EducationScape

Inclusion and Belonging Summit
2026-03-17 08:30 - 16:30 (Europe/London) | EdCity, EdCity Walk, London, W12 7TF
Join us at the EducationScape Inclusion and Belonging Summit – a flagship event for schools and colleges, bringing together leaders, practitioners and specialists from across the education system to explore how we move from intention to impact when it comes to inclusion. This summit in partnership with The Skills Network has been deliberately designed to reflect the real journeys of learners, recognising that belonging must be nurtured consistently from early secondary education through post-16 and beyond. By hearing directly from speakers working in schools, colleges and national organisations, you will gain insight that is grounded in practice, informed by research and shaped by lived experience.
Why this summit matters now
While compliance with DfE funding guidance and Ofsted’s evolving inspection framework and report cards is important, it is no longer enough. Schools and colleges are being asked to demonstrate how culture, inclusion and wellbeing are embedded – not just documented. This summit creates space to step back and ask deeper questions:

What does true belonging look like in a school or college?
How do inclusive cultures reduce behaviour issues, improve attendance and support achievement?
How do we ensure no learner becomes disengaged at key transition points?

By focusing on belonging as a driver of success, this event supports you to build environments where children and young people feel confident, connected and able to thrive academically, personally and professionally.
A joined-up conversation for schools and colleges
One of the defining strengths of this summit is its cross-phase perspective. Inclusion does not reset when a learner moves from school to college, and neither should our thinking. Throughout the day, you will hear from:

School leaders and inclusion specialists
College and post-16 practitioners
Ofsted, researchers, sector experts and charities.

Together, they will explore how consistent approaches to culture, empathy and purpose can support learners across Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 and post-16 education, particularly at points where vulnerability and disengagement are most likely.
What you’ll gain from attending
This is a practical, thought-provoking day designed to support real change in your setting. You will:

Gain clear, evidence-informed strategies you can apply immediately
Develop a deeper understanding of how belonging underpins behaviour, attendance and wellbeing
Strengthen your confidence in responding to inspection and accountability pressures
Learn how to better support disadvantaged learners and those with additional needs
Connect with peers from schools and colleges facing similar challenges.

You will leave not only inspired, but equipped with tools, language and strategies that can be shared across your teams.
A whole-community approach to inclusion
A central theme of the summit is that belonging cannot be created by one role or department alone. Sessions will explore inclusion through a multi-faceted lens, recognising the vital contribution of:

Educators and leaders
Parents and carers
Learners themselves
Communities, employers and external partners.

We will also dedicate time to examining the power of parental engagement, particularly for learners navigating transition, disadvantage or disengagement.
What to expect on the day
You will hear from a rich and diverse range of speakers, including:

Professor Stuart Kime (Evidence Based Education), sharing research on how communities of learning create the conditions for belonging across schools and colleges
Professor Haili Hughes, offering insight into disadvantaged learners, staff agency and why belonging matters just as much for educators as it does for students
Former HMI, international trainer, author and leadership coach, Meena K Wood will share insights and strategies that have proved impactful across a range of educational settings
Empathy Studios, with Ed Kirwan exploring why empathy is fundamental to healthy culture and providing practical tools to develop it
Adam Kohlbeck, Director of Teacher Quality, The Chiltern Trust will explore how leaders can move beyond rigid ‘belonging frameworks’ to authentically cultivate a sense of identity and community through practical, localised strategies
Laura Mackay, CEO, Just Like Us charity will be joined by volunteers, highlighting why LGBT+ inclusion is essential in education
InspireEDucate’s James Pope, sharing strategic approaches to purpose-led culture where every learner feels they matter.

You will also hear:

Real-world case studies from schools, with a particular focus on Key Stage 3 and Year 9, where belonging often dips
Deep dives into culture, exploring purpose, empathy and leadership through an educational lens
Insightful discussions on current challenges, including Ofsted preparedness, NEETs, SEND and supported internships.

There will be multiple live Q&A sessions, allowing you to engage directly with speakers and explore the issues most relevant to your context. This is not just about understanding the problem, it’s about acting on it.
Who should attend?
This summit is essential for professionals leading inclusion, culture and wellbeing across schools and colleges, including:

Headteachers, Principals, CEOs and Executive Leaders
Senior leaders (Deputies, Assistants)
Designated safeguarding and pastoral leads
Governors and governance professionals
Behaviour, attendance and engagement leads
PSHE and RSE coordinators
Inclusion, SEND and wellbeing practitioners
Teachers/practitioners
Local authority professionals and policy advisors.

Secure your place
Places are limited, and demand for this event is expected to be high. By attending, you will:

Learn from leading voices across schools and colleges
Be part of a meaningful, sector-wide conversation
Take away strategies that genuinely improve outcomes for learners and staff.

Early bird discount available until 23 January 2026. All prices include VAT. Group booking discounts available. Contact our team via email. Together, let’s move beyond managing symptoms, and start building educational environments where every learner belongs and can achieve their full potential.
