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.
Georgia Gould, Minister of State for School Standards
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.
Dr Tim Coulson, Director General of the Regions Group at the Department for Education
We are pleased to share that Dr Tim Coulson, Director General of the Regions Group at the Department for Education will also join us. Appointed in September 2025, before this, he was Chief Executive of Unity Schools Partnership, leading a trust of 40 primary, secondary and special schools. His earlier career includes serving as Director of Education at Essex County Council, Regional Schools Commissioner for the East of England and North East London, Headteacher at William Tyndale Primary School, Leader of an Education Action Zone in Lambeth, and National Director of the National Numeracy Strategy. Tim is known for his longstanding commitment to improving education and outcomes for children and young people across the country.
Margaret Mullholland, leading expert in inclusivity and SEND
Margaret Mullholland will also be joining the line up, Margaret is a leading expert in inclusivity and Special Educational Needs (SEND). She is the SEND Policy Advisor for the Association of School and College Leaders and Project Director for Whole School SEND, overseeing an Education Endowment Foundation evaluation. With over 20 years’ experience in ITT innovation, Margaret has held senior roles at a leading Special School and the Institute of Education, where she developed QTS routes, PGCE partnerships, and leadership programmes. She also advises the UK Government on ITT curriculum and supports local authorities on ITT, NQT, and leadership development. Margaret writes a regular column on research and inclusivity for the Times Educational Supplement.
Tickets and Membership
The conference is open to both members and non-members. Mary Ward House is ideally located for delegates joining us from around the country, close to Kings Cross, Euston and Russell Square stations.
Tickets include lunch and refreshments.
