AoC Sport Curriculum Conference 2026

Darren Brookfield is Product Manager for BTEC Sport and Physical Activity at Pearson, and a former Sport and PE teacher with over 18 years’ classroom experience. He has served as Head of Division at a sixth-form college and has examined/moderated GQ and VQ qualifications for multiple awarding organisations. Darren holds a BSc and PGDip in Sport Science and a PGCE in Physical Education. He is passionate about designing qualifications that educators are excited to deliver and that prepare learners for meaningful, long-term careers in sport.

Omar Sharif is an award-winning keynote speaker, bestselling author and coach, recognised as one of the UK’s leading voices on reinvention, leadership and communication. From the streets of London to global stages, he was selected by His Majesty King Charles III for his contribution to community development and honoured with the Pride of Britain Award. His work has reached millions through chart-topping podcasts and major platforms. Partnering with leading organisations across tech, consultancy, education, healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors, Omar delivers keynotes that inspire people to think differently, perform at a higher level and create meaningful, lasting impact.

Active IQ is one of the UK’s leading awarding organisations for the active leisure and wellbeing sector. Recognised and regulated by Ofqual, Qualifications Wales and CCEA, we design high-quality qualifications that support clear career pathways. With a strong focus on customer service, we provide robust teaching and learning resources that help deliver positive learner experiences. Our extensive portfolio spans entry level to Level 5 on the RQF, alongside a broad range of specialist products and services.

Website: activeiq.co.uk

Since 1903, we’ve been rewarding achievement by designing and delivering fair and inclusive assessment. We do this because quality assessment is an essential ingredient for a good education. We set and mark the papers for around half of all GCSEs and A-levels, but we’re more than an exam board. As an independent education charity we reinvest all of our income. From funding cutting-edge research, to supporting new insights that help raise the bar in assessment practice internationally, we’re always focused on fair and inclusive assessment and the positive impact it has on teaching, learning and society.

Website: aqa.org.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.

Website: ocr.org.uk

CIMSPA is the professional development body for the UK’s sport and physical activity sector and a registered charity. It is committed to supporting, developing, and enabling professionals and organisations to succeed, and, in doing so, inspiring the nation to become more active

Website: cimspa.co.uk

Davies Sports are proud to partner with Association of College as their Official Sports Equipment Partner. For over 60 years, Davies Sports has been helping schools, colleges, universities, leisure centres and grassroots clubs make sport and PE a cherished part of people’s lives. Davies Sports will work with all colleges to get the right equipment to all students, and will also be the Official Equipment Supplier for the AoC National Championships.

Website: daviessports.co.uk.

IndigoFitness is the UK leader in designing and manufacturing high-performance training spaces for the education sector. We partner with colleges nationwide to create spaces that enhance student wellbeing, support sports academies, and elevate physical education delivery. With British-made equipment, in-house design, and tailored solutions for large groups, coach-led sessions, and athlete development, we build bespoke, future-proof facilities that reflect each college’s identity and ambitions. Proven in education. Built for performance.

Website: indigofitness.com

Les Mills is a global leader in group fitness, creating life-changing experiences through science-backed training and cutting-edge music. We partner with education providers to deliver programs that inspire participation, improve wellbeing, and open pathways into the fitness industry. Empower students with qualifications, confidence, and career-ready skills. Visit our stand to see how we can support your learners and help shape their future in health and fitness.

Website: lesmills.com

At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to help people realize the life they imagine through learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That's why our c. 18,000 Pearson employees are committed to creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are the world's lifelong learning company, serving customers in nearly 200 countries with digital content, assessments, qualifications, and data. For us, learning isn't just what we do. It's who we are.

Website: plc.pearson.com

The official Clothing Partner to the AOC providing high quality sports clothing to the education sector. 15 years of experience combined with a simple Team Store model, we excel in Customer Service and aim to seamlessly exceed our client expectations

Website: serioussport.co.uk

UK Coaching and 1st4sport operate in unison, combining sector leadership in coaching and workforce development with specialist awarding and assessment expertise. Together, we embed coaching excellence into practice, deliver high-quality qualifications and end-point assessments, tackle inequalities, champion diversity, and inclusion, and shape a skilled coaching workforce that inspires lifelong participation in sport and physical activity.

Website: ukcoaching.org

Alex has worked in further education for over 12 years, specialising in sport and exercise science. Currently serving as Deputy Head of Sports & Protective Services, he has previously held roles as lecturer, course leader, and performance analyst for college sports teams. His work focuses on embedding PedTech to enhance assessment and learning, and he has supported sector-wide innovation through the College Collective. Alex is committed to developing assessment approaches that are practical, inclusive, and impactful for learners, ensuring technology is used to enhance the learning experience.

Becky works in the public affairs team at AoC, leading on our government engagement work. She works with colleges and government stakeholders to ensure that colleges are being played into policy and strategic thinking. She recently led a piece of research exploring the role of colleges in the preventative health agenda and authored the subsequent report.

