Applications open 1 November 2026
Got an idea the profession needs to hear?
Great ideas can come from anywhere. We’re looking for voices from Spain’s education community, and further afield, with real experiences, new perspectives and practical approaches that can inspire others. If you have something meaningful to contribute, we want to hear it.
About the process
Over half the programme comes from open applications.
Our review panel brings together representatives from the host school, education partners and the Festival team. Together, they select timely, practical and thought-provoking sessions that will resonate with educators across Spain’s international schools community and beyond. The wider programme is developed in collaboration with our core content partners.
Our open call is designed to uncover new voices, different perspectives and ideas with the power to inspire change. Applications are reviewed in February, with successful applicants contacted from March. Programme space is limited, so we are unable to accept every proposal or routinely offer individual feedback.
Tom Sherrington at the Spain Festival 2026.
Who can apply
Anyone with something worth saying.
The Festival has no political affiliation or ideology. We programme for the whole of education.
Classroom teachers
The practice that works in your classroom, shared with people who'll use it on Monday.
School & trust leaders
Decisions you've made, what they cost, and what you'd do differently.
Researchers & academics
Evidence translated into something a busy practitioner can act on.
Students & young people
The view from the other side of the desk. We always want more of it.
Session topics
Twenty-one categories, one Festival.
To represent the full breadth of education across Spain, we welcome proposals spanning early years, primary, secondary, vocational, higher and international education. When applying, please choose the single topic that best reflects your proposed session.
AI & Education Technology
Assessment & Feedback
Behaviour & School Culture
Business Support
Citizenship, Sustainability & Global Learning
Curriculum & Subject Knowledge
Early Years Education
Flourishing
Inclusion & Additional Learning Needs
Leadership & School Management
Literacy
Multilingual Learning & Language Development
Oracy
Primary Education
Research Into Classroom Practice
Secondary Education
Student Voice & Participation
Teacher Development & Coaching
Teaching & Learning
Vocational & Higher Education
Wellbeing
Before you start
What you'll need.
Session title and description
A title for your session, along with a brief description.
Speaker information
A bio and photo for each speaker (up to four). Applying on behalf of others? Make sure you have their permission to share their details.
Session topic
The main category your session belongs to, from the list above.
You can edit your application up until the submission deadline. Partially completed applications will not be considered.
Need support or an alternative format? Contact foe@educationscape.com.
How we choose
Review criteria.
Clarity of description
Are the title and description well-written, in language that's professional and accessible to non-specialists?
Quality of content
Is the session grounded in strong theoretical, empirical or practice-based foundations?
Relevance of content
Does it address current or emerging trends, or make an original contribution to the discourse that's relevant to our audience?
Speaker expertise & credibility
Does the applicant have relevant experience that suggests they could deliver a valuable session on this topic?
NEXT STEPS
The speaker journey.
Apply
By 31 January 2027
Complete the online submission. Edit any time before the deadline.
Review
February 2027
The review team will assess every application.
Confirmed
March 2027
Time and date confirmed, session announced on the website - start promoting it.
Festival
29 October 2027
Deliver your session at the heart of The Hague, Edith Stein College.
Free one-day pass
All successful speakers receive complimentary two-day tickets for themselves and a guest.
Speakers' lounge
Exclusive access with refreshments throughout the day, including lunch.
Travel contribution
The Festival aims to give a platform to a wide variety of voices; each person may speak in a maximum of two sessions. If you’re approached for a panel and already have two sessions, feel free to suggest a qualified colleague in your place.
Ready to apply?
Our speakers are at the very heart of the Festival of Education. Applications close 31 January 2027.