- New initiative in partnership with Nord Anglia Education brings together educators and global thought leaders to explore themes shaping the future of education
- David Olusoga OBE, Floella Benjamin DBE, and Musharaf Asghar, Former ‘Educating Yorkshire’, student amongst line up of influential speakers
The Teaching Awards Trust, supported by Nord Anglia Education, is proud to launch Education Insights, a brand new series of education-focused regional events. Starting in January 2026, the events will connect teachers, school leaders, and local decision-makers with leading voices from sport, technology, business, and politics to explore the defining issues shaping young people’s lives and how to unlock their full potential.
The series opens on 27 January in Manchester with ‘A Focus on Resilience’, with former ‘Educating Yorkshire’ student Musharaf Asghar delivering the keynote address. The programme continues throughout February with four further events exploring critical education themes, including future skills and metacognition (helping young people understand how they learn best).
Each event will feature a panel of world-class experts who bring both insights and a passion for young people’s development. From BAFTA-winning historian David Olusoga OBE and Adrianne Chapman, Vice Principal at the world-renowned BRIT School, to Baroness Floella Benjamin OM DBE DL, speakers will deliver valuable insights to inspire debate, new thinking, and meaningful cross-sector collaboration. The series concludes on 12 February in London.
The event series is organised by independent charity, The Teaching Awards Trust, in partnership with Nord Anglia Education, the international schools group. The Teaching Awards Trust recognises the transformative power of educators through key education events, including the National Teaching Awards and National Thank a Teacher Day.
Mary Palmer, Chief Executive of the Teaching Awards Trust, says: “Education is at the heart of the national agenda, both politically and socially. Through these events, supported by Nord Anglia Education, we will shine a light on the incredible contributions of the profession on the ground, every day. By creating a space that showcases best-in-class examples and encourages knowledge sharing, we aim to inspire not only those within the profession but also those who might be considering a future in education. We want to create a vibrant community of innovation that empowers teachers to continue inspiring the next generation.”
Andrew Fitzmaurice, Chief Executive Officer of Nord Anglia Education, says: “Education is evolving faster than ever, and collaboration is key to shaping its future. This is why we are proud to be working with the Teaching Awards Trust to launch Education Insights, connecting educators with new ideas, research, and perspectives, while also creating opportunities to work together. These events will explore the key life skills young people need for success, and how we can help them unlock their full potential in a rapidly changing world.”
Lord David Puttnam, Chair of the Education Advisory Board at Nord Anglia Education, adds: “This partnership reflects Nord Anglia Education’s commitment to empowering educators and recognising the lasting impact they have on students’ lives. Education Insights offers a unique opportunity for local educators to shape the conversation about the future of education, whilst tackling some of the key themes and challenges they face every day. Teachers are at the heart of every student’s success, and these events will highlight, share, and build on the amazing work they do to enhance teaching and learning practice now, and in the future.”
Education Insights 2026
The five events will be taking place across England including North West, North East, the Midlands, the South and London & East of England, throughout January and February next year.
| Event | Date & Location | Confirmed speakers |
| Education Insights: A Focus on Resilience | Tuesday 27 January | National Football Museum, Manchester | Steven Baker OBE – Founder & CEO of The People’s Learning Trust and Education LeaderMusharaf (Mushy) Asghar – Motivational Speaker & former student on Channel 4’s Educating Yorkshire |
| Education Insights: A Focus on Future Skills | Tuesday 3 February | The Rep Theatre, Birmingham | Lauren Mistry – Deputy CEO of Youth Employment UK & Advocate for Youth Opportunities |
| Education Insights: A Focus on Creativity | Thursday 5 February | The Baltic Gallery, Gateshead | Professor David Olusoga OBE – Historian, Author & BAFTA-winning FilmmakerAdrianne Chapman – Vice Principal at the BRIT School & Champion for Creative EducationAmanda Rennison – Head of Learning at BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art. |
| Education Insights: A Focus on Citizenship | Tuesday 10 February | We the Curious Museum, Bristol | Baroness Floella Benjamin, OM DBE DLLiz Moorse, Chief Executive of the Association for Citizenship Teaching & Advocate for Citizenship Education |
| Education Insights: A Focus on Metacognition | Thursday 12 February | The Bloomsbury Ballroom, London | Ndidi Okezie OBE – Executive Leader in Education, Youth & Social ImpactDr Madiha Khan – AI Researcher & Director of Research at Educate Ventures ResearchAlisdair Wade – Co-Founder & CEO of Thinking Matters, Education ConsultancyProfessor Steve Fleming – World-Renowned Psychologist & Neuroscientist |
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