About the Festival of Education.
Where those who inspire find their own inspiration.
Our Mission
The Festival of Education is dedicated to inspiring and empowering educators from all sectors. Our mission is to provide an inclusive platform for sharing innovative ideas, fostering meaningful discussions, and promoting professional growth in a vibrant, relaxed atmosphere.
We aim to cultivate a community where diverse perspectives are valued, and challenging debates are conducted with respect and professionalism. By bringing together passionate individuals dedicated to enhancing education, we strive to shape the future of learning and teaching.
Our History
The Festival of Education was founded by Wellington College in 2010 to provide a platform for educators to come together and share ideas. What began as a modest gathering quickly became a prominent event in the education calendar, attracting big-name speakers from members of the government to influential commentators and educators.
In September 2015, EducationScape took on the responsibility for the future of the Festival. As the publishers of leading newspapers Schools Week and FE Week, EducationScape brought a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the event. Under their stewardship, the Festival has grown in both size and diversity, with an overwhelming majority of attendees now coming from state-funded schools and colleges.
Wellington College remains the home of the Festival, providing a unique and supportive environment. With an audience of over 5,000, 85 exhibitors, food trucks, and 40 venues, few locations in the UK can accommodate such a vibrant and extensive event. Wellington College remains committed to supporting the Festival and the education sector by donating their site, helping to reduce costs and keep tickets affordable.
In 2022, Wellington College further enhanced their support by creating a bursary that enables the Festival to provide 2,000 free tickets each year to state-funded schools and FE colleges with limited budgets. This initiative has helped to ensure that the Festival remains accessible to a broad audience, fostering an inclusive atmosphere where educators from all backgrounds can come together to learn, share, and grow.
The Festival of Education continues to evolve, driven by a passion for enhancing education and a commitment to providing a space where ideas can flourish. As we look to the future, Wellington College, EducationScape remain dedicated to inspiring and empowering educators from all sectors through the Festival of Education.
Our Vibe
It’s more than just an event; it’s a festival that combines amazing professional development with a relaxed and enjoyable environment. Attendees can engage in meaningful discussions, gain new insights, and network in a vibrant, supportive setting.
At the Festival of Education, we foster a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere with no political affiliation or ideology. Our guiding philosophy is to listen to others’ ideas and challenge disagreements in a professional and respectful manner.
Join us to experience this unique blend of learning and community.
Our Attendees
The Festival of Education is open to all those interested in education. Primarily, our audience is made up of educators from state schools and FE colleges. However, we also attract large audiences from higher education, international sectors, civil service, and education suppliers.
This broad and diverse audience shares one common thread: a passion for education. Whether you are a teacher, administrator, policymaker, or industry professional, you will find a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to enhancing and reimagining education. Join us to be part of this vibrant and inspiring event.
83%
State Schools & FE Colleges
25%
Primary
41%
Secondary Schools
14%
FE Colleges
Our Content
Across the two days of the Festival of Education, we will offer approximately 300 sessions, each lasting 45 minutes. These sessions range in format from headline keynote speeches in our main auditorium to smaller, hands-on workshops, covering a broad spectrum of topics and ideas.
Our content is divided into three types:
- Sessions – A call for sessions will be issued in September. About half of our content comes from this public application offer, allowing a diverse range of voices to be heard.
- Strands – Alongside our sessions, we will host numerous Festival Strands across both days. These strands are curated in partnership with various organisations from across the education community and take place in dedicated venues.
- Keynotes – Our festival keynotes feature household names, politicians, and major education leaders, providing valuable insights and inspiration.
Join us for a rich and varied programme designed to engage and inspire all educators.
Our Partners
Our Festival Partners play a crucial role in enabling the Festival of Education and providing its vibrant atmosphere. These partners, comprising a variety of businesses, are united by their passion for education and their eagerness to engage with like-minded individuals. Over the two-day event, attendees can interact with our partners and exhibitors, gaining valuable insights into their unique contributions to education.
The Festival is more than just an event; it’s a dynamic marketplace of ideas, solutions, and networking opportunities dedicated to enhancing and reimagining education.
Why the Festival?
The Festival of Education is an unparalleled opportunity for educators to immerse themselves in a broad spectrum of educational content, fostering both professional and personal growth.
With hundreds of leading speakers and thousands of attendees, the Festival offers an expansive array of sessions covering the latest trends, research, and innovations in education. From challenging debates and expert lectures to hands-on workshops and panel discussions, there is something to inspire every educator.
Professional development is at the heart of the Festival. The comprehensive programme is designed to equip educators with practical strategies and insights that can be immediately implemented in their classrooms and institutions.
Our group ticket rates offer cost-effective options for teams and entire organisations. These discounts make it feasible for more educators to attend, ensuring that the benefits of the Festival can be shared widely within schools and colleges.
Attending the Festival is not just about learning; it’s also about building meaningful connections. The event provides a vibrant platform to meet new colleagues, share experiences, and form lasting friendships.
Don’t miss out on this enriching experience— join us at the Festival of Education to be part of the future of education.
Attendee Testimonials
"EVERYONE should attend the Festival of Education - there is no one alive that could not learn something just by being here in person. The atmosphere is so filled with supportive and inspiring information that you are guaranteed to absorb it. The accessibility of the event is excellent and the delivery of sessions caters for a plethora of needs and learning styles. Come along and be part of a soul affirming event. You will not regret it."
Just WOW. What an exceptional event. So much content to pick form. The best education event I have attended.
Get Ready #EducationFest 2025
Tickets are now on sale for the 15th Festival of Education. Taking place at Wellington College on 3-4 July 2025.
