which students ‘pick and mix’ according to their bespoke needs. Debbie has been instrumental in driving the success of this curriculum area for the past 6 years. Debbie teaches A Level Sociology. She is also an Oracy Lead and coordinates the Media Literacy Ambassador Project. She joined the FE sector when she moved to the Midlands following her previous role as Head of Sixth Form in a secondary school in Norwich.

Pauline works as an adviser in the FE Commission with expertise in pedagogy, quality and leadership. Prior to this she has held various executive leadership roles in the FE sector. Her experience includes prisons, sixth form colleges, a post-16 multi academy trust and work as an Ofsted inspector. Pauline has a deep commitment to social mobility and second chances through educational opportunity and her work in disadvantaged settings has had demonstrable impact.

Katy Lewis is the Head of English, MFL and Creative Curriculum, and Qualification Strategy at Pearson Edexcel, the UK's largest awarding organisation. Katy's team is responsible for the design, development and support of GCSE and A Level qualifications, including GCSE English Language. Katy has been working in education for over 20 years, including 4 years as a teacher of English as a Second Language.

Lucy Chowns is the Head of Maths at Pearson Edexcel, the UK's largest awarding organisation. Lucy's team is responsible for the design, development and support of GCSE and A Level Maths qualifications, as well as resources for teaching and learning. Lucy has been working in education for nearly 20 years, including time spent tutoring primary and secondary students in Maths.

Bianca Fanciullacci worked in FE since 2004 and has been in the resit area since 2015. She is an English teacher who has a passion to see students in FE develop their English and maths skills and be successful in order to move on to greater endeavours.

Over 30 years in the education sector, including 15 years as a Headmistress. In 2016, set up BrainCanDo to explore the understanding and use of neuroscience in the education sector through research and training with university partners and associated schools. In June 2022, founded a new charitable company Neuroscience for Education offering training courses for teachers and educational leaders. Education Consultant for The Vault, exploring the delivery of educational objectives through gaming content for children. Governor at Oxford Brookes University and Trustee of the Learning Skills Trust and a member of the Advisory Committee for the Tony Little Centre for Innovation and Research in Learning, Eton College.