Education Leaders Conference

A response to the white paper with Sir David Carter

The University of Derby and Embark Federation are collaborating to deliver this free opportunity for senior leaders in multi-academy trusts, schools and colleges to join an informed and forward-looking conversation at a pivotal time in education.

The conference is free to attend, please book using the form below. There are no restrictions on the number of places per provider, but we ask for a booking to be made for each delegate.

What to expect

With the government setting out their long-term plan to reform the education system in the schools white paper, as well as proposals on developing a skilled workforce in the post-16 education and skills white paper, our conference provides the time and space to explore shared challenges and opportunities at a pivotal time in education. Our programme includes:

Welcome: Pathways to success with Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, University of Derby

• Setting the scene for a future-focussed afternoon, Professor Mitchell will outline the gaps, challenges and opportunities for us all to collaborate for regional growth. As Chair of the Department for Education’s Higher Education Access and Participation Task and Finish Group, social mobility is at the heart of her agenda and we need to work together to create pathways to success.

Keynote: A response to the schools white paper with Sir David Carter, former National Schools Commissioner

• This session will explore what next for trusts and the schools within them, looking at different approaches to Trust operating models, strategic priorities for the next 5 years and the role of school leaders. From cultural foundations to performance trajectories, inclusion strategy to local governance, Sir David Carter will highlight key questions for leaders and boards to consider about the way forward.

Workshop: Leading and managing change – responding to the Government’s new inclusion agenda with Trevor Cotterill and Chris Bristow, Institute of Education and Skills, University of Derby

• The white paper will have implications for the school culture and ethos underpinning inclusion, parental confidence, and expectations in new arrangements for SEND. This includes creating inclusive spaces, staff training and managing the move from EHCPs to new SEND support, funding and investment, alongside the need for internal and external accountability. This session will explore how leaders need to manage a cultural shift towards diversity for change to be successful, which is supported rather than being created by policy.

A working lunch will be provided, along with opportunities for discussion and networking through the event. The full agenda and arrival instructions will be circulated to booked delegates in advance of the event.

A collaborative approach

Embark Federation is an award-winning family of schools across Derbyshire with a vision to create schools that stand out at the heart of their community. The University of Derby is a Top 10 UK University (Uni Compare 2026) with a long-standing reputation for delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, staff and region. Together, we have launched a bold new strategic partnership with a shared vision to pioneer academic and professional collaborations that respond directly to local and national educational priorities.

By bringing together education leadership colleagues at this event, we aim to emphasise our shared commitment to collaboration and building strong and supportive educational communities. We all need to work together to support our young people, break down barriers to opportunity and ensure every child can achieve and thrive.