Secondary Conference 2026: Speakers and schedule

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.

Professor of Psychology and Vice Dean for Research and Knowledge Exchange at Royal Holloway, University of London, director of the Language and Reading Acquisition (LARA) research group

Jessie has more than 20 years of experience researching language and literacy in children, young people and adults. Jessie is a world expert on teenage reading and is particularly interested in how reading benefits children’s learning and language. Jessie works closely with large networks of researchers, teachers, educational charities and policy makers to conduct research and translate evidence. Jessie regularly provides continuing professional development (CPD) for secondary and primary schools, Multi-academy Trusts and Further Education Colleges that includes actionable recommendations for teachers and schools. Recently, Jessie worked with the Department for Education to develop a short CPD course for all secondary teachers so that they can support students of all ability levels. Jessie was an advisor for the DfE Reading Framework and EEF guidance on supporting secondary reading.

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.

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