Speaker application

Across two days, the Festival of Education will host over 200 sessions from educationalists across the globe. About 50% of the content held at the Festival is selected via our public application process.

Apply before end of October

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Speak at the Festival of Education

Across two days, the Festival of Education will host over 300 sessions from educationalists from across the globe. About 50 per cent of the content held at the Festival is selected via our public application process. Other content is curated by the Festival team and our core partners, including organisations such as the Department for Education and grassroots groups such as BAME Ed and Women Ed.

Content at the Festival is spread across six, 45-minute periods each day and staged across 25 venues, which include purpose-built marquees and classrooms.

Please note that completing the application does not guarantee you a session. During this round of applications, around 100 sessions will be accepted. The Festival typically receives about 500 applications for these 150 sessions. Unfortunately, this means we have to reject 80% of the applications. We appreciate the time it takes to apply to speak at the Festival, and we truly value every application that is submitted.

All submissions are considered by the content team for their suitability, how they fit into the overall shape and content of the Festival, how they overlap with other sessions and how they serve our diverse audience. The content team will commence reviewing applications in November. Applicants will be informed of the content team’s decision by the end of November. The decision of the festival content team is final.

Categories

  • Accountability
  • Alternative Provision
  • Curriculum
    • Primary
    • Secondary
    • Primary & Secondary
  • Early years
  • Ed Tech
  • Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
  • Further Education & Apprenticeships
  • Governance
  • Initial teacher training
  • Leadership
    • Future Leaders
    • Leadership
  • Policy and Research
  • Safeguarding
  • School Business Management
  • SEND
  • Sustainability
    • Sustainable schools
    • Curriculum
  • Teaching
    • Teaching Further Education
    • Teaching Primary
    • Teaching Secondary
  • Wellbeing
    • Staff Wellbeing
    • Student Wellbeing

Your application

Spark interest

Each year we receive about 500 applications. We want to ensure we have a diverse range of content and ideas. A standout application is one that will provide attendees with lots of useful ideas that they can take back to their schools and colleges.

Audience

Over 5,000 people will attend the Festival from a range of education providers and job roles. Your application will need to demonstrate who your session will be most relevant to.

What you will need to provide in your submission

  • You will need to provide a title for your session, a short description and explain five key things attendees will learn
  • You will need to provide a bio and photo of all speakers in your session (max five speakers). If you are applying on behalf of others, please ensure that you have the individuals permission to use and share their details
  • You will need to let us know if you have a preference for when your session could take place
  • You will need to select a category for your session and let us know who the target audience is
  • You can edit your application up until the submission deadline
  • Please note partially completed applications will also be rejected
  • Please use the relevant submission form for the number of speakers taking part, i.e. 1-2 or 3+

What happens if your submission is successful

  • If your proposed session is accepted, we will get in touch to ensure that the information we have for you is correct. At this point, you’ll also be provided with a registration link to book your free tickets to the Festival. All speakers will receive complimentary two-day access for themselves and a friend
  • In December we will confirm the time and date of your session at the Festival. In January, we will announce your session on the Festival website, and you will be able to start promoting your session.
  • At the Festival, speakers will have access to our speakers’ lounge. Within this space, speakers will be provided with refreshments throughout the day, including lunch.

Key dates

Application window opens

It is time to apply to speak at the Festival.

September 2023

Online Application

Application Deadline

All applications should be submitted before the end of October 2023.

31 October 2023

Before 23:59

Review

Your application will now be reviewed by the team.

November 2023

Review process

Subtitle

Decision

The Festival will inform all applicants about its decision before the end of November 2023.

End November 2023

Check your inbox

Checks

If your application has been accepted the team will be in touch to confirm a date and time for your session. We will also double check that we have the correct information for you.

December 2023

Announcing your session

In January we will start to announce content for the Festvial, inclduing your session!

January 2024

Promotion

Time to speak

The time has come to deliver your session at the 14th Festival of Education.

4-5 July 2024

Wellington College

Have a question?