Despite repeated calls for excellence and equity in our national education system, the data shows widening gaps in outcomes and opportunities for learners who encounter disadvantages: potential is too often unfulfilled.  

This new one-day event is for all those who are seeking to close those gaps – leading on this across a school or group of schools – sharing key messages from NACE’s research into how we can break down barriers to opportunity and achievement.  

Co-led by Andy Griffith and Christabel Shepherd (see bios below) – both highly experienced in supporting schools to bring about meaningful change for young people who encounter disadvantage – this promises to be an inspiring, practical, evidenced-based and impact-focused day, with dedicated strands for those working at primary and secondary phases.

Topics covered will include:

• The key role of school culture, including language and associated beliefs about “ability” and “disadvantage”;
• The importance of access to cognitively challenging learning – as the right of every child;
• Strategies to identify and break down systemic barriers, rooted in a holistic understanding of learners’ needs;
• Developing a curriculum, whole-school teaching approaches, and extra-curricular opportunities which enable all young people to flourish;
• Nurturing relationships to ensure the right balance between challenge and support – setting young people up for success now and in the future.

See the full programme below.