Secondary Conference 2026: Speakers and schedule
Our 2026 summer conference will be held in Birmingham in July.
Keynote speakers already confirmed for 2026
Check out our confirmed keynote speakers and register to be notified when booking opens. Guest speakers and workshop choices coming soon.
Geoff Barton
Former General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders
Geoff has written and edited various books on literature, grammar and literacy. He is a writer for many publications, and a regular commentator in the media on educational matters. He is patron of the English & Media Centre, a Founding Fellow of the English Association, and a trustee of the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Most recently he was appointed as chair of the independent Commission on Oracy in Education to raise the profile of speaking and listening in schools and colleges. He was awarded the CBE in the 2025 New Year’s honours list.
Julian Sedgewick and Chie Kutsuwada
Chie is a UK-based Japanese manga artist. A graduate of the Royal College of Art, she is a creator of stories as well as an illustrator.
Julian is the author of numerous books for young people, with a lifelong interest in the culture and folklore of Japan.
Their recent works, Voyages in the Underworld of Orpheus Black and Tsunami Girl were shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal.
Tsunami Girl was chosen as a prestigious White Raven Book and Read for Empathy title in 2022.
Tokyo Ghost Café has been nominated for the 2025 Carnegie medal for both writing and illustration.
Booking opening soon
Sign up to be notified when tickets become available