Bett 2025: what to expect

The global education technology show Bett returns to London's ExCel on 22-24 January to showcase the latest education technology and host talks from inspiring professionals from the EdTech sector

Now in its 40th year, Bett 2025 will continue to showcase innovative education technology from global tech companies to renowned education brands and startups, enabling visitors to find solutions for all education settings, challenges and budgets.

Delegates will also be able to hear from key figures in the industry during the Theatre sessions. Speakers will cover topics such as artificial intelligence, digital strategies, gaming, cyber security, SEND and more. 

Adding creativity to the mix, poets Michael Rosen and Christian Foley take the Arena stage for an inspiring and unique session. What’s more,Nicolas Hamilton will share his journey andincredible achievements in professional racing and inclusion. 

Key education topics

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how it will transform teaching and learning is a big theme at this year’s Bett. 

Actor, author and presenter Stephen Fry will be in conversation with Anne-Marie Imafidon to dive deep into the possibilities and challenges AI brings, from revolutionising industries to impacting education and redefining the skills our children need for the future world of work. They’ll also look at the challenges we need to consider, including ethics, inclusion and data security. 

Other speakers include AI trailblazers Dan Fitzpatrick from The AI Educator, and Rose Luckin, Founder of Educate Ventures, who will explore how AI is reshaping education. 

The Innovation Theatre will also uncover how EdTech companies worldwide are prioritising responsible and trusted AI technology in education. Most advances in AI in education will come from EdTech companies, but how can they be trusted to act in the learner and community’s interests? A panel from the EDSAFE AI Industry Council poses critical questions on how we can trust EdTech to deploy AI responsibly.

Integrated technology

The Teaching and Learning theatre will host a session on successful integration of technology in the classroom, featuring educators and experts sharing first hand experiences and practices that have proved successful for them.

The panel will examine practical approaches, emphasising the critical role of professional development and ongoing support to help them gain in confidence whilst engaging students. Topics will include selecting the right tools to match the educational goals, effective training strategies that integrate seamlessly into teachers’ existing workflows, fostering both enthusiasm and competence leading to a more inclusive classroom and better learning outcomes. This talk is also a valuable opportunity for edtech companies to gain a deeper understanding of the practical challenges teachers face, helping to shape more effective and user-friendly tools for the classroom.

SEND Village

Around two in five children are recorded to have some kind of special educational need at some point between reception and Year 11 (Hutchinson, 2021). Based on this, it is likely that there is a child with special educational needs and disabilities in every classroom, making SEND a part of every teacher and school leader’s role.

In recognition of this, Bett 2025 will have more focus on additional needs, with the introduction of the new SEND Village. 

This new space will bring more opportunities, resources and innovations to SEND educators and their learners, to help drive inclusion and equip teachers with the tools they need to ensure all their pupils thrive. Teachers, school leaders, and specialists will be able to share experiences, collaborate on solutions and create lasting networks that extend far beyond the event. 

Duncan Verry, Bett portfolio director, said: “We asked our community what they needed more of, and they were clear – greater support and representation for SEND education. The SEND Village is our response, designed to showcase the latest innovations while also creating a space for educators to connect and share best practices.” 

Getting connected

As well as browsing through the packed exhibition hall, attendees can connect with suppliers and industry professionals in other ways.

Connect @ Bett is the event’s meeting programme and allows visitors to make appointments with exhibitors either at their stand, or at the dedicated area. They have the flexibility to schedule and reschedule meetings at times that work for them.

TableTalks was introduced in 2024, and is designed to connect individuals from schools, universities and governments for roundtable conversations based on their primary topics of interest, such as AI, SEND or cybersecurity.

The Tech User Labs is another feature which allows delegates to get the most out of their existing tech with working groups and demos from the top education technology experts in the world, through interactive 45-minute sessions.

Bett Awards & Kids Judge Bett

Every year, Bett hosts its awards ceremony to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of the education technology sector. Presented in association with the British Educational Suppliers Association (BESA), this year’s awards take place on 22 January at the Brewery in London. The shortlist is now live (click here).  

Kids Judge Bett meanwhile is a student led event organised by Katy Potts from Islington Council in partnership with BESA where students explore stands to find their favourites and award the winning companies on stage.