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
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.
