The Eastern Education Show 2026

Where Education Leaders Meet Policy, Practice and Progress

As the education landscape continues to evolve at pace, school and system leaders face increasing pressure to make informed, strategic decisions that balance educational outcomes, financial sustainability, staff wellbeing and regulatory compliance. The Eastern Education Show, returning on Thursday 18th June 2026 at Newmarket Racecourse, has been designed specifically to support those carrying this responsibility.

This free-to-attend event is open to education professionals, especially SLTs, Governors, SENDCos and SBM’s from the state, academy and independent sectors. It offers a rare opportunity for decision-makers to step away from day-to-day pressures and engage with the ideas, people and solutions shaping education at both regional and national level.

A leadership-focused event with no cost barriers

The Eastern Education Show removes the financial obstacles that often limit access to high-quality professional learning. Attendance is completely free, with complimentary lunch, refreshments and parking provided for all delegates. There is no limit on the number of attendees per organisation, enabling leadership teams to attend together and align learning back in school.

In addition, every delegate will receive £20 in cash at the end of the day as a contribution towards travel costs and gain exclusive access to downloadable resources following the event. The aim is simple: to create an inclusive, high-value environment where leaders can focus fully on strategy, insight and connection.

Insight from those shaping the education agenda

Delegates attend the Eastern Education Show to hear directly from senior figures working at the forefront of education policy, leadership and implementation. The 2026 programme reflects the challenges and opportunities currently facing school and trust leaders - from curriculum and inclusion to digital resilience, safeguarding, wellbeing and organisational sustainability.

The day opens with a keynote from Hywel Roberts, teacher, writer and storyteller, whose session “Botheredness: Making Curriculum Matter Through Professional Imagination, Autonomy, and Joy” speaks directly to leaders navigating curriculum reform and accountability pressures. Hywel explores how professional autonomy, storytelling and moral purpose can support schools in moving beyond compliance to create meaningful, engaging learning experiences that benefit both pupils and staff.

The event concludes with Mary Myatt, education adviser and author, presenting “Empowering Leaders: Resilient Strategies for Sustainable Education.” Drawing on research and long-term thinking, Mary will address the difficult prioritisation decisions leaders must make, offering clarity on how to focus resources and effort on what will have the greatest impact over time.

Practical workshops addressing operational and strategic priorities

Alongside the keynote sessions, delegates can choose from a wide range of concurrent workshops, each designed to provide actionable insight into critical leadership areas.

Sessions include real-world school improvement journeys across primary, secondary and special settings, offering honest reflections on leadership decisions, governance, accountability and cultural change. Other workshops focus on cyber security and data protection, providing essential guidance for leaders and IT managers responsible for safeguarding digital infrastructure and ensuring compliance with DfE standards.

Safeguarding remains a key theme, with sessions exploring restrictive interventions, statutory duties and reporting requirements, helping leaders navigate complex legal and ethical responsibilities. Inclusion is also central to the programme, with practical guidance on adaptive teaching strategies and SEND provision that can be implemented across classrooms and support teams.

Looking ahead, workshops on artificial intelligence in education explore how leaders can develop confident, responsible whole-school approaches to AI adoption, while sessions on RSHE and PSHE examine how new guidance can be used strategically to strengthen safeguarding, wellbeing and preventative education.

Staff wellbeing and retention are addressed through leadership-focused sessions that explore sustainable approaches to supporting teachers, alongside data-driven insights into emerging trends in education.

Connecting leaders with trusted suppliers

A key reason delegates attend the Eastern Education Show is the opportunity to engage directly with over 70 education suppliers in one place. The exhibition brings together organisations offering solutions across finance, IT, estates, curriculum, safeguarding, wellbeing and professional services.

For school business managers, governors and senior leaders, this provides a valuable chance to compare services, ask informed questions and build relationships with suppliers who understand the realities of schools and trusts.

Extended networking breaks throughout the day are built into the programme, allowing time for meaningful conversations with peers, local authority colleagues and sector partners.

A strategic day for those shaping education

The Eastern Education Show is not a generic education conference. It is a focused, leadership-level event for those responsible for shaping strategy, managing resources and implementing policy within schools, trusts and local authorities.

Combining high-quality content, senior-level insight and access to key suppliers in a free, accessible environment, the event stands out as a must-attend for anyone working in education.

On 18th June 2026, Newmarket Racecourse will host a community of leaders committed to informed decision-making, sustainable practice and the long-term success of education across the region.

For more information please visit: www.easterneducationshow.uk