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NACE Conference 2025

 

 

 

 

Removing barriers to learning
Creating opportunities for all learners to flourish

Friday 27 June 2025
Pangbourne College, Pangbourne Rd, Reading RG8 8LA

It is deeply concerning that our education system is failing many young people. The achievement gaps between learners who encounter various forms of disadvantage and their peers represent a loss of talent and a lack of opportunity for individuals to fulfil their potential.

There is a moral imperative to recognise and address these issues. NACE is committed to casting a light on the disadvantages that exist within schools, so that we can work together to remove educational inequities.

The third phase of our making space for able learners research project is focusing on how schools can best support more able learners who experience disadvantage in any of its many forms. This phase aims to identify and share the successes of trailblazing schools which have found ways to break down a range of barriers to achievement.

Read more about the research and initial key findings here, and book your conference tickets now for an inspiring day of CPD and networking dedicated to sharing effective ways to better serve all young people. Key themes covered will include curriculum strategy, adaptive teaching, neurodiversity, higher-level questioning, metacognition, learner agency and more.

See the full programme below.


Pangbourne College

Pangbourne College is an independent, co-educational day and boarding school for girls and boys aged 11-18 in West Berkshire.

As a small school of 450 pupils, it is a community where everyone can flourish. Providing a challenging academic curriculum, the school also offers plenty of co-curricular opportunities for sport, art, music, drama and adventurous training. It supports every pupil to fulfil their potential and develop the confidence, values and skills needed to make a positive difference to the world. 


Costs

NACE members.......................................................................£195
Non-members.........................................................................£295

Book your places now

To enquire about group booking discounts (for four or more delegates), please email cpd@nace.co.uk

Please note, as per our terms and conditions, delegate name changes are acceptable at any time for no additional cost.

                         

Speakers

The Real David Cameron

A leading voice in education, David Cameron has extensive experience as a teacher, and as a senior leader in schools and local authorities, including Director of Children’s Services for Stirling Council. He was President of the Association of Directors of Education Scotland and centrally involved in virtually every major development in Scottish education over the last 40 years. He is recognised as an entertaining and inspiring speaker and supportive consultant.

Find out more 
Dr Haili Hughes

As Director of Professional Development at All Saints Multi Academy Trust and a professor of instructional coaching and mentoring at Academica University of Applied Sciences, Professor Haili Hughes is the only professor and trust leader in England. She uses her research and books to bridge the gap between research and practice. She is also an ITT Quality Advisor for the Department of Education.

Find out more
Dr Kevin Latham

Kevin is Research and Policy Manager (Schools and Colleges) at the Sutton Trust, which provides research, programmes and policy recommendations to promote greater social mobility. He has extensive experience in higher education as a university lecturer and also taught for two years in a state secondary school. His BA was in Chinese at Oxford University and his MA and doctorate were completed in Social Anthropology at SOAS, University of London.

Find out more
Claire Gadsby

A leading educational consultant, trainer and author, with a wealth of experience in school improvement and motivation strategies, Claire Gadsby is at the cutting edge of current educational research and practice. She has worked in a range of settings across all phases, in the UK and overseas, and regularly delivers her Radical Revision Workshops© to learners, meaning that she remains very close to the reality of the classroom.

Find out more
Christabel Shepherd

In her role as NACE Challenge and Curriculum Development Director, Christabel leads the development of the Challenge Development Programme and oversees the Challenge Award, as well as playing a leading role in the development and delivery of NACE’s training programmes and bespoke CPD. She also undertakes school and curriculum reviews, with a focus on improving provision for more able learners and challenge in the classroom.

Find out more 
Dr Keith Watson

With over 30 years’ experience of working in educational settings, Dr Keith Watson is a former MAT CEO and Teaching School Leader, an accredited coach, and a published researcher. He holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and regularly publishes articles on a range of educational issues. He is a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching. As NACE Curriculum Development Director, he plays a key role in overseeing NACE's CPD and support for schools.

Find out more

Conference partners




Programme

8.45am
Registration opens
Refreshments and exhibition

9.30am
Welcome
Rob Lightfoot, CEO of NACE
9.45am
Keynote 1
Dr Kevin Latham, Research and Policy Manager, The Sutton Trust
Minding the attainment gap: what do we know and what can we do?

A look at the latest research on the gap in educational outcomes between students from more and less affluent backgrounds, including how this has changed in recent years, underlying factors, long-term impacts for both individuals and the wider economy, and recommendations to close the gap for all.
10.30am
Keynote 2
David Cameron
Rethinking ability: time to talk about potential

Posing some challenging and vital questions about how we define ability, how we find out what children are really capable of, and how to avoid simply fulfilling our own expectations for young people.
11.30am
Break
Refreshments and exhibition
12.00pm - 12.45pm
Workshop series 1

A. Claire Gadsby: Adaptive teaching unlocked
How responsive teaching and the strategic use of AI can drive metacognition and improve equity

B. Dr Ann McCarthy and Hilary Lowe: Mind the gap
The disadvantage problem and curriculum strategy

C. Southend High School for Boys: The neurodiverse classroom
Planning for individual differences in the classroom

D. Alfreton Nursery School: Breaking down barriers to learning in the classroom
An innovative approach studying metacognition, philosophical enquiry and cognitive challenge

12.50pm - 1.35pm
Workshops series 2

A. Dr Haili Hughes: Higher-level questioning
Discover how higher-level questioning can drive critical thinking for all learners

B. Dr Keith Watson: Engage and challenge
Key messages on teaching and learning focused on the individual, not the cohort

C. Pangbourne College: Aspirational co-curricula design
Curriculum design which engages, enhances and extends social, cultural and learning capital

D. Copthorne Primary School: Individuals matter
Creating a nourishing and aspirational environment where children have a sense of belonging

1.35pm
Lunch
Refreshments and exhibition
2.20pm
Keynote 3
Dr Haili Hughes
You've got to see it to be it: challenge for all

Belonging and psychological safety are often ignored areas of neuro and cognitive science but they are essential factors in helping children achieve and thrive. For students who encounter disadvantage, who may face several barriers to reaching the top grades, this is even more key.

3.00pm
Workshop series 3

A. David Cameron: What is Beauty?
Be challenged to think, be creative and reflect on what kind of learning opportunities we should provide

B. Christabel Shepherd: Opening doors through language and literacy
How effective classroom provision focused on oracy and discourse improves equity

C. Bishopston Comprehensive School: Learner agency
How do we give learners a voice in their education and in their community?

D. Toot Hill School: Student empowerment
Designing classroom practice which gives students the tools and information to direct learning

3.50pm
Networking and close
Opportunity to pose any questions for the NACE team or continue the day’s discussions with presenters and delegates.
4.00pm
Minibuses leave for Pangbourne train station



Additional information

A minibus shuttle service will run from Pangbourne train station. Parking is also available on site.

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