Applications open until 1 November 2026
Got an idea the profession needs to hear?
Every year the Festival programme is built from the ground up by teachers, leaders, researchers and thinkers who put themselves forward. You don’t need a book deal or a blue tick; you need something useful to say.
About the process
Over half the programme comes from open applications.
The Festival Advisory Board is an integral part of the selection process, helping to ensure our content is relevant to people working in schools and colleges today. The remaining content is curated by the Festival team together with our core content partners.
The application process gives us the opportunity to discover new speakers and ideas, ensuring a diverse Festival in terms of both content and participants. During November and December, our team carefully reviews all applications, we receive a large number each year, and with limited speaking slots, not all applicants can be selected. We don’t routinely provide feedback on unsuccessful submissions.
Elif Shafak speaking at the UK Festival 2026.
Applying
Three ways to apply.
We welcome applications from individuals and organisations eager to share their knowledge, insights and innovative ideas at the Festival of Education 2027.
Educator route
For employees or governors of a school, college, university, early years setting, or registered training provider.
- Full-length sessions
- Up to four speakers per session
Organisations
For anyone else that doesn’t work within an education setting – authors, think tanks, charities, organisations and voices from beyond the classroom.
- Full-length sessions
- Open to individuals and organisations
Emerging voices
10–20 minute sessions, for employees or governors of a school, college, university, early years setting, or registered training provider.
- 10–20 minute slots
- A great first-time speaking format.
Session topics
Twenty categories, one festival.
To reflect the diverse landscape of education, we’re seeking applications across categories relevant to schools, colleges and early years settings. You’ll pick one main topic for your session.
Inspiring Keynote Speakers
Accountability & Governance
AI & EdTech
Attendance & Belonging
Arts & Humanities
Business & Operations
Careers
Curriculum & Assessment
Disadvantage & Social Mobility
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
FE, Apprenticeships & Skills
Flourishing
Leadership
Literacy, Oracy & English
Recruitment & Staff Wellbeing
Safeguarding & PSHE
SEND, Specialist & Alternative Provision
Teacher Training & Development
Teaching & Learning
Early Years & Primary
Who can apply
Anyone with something worth saying.
The Festival has no political affiliation or ideology. We programme for the whole sector.
Classroom teachers
The practice that works in your classroom, shared with people who'll use it on Monday.
School & college 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.
NEXT STEPS
The speaker journey.
Apply
By 1 November 2026
Review
Nov – Dec 2026
Confirmed
Feb - Mar 2027
Festival
8–9 July 2027
Free two-day access
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 across the two days. If you’re approached for a panel and already have two sessions, feel free to suggest a qualified colleague in your place.
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.
Timing preferences
Any preferences for when your session could take place.
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
Judging questions.
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?
Ready to apply?
Our speakers are at the very heart of the Festival of Education. Applications close 1 November 2026.