Curriculum Conference 2026

Following the Government’s publication of its full report on the Review of the Curriculum and Assessment System, BESA is pleased to announce our annual Curriculum Conference for 2026 – proudly supported by our media partner ITN.

This year’s conference offers a unique opportunity to engage with leading experts and peers as we explore the Department for Education’s proposed changes and what they mean for the education sector. In addition to opportunities to network with peers and sector leaders, the conference offers a day of insight and discussion as we unpack the substance of these changes and their implications for suppliers and schools.

What to Expect

• Expert Perspectives
  Hear from those involved in shaping the national curriculum, past and present, and gain valuable insights into the Government’s intended direction of travel
• Practical Approaches
  Discover how teachers are designing and sequencing their curriculum today, and how practices have evolved over the last decade
• Implementation Challenges
  Consider the key hurdles to adopting the new curriculum and strategies to overcome them
• Future Focus
  Understand how these changes aim to refocus the system on essential skills every child should learn at school.

Join peers and experts at BESA’s Curriculum Conference as we explore these upcoming changes and their impact on the educational suppliers sector.

Agenda Highlights

Evolution not Revolution: Keynote address on the recommendations from Curriculum & Assessment Review
This session explores the major themes emerging from the recent UK curriculum review and what they signal for the future of teaching and learning. From reshaping subject priorities to embedding skills for life and work, discover how these recommendations aim to create a more inclusive, forward-thinking education system.

The Case for Change: Why the recommendations from the Curriculum and Assessment Review are necessary
This session examines why the current education model needs a radical rethink and explores innovative. Learn how new movements and school models are challenging traditional structures, embedding oracy, wellbeing, and real-world learning to prepare students for life beyond exams.

From Curriculum to Classroom: A view on how teachers approach bringing the currliculum to life in schools
Chair: Caroline Wright, Director General, BESA
Tammy Day, Headteacher, Bishop Stopford School
Jo Palmer-Tweed, CEO, Essex & Thames Education
How do we turn curriculum ambitions into classroom reality? This panel brings together voices from primary and secondary schools to share practical strategies for teacher development, capacity building, and successful implementation. Hear firsthand experiences of what works, and what doesn’t. when embedding change at the local level.

A Change in Direction: Do the Curriculum and Assessment Review’s Recommendations Risk Undermining Progress?
Sir Nicolas John Gibb, Former MP for Bognor Regis & Littlehampton and former Minister of State for Education
This session explores the case for maintaining the core principles that have driven improvements in England’s education system over the past decade. It examines why knowledge-rich curricula, rigorous assessment, and evidence-based teaching practices remain essential for raising standards and ensuring equity—despite calls for radical change.

The Core Subjects: An member led discussion on the core changes for English, Maths, and Science
Linda Neill, Director, The Literacy Company
Tony Staneff, Co-Founder & Director of Impact and Innovation, Rethink Maths
Katie Sergeant, Secondary & Revision Publisher, HarperCollins Publishers
Assessment is evolving, so how do we ensure it supports learning rather than limits it? This session explores the latest thinking on reading assessment, balancing accountability with meaningful feedback. We’ll look at approaches that identify gaps early, promote progress, and align with the broader curriculum vision.

A Curriculum for All: The new curriculum’s inclusion led approach
Chair: Jo Hutchinson, Co-Director for Early Years and Wellbeing, Education Policy Institute
This panel brings together leading voices in education to tackle one of the most pressing challenges: ensuring that every child with special educational needs and disabilities thrives. From policy and leadership to classroom practice, the discussion will explore how schools can embed inclusion, overcome systemic barriers, and deliver high-quality support for all learners.

Skills for the Future: An expert led panel discussion on the inclusion of Financial, Digital, and Media Literacy
Chair: Peter Doyle, Policy Manager, BESA
What skills will tomorrow’s workforce demand—and how can schools plan for them today? This session explores the intersection of curriculum design, employer expectations, and strategic planning. Learn how education leaders are shaping pathways that equip students with the knowledge, adaptability, and character needed for success in a rapidly changing economy.

BESA will not be offering refunds for this event. It is possible to transfer your ticket to a colleague at any point from the time of booking to 7 working days before the event.

Speakers

Tammy Day, Headteacher, Bishop Stopford School

With over ten years of experience as a Head Teacher and more than two decades in education, I bring a deep commitment to educational equity, strategic leadership, and collaborative improvement across Enfield and surrounding regions. My work spans school leadership, system-wide reform, and targeted support for vulnerable learners—anchored in a belief that every child deserves opportunity, dignity, and high-quality education. I currently serve on the Schools Forum Committee for Enfield Local Authority, shaping policy and funding decisions that impact the Borough of Enfield’s educational landscape. For four years, I chaired Enfield’s Fair Access and Directed Move process, ensuring that some of the most vulnerable students were placed safely and fairly, with dignity and care. My leadership is values-driven and people-focused. I believe in empowering staff, engaging communities, and creating inclusive environments where every learner can thrive. I am passionate about shaping a future where our communities and industries work together in service for every learner.

