AEPA Annual Conference 2026: Leading Education Locally
The AEPA (Area-based Education Partnerships Association) brings together local partnerships from across England – school-led, place-based partnerships that have a focus on school improvement, particularly on issues relating to both excellence and equity. Our belief is that by working together in this way, local groups of schools can create change that cannot easily be tackled by autonomous schools working alone or in small groups. In many of these partnerships, schools have chosen to take collective responsibility for the quality of education – and so, for all children – in a local area. Each partnership acts as a local engine of improvement, bridging the divide between different types of schools so none are isolated, and providing a framework to enable all schools to work together. The AEPA Annual Conference for 2026 promises to be a continuation of the Association’s commitment to fostering collaboration and improvement within local education partnerships across England.
Speakers and Programme
The day will include leading speakers, a range of workshops, and opportunities to meet with education partnerships from across the country.
We are delighted to share that Georgia Gould, Minister of State for School Standards, will join us as a keynote speaker at this year’s event. Appointed in September 2025, Georgia leads major reforms to raise school standards and strengthen inclusion, with a focus on SEND, inclusive education, and system collaboration. Her background includes serving as Parliamentary Secretary at the Cabinet Office and leading Camden Council, where she championed community‑led public services.
Inspired by her own education at Hallfield Primary and Camden School for Girls, Georgia is committed to ensuring school systems work with—and for—the communities they serve.
Further speakers to be announced.
The Area-based Education Partnerships Association Annual Conference – open to members and non members.
