05/10/2026
Birmingham ICC : Executive Room 2
What are the key challenges facing the education sector and how do we solve them?
Pepe Di’Iasio (ASCL, General Secretary)
The Rt Hon Laura Trott MP (Conservative Party, Shadow Secretary of State for Education (Invited))
Sinead McBrearty (Education Support, CEO)
Susannah Hardyman MBE (Impetus, Chief Executive (Invited))
Frank Young (Parentkind, Chief Executive)
The number of teachers reporting that they have an unmanageable workload is increasing year on year – and the expectations on the sector are only set to increase as a result of the Milburn Review and the government’s extensive reform agenda. This EPI-ASCL panel will bring together policymakers, education leaders, and sector experts to consider the key challenges facing the education sector and how policymakers should respond to them.


Birmingham ICC : Executive Room 2
[Private roundtable] How can we ensure AI implementation supports the educational experiences that help all children flourish?
Ros McNeil (National Education Union, Assistant General Secretary)
The Rt Hon Laura Trott MP (Conservative Party, Shadow Secretary of State for Education (Invited))
Rebecca Paul MP (Reigate, Member of Parliament (Invited))
Dr Caroline Johnson MP (MP for Sleaford and North Hykeham, Shadow Minister of State for Health and Social Care (Invited))
Professor Rebecca Eynon (University of Oxford, Oxford Internet Institute)
Liz Robinson (Big Education, CEO (Invited))
Renate Samson (Oxford University Press, UK Policy Director)
Emily Verow (Three Spires Trust, Chief Executive)
Sam Evans (Chartered College of Teaching, EdTech Evidence Lead)
To ensure AI implementation supports students’ learning rather than undermining it, a clear roadmap is needed to shape and leverage AI for transformational educational benefits. This EPI-NEU roundtable will discuss how we can optimise the benefits while minimising the risks, which stakeholders are critical for determining what good looks like, and how we can effectively monitor its impact. This is a private invitation-only event.

Birmingham ICC : Executive Room 2
Building a digitally skilled generation: what do we need for the future workforce?
Natalie Perera (AQA, Chief External Affairs and Communications Officer)
The Rt Hon Laura Trott MP (Conservative Party, Shadow Secretary of State for Education (Invited))
Pepe Di’Iasio (ASCL, General Secretary)
Pat Carvalho (Birmingham Metropolitan College, Principal and CEO)
Digital capability is essential for success in education, work and everyday life, yet evidence shows that digital skills and confidence remain uneven. Further, there are wider debates about what the education system needs to ensure young people are prepared for a rapidly changing labour market. This EPI-AQA panel will consider what is needed from curriculum, assessment and wider education policy to build a digitally skilled generation.

Birmingham ICC : Executive Room 2
[Invite-only reception] Raising education standards in a digital age
We invite you to join EPI and AQA for an evening of conversation with colleagues across the education and skills sector, considering how to ensure young people develop the digital knowledge and capabilities they need to thrive in a modern, technology‑driven society. This event is by invitation only, to request a ticket please get in touch on [email protected].