Sir Nicolas John Gibb, Former MP for Bognor Regis & Littlehampton and former Minister of State for Education

Nick Gibb was Minister of State at the Department for Education between 26 October 2022 and 13 November 2023. He was previously Minister of State (Minister for School Standards) at the Department for Education between July 2014 and September 2021. Nick was elected Conservative MP for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton in 1997.

Tony Staneff, Co-Founder & Director of Impact and Innovation, Rethink Maths

Tony Staneff is an influential leader and entrepreneur with a proven track record of driving large-scale change in maths education.

As the founding figure at White Rose Education, Tony helped transform the way maths is taught in thousands of schools across the UK and internationally. Now, as co-founder of Rethink Maths, he’s continuing that mission — bringing fresh ideas and energy to support teachers, improve outcomes, and reignite a love of learning in the classroom. With over 20 years’ experience in curriculum design, teacher development, and school improvement, Tony is known for his vision, creativity and relentless belief that every child can succeed in maths.

Jo Hutchinson, Co-Director for Early Years and Wellbeing, Education Policy Institute

Jo joined the Education Policy Institute in March 2016.  She graduated from the London School of Economics with a Masters (MPA) in Public and Economic Policy (with distinction) in 2005; her second year of post-graduate study was completed at Columbia University in New York where she undertook a concentration in education policy at the Teachers’ College.

Jo’s background includes ten years as a statistician at the Department for Education, specializing in analysis and research of school outcomes to support policies including behaviour and attendance, floor standards and accountability, impact of multiple and early GCSE entry, attainment and HE entry gaps, and character education.

Caroline Wright, Director General, BESA

Caroline had a distinguished career in the UK Civil Service prior to joining BESA in 2012, leading communications teams at the Department for Education, Ofsted, Partnerships for Schools, Cabinet Office, and the Department of Trade and Industry. Caroline is actively involved in various government and sector advisory boards and has received numerous accolades, including Education Investor’s ‘Outstanding Contribution to Education’ award. Caroline is a frequent contributor to charitable educational activities, reflecting her commitment to the education sector.

Peter Doyle, Policy Manager, BESA

Peter represents the interests of BESA members to parliamentarians and officials across Government departments, working on various policy issues across the association. His passion for the education sector developed while working for a BESA member, where he contributed to the development and implementation of EdTech products and curricula for the Primary Sector. In addition to his professional work, Peter volunteers as a Governor at a federation of local primary schools in East London.

Media Partner & Global Education Digital Content Supplier​

ITN are the industry’s premier educational video content provider. Their work reaches millions of learners globally through partnerships with Discovery Education, National Geographic Learning, Pearson, OUP, CUP, and the BBC, among others. We’re proud to collaborate with a team whose mission aligns so closely with ours: to elevate educational impact through powerful storytelling and purposeful media.

Timings

10:00am
Registration and refreshments

10:30am
Welcome from the Chair

10:35am
Evolution not Revolution: Keynote address on the recommendations from Curriculum & Assessment Review.

11:05am
The Case for Change: Why the recommendations from the Curriculum and Assessment Review are necessary.

11:45pm
From Curriculum to Classroom: How teachers bring the curriculum to life.
Chair: Caroline Wright, Director General, BESA
Tammy Day, Headteacher, Bishop Stopford School
Jo Palmer-Tweed, CEO, Essex & Thames Education

12:30pm
Lunch

1:28pm
Welcome back from the Chair

1:30pm
A Change in Direction: Do the Curriculum and Assessment Review’s Recommendations Risk Undermining Progress?
Sir Nicolas John Gibb, Former MP for Bognor Regis & Littlehampton and former Minister of State for Education

2:30pm
The Core Subjects: An member led discussion on the core changes for English, Maths, and Science
Linda Neill, Director, The Literacy Company
Tony Staneff, Co-Founder & Director of Impact and Innovation, Rethink Maths
Katie Sergeant, Secondary & Revision Publisher, HarperCollins Publishers

3:10pm
Refreshments

3:30pm
A Curriculum for All: The new curriculum’s inclusion led approach.
Chair: Jo Hutchinson, Co-Director for Early Years and Wellbeing, Education Policy Institute

4:15pm
Skills for the Future: An expert led panel discussion on the inclusion of Financial, Digital, and Media literacy.
Chair: Peter Doyle, Policy Manager, BESA

5:00pm
Closing Remarks

5:05pm
Event Closes

Show more

Venue Details

Mary Ward House, 7 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SN

The conference is being held in the Brewer and Smith room, on the lower ground floor. Enter the building by the main entrance and then take the stairs on the left.

Complimentary Wi-fi is available.

Toilets are located on the ground and lower ground floor. The accessible toilet is located in the ground floor.

For any assistance on the day, please ask at reception.

Read more about the venue’s sustainability practices here.

Mary Ward House, 7 Tavistock Place

Getting to the Venue

Tube Routes

Mary Ward House is in walking distance from Euston (Avanti West Coast, Lioness, Caledonian Sleeper, West Midlands Railway, Northern, Victoria), Euston Square (Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan), Warren Street (Northern, Victoria), Russell Square (Piccadilly), Goodge Street (Northern)

Bus Routes

1, 14, 18, 68, 91

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