About the china festival

Where those who inspire find their own inspiration.

Taking inspiration from other well-known art and entertainment festivals, the China Festival of Education combines thought-provoking professional learning with generous time to engage with other participants in meaningful discussions and network in a vibrant, supportive setting.

17 APRIL 2027

Wellington College International Shanghai

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Our MISSION & purpose

Inspiring and empowering educators from all sectors.

Our mission is to provide an inclusive platform for sharing innovative ideas, fostering meaningful discussions, and promoting professional growth in a vibrant, relaxed atmosphere.

We aim to cultivate a community where diverse perspectives are valued, and challenging debates are conducted with respect and professionalism. By bringing together passionate individuals dedicated to enhancing education, we strive to shape the future of learning and teaching.

Attendees at the China Festival

650+

Educators

60+

Speakers across one day

50+

Sessions across one day

10+

Exhibitors and partners

the history of the china festival of education

From a modest gathering to the biggest event in the education calendar.

2010

The Festival begins in the UK

Wellington College hosts the first Festival of Education, bringing together more than 1,000 educators to share ideas, challenge thinking and celebrate teaching.

2016

A new chapter for the Festival of Education

EducationScape takes on the operation of the Festival, helping it grow while retaining its founding spirit of open discussion and professional learning.

2016

The Festival comes to China

Building on the success of the UK Festival, Wellington College Education (China) hosts the first China Festival of Education in Shanghai. It becomes the Festival’s first edition outside the UK.

2019-20

During the COVID-19 pandemic: a pause in China

The China Festival takes a break from gathering in person during the pandemic.

2022

The education community reunites in China

The China Festival returns, bringing educators together in person once again to exchange ideas, learn from one another and reconnect with colleagues across the education community.

2023-26

Growing the Festival together

EducationScape and Wellington College Education (China) work together to strengthen the Festival year after year, bringing prominent speakers and a wider range of voices to share best practice and inspire conversation.

2027

The 10th China Festival of Education

This special edition explores flourishing: what it means in education and how schools can help pupils, educators and communities thrive.

2026 China Festival.

Audience at the 2026 China Festival

What we believe

Fresh thinking. Shared inspiration.

Four ingredients bring the Festival to life; big ideas, brilliant people and plenty of festival spirit.

Fresh thinking

Thought-provoking sessions, lively debates and meaningful discussions that challenge perspectives and inspire fresh thinking.

Live music

Local culture and a vibrant festival atmosphere throughout the day.

 

Street food

Enjoy street food and the opportunity to connect and network with fellow attendees.

 

A place to pause

Take time between sessions to reflect, recharge and explore new ideas.

 

Why the Festival

A decade of ideas. A future of flourishing.

Now in its landmark 10th year, the China Festival of Education invites educators, school leaders and changemakers to explore what it truly means to flourish. Connect with inspiring voices from across China and beyond, discover practical ideas that can transform teaching and learning, and take part in bold conversations about the future of education. Leave with renewed energy, valuable connections and actionable strategies to help students, teachers and entire school communities thrive. Ten years of ideas, inspiration and impact, and the next chapter starts with you

Breadth of content

Leading speakers cover the latest trends, research and innovations, debates, lectures, workshops and panels.

Professional development at its heart

Practical strategies and insights you can implement immediately in your classroom or school.

Affordable for teams

Group ticket rates make it feasible for whole teams and organisations to attend and share the benefits widely.

Meaningful connections

Meet new colleagues, share experiences and form lasting friendships.

Attendee testimonials

What educators say about the
China Festival of Education.

"

“Thanks to everyone involved in making it happen. It’s so well organised and value for money. I will continue to attend and promote the event with my colleagues in future.”

"

“The China Festival is the CPD event of the year and a must for all serious educators!”

"

“Attending the China Festival of Education was a genuinely energising and thought-provoking experience. The conference brought together a powerful mix of research-informed practice, practical classroom strategies, and meaningful dialogue about the future of education, particularly within an international context.”

Who's behind it

Making it all work, one Festival at a time.

Founded by

Wellington College Education

Wellington College founded the Festival of Education in 2010, growing it from a single summer gathering into the UK’s largest celebration of teaching – non-partisan and open to the whole sector.

Delivered by

EducationScape

In 2016, EducationScape took on the operation of the Festival, carrying its founding spirit to editions across Europe, Asia and the Americas. EducationScape are a UK based events and publishing organisation.

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