24 February 2026 08:30 – 16:00
Join us in London in February 2026 for our fourth Next Generation Assessment Conference. The event will bring together educationalists, young people, teachers, policy makers, thought leaders, academics, and employer voices under the overarching theme of principles to practise. It promises to be another sell out event and a day of inspiration, connection and learning about the future of assessment.
A collaboration between the Chartered College of Teaching, Edge Foundation, HMC, Rethinking Assessment, and this year’s hosts, The Haberdashers Company. This event provides a unique chance to connect with leading voices and innovators in assessment. It will include keynote conversations and workshop sessions, and we’ll hear from education institutions trailing new ideas in practice.
All of this will seek to inform delivery on the ground in schools and colleges in England and support ongoing reforms in education across the UK and in countries around the world.
Next Generation Assessment Conference Highlights 2025
From Principles to Practice 2026 - conference agenda
All main sessions will take place in Livery Hall.
8:00 Arrival and registration
8.30 – 9.00 Sponsors Innovation Lab
- RM Assessment
- Cambridge
- Pearson
9.00-9.15 Introduction to the day, from Sarah Fletcher, followed by welcome from Haberdashers
9.15-9.30 “A letter to my younger self” - introduced by Sarah
- Clara Kerslake
- Saieesha Bailoor
9.30-10.15 Inspiration from other countries
What can we learn about staff and student motivation and well-being from other countries? Might the IB offer a practical new approach?
- Dame Alison Peacock (Chair)
- Sandra Milligan - New Metrics, Melbourne University (online)
- Louise Hayward
- Bill Lucas
10.15-11 Interdisciplinary approaches to project-based learning
What are the benefits of interdisciplinary learning and project-based approaches to learning? How can they help with motivation and teacher retention?
- Dr John L. Taylor, Pearson PQ Chair & Director of Curriculum, Innovation & International Education at Cranleigh School (Chair)
- Rose Aidin, Founder and Chief Executive, Art History Link-Up
- Yaya Chen, Co-Lead of the London School of Architecture's Access and Outreach campaign, Part 0.
- Roy Coupland, Co-Lead of the London School of Architecture's Access and Outreach campaign, Part 0.
- Helen Turner, Co-founder and Director Act On It Social Enterprise and Senior Assessment Specialist
- Rachel Steele, Pearson Principal Moderator EPQ (Artefact Unit) and a Joint Founder and Director of Act On It.
11.00-11.30 Coffee and poster exhibition
11.30-12.15 Workshops
- The WoLLoW Project (World of Languages, Languages of the World).
- The Jubilee Centre, Birmingham.
- IPQ Project-based qualifications at KS2 and KS3: Schools Showcase - Haberdashers
- Bloxham Sustainability Challenge
12.15 Lunch and poster exhibition continued
13:00-14:00 Provocation - Does the current assessment system work for all? What might need to change?
- Michael Rosen
14:00-14:45 Inclusive assessment practice panel
- Olly Newton (Chair)
- Professor Andrew Peterson, The Jubilee Centre, Birmingham
- Fran Wilby - Enrichment for All Coalition
- Melissa Farnham - ASDAN
- Michael Englard - Skillsbuilder
14:45-15:15 The central role of schools in helping students and staff to flourish. Michael Stevenson in conversation with Bill Lucas
3:15-4pm How might AI support all learners?
- Dr Cat Scutt MBS (Chair)
- Simon Balderson - Director of Innovation, Wishford Education
- Matthew Shanks- CEO, Education South West
- Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE- CEO & Founder, Stemettes
- Phil Avery- Director of Education, Bohunt Education Trust
- Julie Carson- CEO, Director of Education
- Sonya Lanckham, Windsor Academy Trust
4.00pm Conference close
With many thanks to our sponsors
