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Secondary conference

Our Secondary Conference 2025

On Monday 7 July we were delighted to welcome delegates to our conference at the STEAMhouse in Birmingham.

We aim to share highlights soon. Read on to learn about our amazing speakers, and sign up to our newsletter to be first to know about our plans for 2026!

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Secondary Conference 2023 presenter2

Improving literacy in secondary schools

Keynote speakers:

  • Alice Deignan – Professor of Applied Linguistics at Leeds University, and author of New Words, New Meanings – Supporting Vocabulary Transition from Primary to Secondary School 
  • Kareem Parkins Brown - poet and visual artist from London. His work concerns grime, grief and humour. His debut poetry pamphlet ‘Oi You Lot’ is out now with Little Betty.

We were thrilled to welcome the expertise and prestige of Alice and Kareem, who spearheaded the conference as our keynote speakers, and we welcomed a raft of fascinating guest speakers who joined us throughout the day. 

Guest speakers

  • Ruth Page, Professor in Applied Linguistics, University of Birmingham
  • Bobby Joseph, UK Comics Laureate
  • Steven Camden, spoken word artist

Special performances

To wrap up the conference, we had three exceptional poetry performances by some of Birmingham’s extraordinary local poets. They shared their captivating poems written for the National Literacy Trust's latest campaign in Birmingham, Home Words.  

Why attend our annual Secondary Conference

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.

  • Expert insights

    Gain valuable perspectives from renowned and expert speakers.

  • Innovative workshops

    Grounded in practical strategies, these sessions will equip you with tools and techniques to develop literacy in your classroom.

  • Exchange ideas

    Share experience and gain new insights on literacy teaching methods and strategies with fellow educators.

  • 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.

  • Be inspired

    Leave with fresh ideas to inspire your students and enhance your approach to literacy education.

  • 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.

Explore secondary CPD and workshops
LFL conference 2023 workshop