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.

A Change in Direction: Do the Curriculum and Assessment Review’s Recommendations Risk Undermining Progress?
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.

From Curriculum to Classroom: A view on how teachers approach bringing the currliculum to life in schools
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.

The Core Subjects: An expert led discussion on the core changes for English, Maths, and Science
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
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.

Chair

Dawn Hallybone, Chief Operations Officer, 2Simple

Dawn Hallybone brings a wealth of expertise to BESA’s Executive Council. As Chief Operations Officer at 2Simple, she leads strategic initiatives that support primary and secondary schools in the UK and internationally, ensuring digital tools enhance learning outcomes and reduce teacher workload. Dawn is passionate about the transformative potential of technology to enrich the curriculum, foster creativity, and engage learners. In her role as Chair of BESA’s Curriculum Special Interest Group, Dawn collaborates with industry leaders to address key curriculum challenges and opportunities. Her 24 years in primary education, spanning classroom and senior leadership roles, give her deep insight into the needs of schools, teachers, and learners. Her broad experience, strategic insight, and commitment to improving education make her an invaluable asset to the BESA board.

Speakers

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, specialising 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. Major projects Jo has led on include the development and launch of the Disadvantage Attainment Gap Index, a world-first application of mean rank difference methodology to deliver standardised tracking of educational inequality across changing assessment measures; evidence for the London Mayor’s Education Inquiry; and international evidence for the National Curriculum Review.

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

10:25am
Welcome from the Chair
Dawn Hallybone, Chief Operations Officer, 2Simple

10:30am
Evolution not Revolution: Keynote address on the recommendations from Curriculum & Assessment Review.

11:10am
The Case for Change: Why the recommendations from the Curriculum and Assessment Review are necessary.

11:50pm
A Change in Direction: Do the Curriculum and Assessment Review’s recommendations risk undermining progress?

12:30pm
Lunch

1:30pm
Welcome back from the Chair
Dawn Hallybone, Chief Operations Officer, 2Simple

1:31pm
From Curriculum to Classroom: How teachers bring the curriculum to life.

2:31pm
The Core Subjects: An expert led discussion on the core changes for English, Maths, and Science

3:11pm
Refreshments

3:31pm
A Curriculum for All: The new curriculum’s inclusion led approach.
Chair: Jo Hutchinson, Co-Director for Early Years and Wellbeing, Education Policy Institute

4:16pm
Skills for the Future: An expert led panel discussion on the inclusion of Financial, Digital, and Media literacy.

5:01pm
Closing Remarks

5:05pm
Event Closes

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Venue Details

Mary Ward House, 7 Tavistock Place

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

Related content

Webinars

Curriculum & Assessment Review Unpacked: What Was Announced and What Comes Next?

Wed 14 January 26

Online

Free for BESA Members, £50 for Non-Members

International

Hong Kong Trade Mission Briefing: Unlocking Opportunities

Mon 19 January 26

81 Rivington St, EC2A 3AY

Free to attend for BESA Members and Non-Members

Awards

Bett Awards 2026

Wed 21 January 26

The Brewery, 52 Chiswell Street, London, EC1Y 4SA