She has previously worked across education policy and public affairs in various roles, including at a university, at an education think-tank and at the OECD. She is passionate about education and ensuring that everyone has the same opportunities, regardless of their background.

Ben leads projects that embed mental health awareness and support across the sport and physical activity sector.

He works alongside organisations to utilise physical activity as a tool to support mental health outcomes. His key projects include helping organisations embed mental health content into the sector’s qualifications and training; and supporting the implementation of Mind’s safe and effective practice guidance.

Ben joined Mind in November 2025, formerly as Regional Manager and Wellbeing Lead at CIMSPA, Ben led the project to create a Professional Standard for “Working with People with Mental Health Conditions”

Chris Sadler is an experienced educator with over 20 years as a lecturer in Sports Coaching and three years as an Advanced Teacher Practitioner at Derby College Group. Passionate about enhancing student engagement and achievement, Chris integrates innovative technology into teaching to support and enrich the learning process. His expertise spans curriculum development, mentoring, and delivering high-quality learning experiences that prepare students for success in the sports industry. Committed to continuous improvement, Chris champions digital tools and interactive strategies to create dynamic, inclusive classrooms that foster both academic and personal growth.

David manages NCFE’s portfolio of 16-19 qualifications and HTQs. Over the past few years, he has been leading their response to the DfE post-16 reforms at Level 3 and below. This work has engaged him in detailed discussions with regulatory bodies such as Skills England and Ofqual, a range of employers and representative bodies, as well as numerous providers across higher and further education. He is passionate about raising the quality and profile of technical education in the UK, and advocates that it must be positioned as a credible and distinct alternative to both academic and apprenticeship pathways. David’s expertise in this area has also supported Active IQ, a subsidiary of NCFE.

Dom Hodges has over 15 years of experience in further education, with expertise in curriculum development, student progression, and staff professional development. He currently serves as a Teaching and Learning Coach and previously led the Fitness and Personal Training curriculum for nine years. Dom is passionate about delivering high-quality, industry-relevant learning and supporting both colleagues and learners to achieve excellence.

Glyn Pickering is an Advanced Teacher Practitioner at Derby College Group, specialising in the integration of AI to transform teaching and learning. Passionate about future-ready education, Glyn explores practical AI applications to reduce workload and enhance pedagogy. Glyn has published research and presented at leading conferences, including BERA and BPS, sharing insights on digital innovation and its impact on student engagement. With extensive experience in mentoring and curriculum development, Glyn champions strategies that leverage technology for efficiency and inclusivity. Dedicated to continuous improvement, Glyn ensures educators and learners are equipped for success in an evolving, AI-driven educational landscape.

Jonny has worked in Further Education for eight years, specialising in Level 3 Sport and Exercise Science. A highlight of his career has been leading international trips to South Africa, offering learners unique cultural and sporting opportunities, and contributing to an Ofsted Outstanding rating in November 2024. This year, Jonny has taken on an additional role as a Teaching and Learning Coach, supporting colleagues to develop innovative and impactful classroom practice. His focus is on inspiring both students and staff to achieve excellence and embrace opportunities beyond the classroom.

As Head of YMCA Awards, Lianne leads the strategic direction, ensuring YMCA Awards stay responsive, relevant, and impactful across the education and skills sector. Her passion for promoting physical activity and wellness, coupled with a deep understanding of the sector’s challenges and opportunities, underpins her dedication to improving the quality of education, enhancing learner outcomes and supporting long-term career success.

With extensive experience spanning fitness, business, and education, she brings a unique perspective shaped by working with national operators, franchises, local authorities, and leading equipment suppliers, before channelling that expertise into education delivery and awarding.

As a Customer Success Manager, Lyndsey Hunter-Long support operators and instructors to drive engagement, retention and world class group training fitness experiences. As a Les Mills trainer and sponsored adidas athlete, they mentor and develop instructors into confident, impactful fitness leaders. Outside of Les Mills, Lyndsey is a Hybrid Games competitor with a passion for running.

Rob has spent the past 13 years with the Leadership Skills Foundation (formerly Sports Leaders UK), supporting centres across the UK and championing the organisation’s vision for every young person to achieve their full potential. Prior to this, he taught Sport at several FE colleges, gaining valuable hands-on experience that now informs his practical and insightful guidance to centres as they develop and enhance their leadership programmes.

Sam leads on Mind’s Sport England funded physical activity programmes with a focus on upskilling sport and physical activity providers to support and engage people with mental health problems in physical activity. This involves developing training, resources and other support services as well as working with partners on physical activity and mental health projects and programmes.

Will is the Subject Lead for PE at AQA. He has previously held a range of pastoral and departmental roles in schools, including being Subject Leader of Physical Education at a large comprehensive secondary school.

In his current role, Will is responsible for supporting teachers of Physical Education deliver the AQA GCSE and A-Level specifications. This involves making sure the support and resources offered meet the needs of teachers. Will is passionate about the importance of Physical Education within the school curriculum and is a strong advocate for the role it plays in improving students physical, mental and social well-being.