Over two days, the Festival of Education hosts over 300 sessions delivered by educationalists from around the world. Approximately 50 per cent of the Festival’s content is selected through our public application process. The remaining content is curated by the Festival team and our core partners, including organisations such as the Department for Education and grassroots groups like BAME Ed and Women Ed.
The application process provides us with an opportunity to discover new speakers and ideas, ensuring a diverse Festival in terms of both content and participants.
We welcome applications from individuals and organisations eager to share their knowledge, insights, and innovative ideas at the Festival of Education 2025. To be considered as a speaker, please ensure that your application is submitted in full through our online application portal.
We encourage you to carefully review your application before submission, as only those received by the deadline will be considered for inclusion in our programme.
During December, our team will carefully review all speaker applications. Please note that we receive a large number of submissions each year, and with a limited number of speaking opportunities available, not all applicants will be selected.
While we value the contributions of those who have spoken at the Festival in the past, previous participation does not guarantee preference in the selection process. Each application is evaluated based on its merit, originality, and relevance to the Festival’s themes.
We appreciate your understanding and thank you for your interest in contributing to the Festival of Education 2025.
To ensure a wide breadth of content that reflects the diverse landscape of education, we are seeking applications across a range of categories. These categories help us curate a well-rounded programme that engages and inspires attendees with fresh perspectives and practical insights.
We welcome applications in the following categories:
When submitting your speaker application, please ensure you have the following information ready:
Session Title & Description: Provide a title for your session, along with a brief description. You will also need to outline five key takeaways attendees will gain from your session.
Speaker Information: Include a bio and photo for each speaker involved in the session (up to a maximum of five speakers). If you are applying on behalf of others, ensure you have their permission to use and share their details.
Session Timing Preferences: Let us know if you have any preferences for when your session could take place.
Category & Target Audience: Select the appropriate category for your session and identify the target audience you aim to engage.
Editing Your Application: You can edit your application up until the submission deadline.
Important Notes: Partially completed applications will not be considered, so please ensure all required information is provided. Please also note that commercial applications will be rejected. If you wish to promote a product please contact the partnerships team.
If your proposed session is accepted, we will contact you to confirm and update the information we have for your session. At this stage, you’ll also receive a registration link to book your complimentary tickets to the Festival. All successful speakers will receive free two-day access to the Festival for themselves and a guest.
In January, we will confirm the time and date of your session. By February, your session will be announced on the Festival website, and you will be able to start promoting it to your network.
At the Festival, all speakers will have access to our exclusive speakers’ lounge, where refreshments will be available throughout the day, including lunch.
While we are unable to offer a speaker fee, we do strive to keep the Festival affordable for all. We are pleased to offer a £100 per person travel contribution if required, and we appreciate your understanding in this matter.
It is time to apply to speak at the Festival.
Online Application
All applications should be submitted before the end of Friday 6 December 2024.
Before 23:59
Your application will now be reviewed by the team.
Review process
The Festival will inform all applicants about its decision before the end of January 10.
Check your inbox
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.
In February we will start to announce content for the Festvial, inclduing your session!
Promotion
The time has come to deliver your session at the 15th Festival of Education.
Wellington College
Tickets are now on sale for the 15th Festival of Education. Taking place at Wellington College on 3-4 July 2025.
