Education professionals from across the region are invited to a free leadership conference at the University of Chester this summer, offering a day of expert talks, networking and practical insights into the challenges facing education today. 

The Educational Leadership Conference 2026, hosted by the University of Chester’s School of Education, will take place on Saturday, July 11 2026, from 10am to 4pm (doors open at 9am), at the Exton Park campus, Chester. 

Titled Leading for the Future, the one day event is open to teachers, school and college staff, aspiring leaders and anyone with an interest in leadership across education. Attendance is free, making it an accessible professional development opportunity for local educators. 

The conference will explore key issues affecting schools, colleges and universities, including staff wellbeing, safeguarding, leadership authenticity, and the impact of technology on leadership development. 

The day will open with a welcome from Professor Sue O’Brien, Head of the University’s School of Education, followed by a series of expert-led sessions. Highlights include a talk on personal mindset and leading high performing teams by Will Smith and a session on compassion in education delivered by Professor Frances Maratos, focusing on educator wellbeing, retention and mental health in the wake of increasing pressures and the lasting effects of the Covid‑19 pandemic. 

Safeguarding responsibilities will also be a central theme, with Dr Dan Grant leading a session on Safeguarding in Education: Responsibility, Risks and Reassurance, examining how education leaders can manage risk and meet growing legislative and professional expectations. 

The afternoon programme includes sessions on ambidextrous leadership with Nick Smith, authentic leadership in education with Dr Andy McCarroll and using technology to develop leaders with Dr Jennifer Harper. 

Throughout the day, attendees will have opportunities to network with professionals from across the education sector, share experiences and gain practical ideas they can take back to their workplaces. 

The conference is designed not only for those already in leadership roles, but also for educators who are considering leadership or simply want to develop their professional practice. 

Professor Sue O’Brien, Head of the University’s School of Education, said: “Education leaders are working in increasingly complex and pressurised environments. This conference is about creating space for leaders to think, reflect and reconnect with the values that underpin great leadership, while also offering impactful strategies that educators can take back into their schools, colleges and organisations straight away.” 

To find out more and book a place visit –  https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/leading-for-the-future-tickets-1982445754618?aff=oddtdtcreator