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.
8.30 – 9.00am SPONSORS
- Pearson
- RM Assessment
- Cambridge
9.00-9.15am Introduction to the day
- From Sarah Fletcher, followed by Haberdashers welcome
9.15-9.30am “A letter to my younger self”
- Introduced by Sarah Fletcher
9.30-10.15am Inspiration from other countries
- Dame Alison Peacock, CEO, Chartered College of Teaching
- Sandra Milligan, New Metrics, University of Melbourne
- Louise Hayward, Professor of Educational Assessment and Innovation, University of Glasgow.
- Professor Bill Lucas, Director of the Centre for Real-World Learning (CRL).
10.15-11.00am Interdisciplinary approaches to project-based learning
- Dr John L. Taylor, Pearson PQ Chair & Direction of Curriculum, Innovation & International Education at Cranleigh School
- 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.
11.00-11.30am Coffee and Poster Exhibition
11.30-12.15pm Workshops
- The WoLLoW Project (World of Languages, Languages of the World).
- Professor Andrew Peterson, The Jubilee Centre, Birmingham.
- IPQ Project-based qualifications at KS2 and KS3: Schools Showcase
- Bloxham Sustainability Challenge
12.15pm LUNCH and POSTER EXHIBITION continued
1.00-1:45pm Inclusive assessment practice panel
- Olly Newton, Executive Director, EDGE Foundation
- Professor Andrew Peterson, Deputy Director,The Jubilee Centre
- Fran Wilby, National Lead for Programmes and Partnerships, Rethinking Assessment
- Melissa Farnham, CEO, ASDAN
- Michael Englard, CEO, Skillsbuilder
1.45-2.15pm The central role of schools in helping students and staff to flourish
- Michael Stevenson in conversation with Bill Lucas
2.15-3.00pm How might AI support all learners?
- Dr Cat Scutt MBE, Deputy Chief Executive, Chartered College of Teaching
- Simon Balderson, Director of Innovation, Wishford Education
- Matthew Shanks, CEO, Education South West
- Dr Anne-Marie Imafi don MBE, CEO & Founder, Stemettes
- Phil Avery, Director of Education, Bohunt Education Trust
- Julie Carson, CEO, Director of Education
3.00-4.00pm Closing provocation.
- Michael Rosen - Does the current assessment system work for all? What might need to change?
4.00pm Conference close and thanks - Sarah Fletcher
With many thanks to our sponsors
