Secondary conference
Book your place for 2025
Book now to attend our Perspectives on Literacy Secondary Conference
Date: Monday 7 July 2025, 9.30 to 15.45
Location: STEAMhouse, Belmont Row, Birmingham B4 7RQ
Cost: £150
Secondary Conference 2025: Perspectives on literacy
The conference will take place in central Birmingham on Monday 7 July 2025. Thel programme of speakers and workshops is being finalised, and updates will be added here.
Keynote Speakers
Professor Alice Deignan
Alice Deignan is Professor of Applied Linguistics at the School of Education, University of Leeds. Before working in universities, Alice was a teacher of ESOL and EAL. She researches the languages of school and learning.
In her keynote speech she will discuss her ESRC-funded project The linguistic challenge of the transition from primary to secondary school, which used modern computer techniques to analyse differences in language, especially vocabulary, across years, key stages and disciplines, in collaboration with teachers.
Kit de Waal, award-winning author and academic
Kit is a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and Professor and Jean Humphreys Writer in Residence at Leicester University.
Her debut novel My Name Is Leon was an international bestseller, shortlisted for the Costa First Novel Award, longlisted for the Desmond Elliott Prize and won the Kerry Group Irish Novel of the Year Award for 2017. In 2022 it was adapted for television by the BBC. It is now on the GCSE curriculum for schools.
(Image credit: Paul Crowther)
Guest speakers
New guest speakers are being regularly added. Please see our secondary conference booking page for details.
Confirmed guest speakers include:
- Ruth Page, Professor in Applied Linguistics, University of Birmingham
- Bobby Joseph, UK Comics Laureate
Why attend?
Our secondary conference celebrates best practice and explores the issues most significant to secondary practitioners through a combination of thought-leadership keynote presentations and interactive workshops.
Whether you're a teacher, librarian, researcher, or literacy advocate, you'll gain valuable insights and practical strategies to enhance your approach to literacy education.
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Expert insights
Gain valuable perspectives from renowned and expert speakers.
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Innovative workshops
Grounded in practical strategies, these sessions will equip you with practical tools and techniques to develop literacy in your classroom.
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Exchange ideas
Share experience and gain new insights on literacy teaching methods and strategies with fellow educators.
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Stay updated and connected
Learn about the latest thinking, strategies and resources in literacy education, make connections and be part of the conversation shaping the future of literacy.
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Be inspired
Leave with fresh ideas to inspire your students and enhance your approach to literacy education.
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Access valuable resources
Revisit learning and continue your professional development with our post-event e-resource pack
CPD supporting literacy for learning
Our professional development offer recognises that literacy is the greatest lever against disadvantage and plays a critical role in wellbeing. Our training provides you with insights and skills for the crucial role you play in supporting young people to gain the literacy skills they need to access the curriculum and to thrive in their life beyond school.
