The Bett UK 2026 agenda is officially live, and it’s bigger, bolder, and more inspiring than ever. Across three unforgettable days, you’ll hear from world-class educators, visionary thinkers and pioneering EdTechs who are redefining what’s possible in learning. From captivating keynotes with Hannah Fry and Amol Rajan to deep dives into Higher Education innovation, inclusive classroom practices, AI-powered transformation and so much more - this year’s programme is designed to spark ideas and empower every learner. Get ready to be part of the conversations shaping tomorrow’s classrooms because at Bett, the future of education starts here.
WHAT'S ON AT BETT UK 2026
ARENA
Join some of the brightest minds in education and beyond as they tackle the big questions shaping our world. From Hannah Fry and Amol Rajan on how AI is transforming society, to Sir Martyn Oliver on Ofsted’s new era, the Arena is where ideas spark change. Hear from Google, Sal Khan, the Royal Shakespeare Company, and Sir Mark Grundy as they explore innovation, creativity, and leadership in learning, all hosted by Laura McInerney.
MUST-SEE ARENA SESSIONS
Hannah Fry and Amol Rajan on how AI is reshaping society, learning, and work
Artificial intelligence is reshaping how we live, learn, and work at a pace few could have predicted. In this wide-ranging and insightful conversation, Professor Hannah Fry, renowned mathematician and broadcaster, joins journalist and presenter Amol Rajan to unpick what this technological revolution means for education and the wider world.
Reflections on Ofsted’s new era: Transparency, inclusion, and accountability in practice
Sir Martyn Oliver joins Laura McInerney to discuss the early impact of Ofsted’s new inspection framework and what it means for schools and colleges. They’ll explore how institutions are adapting to greater transparency, stronger accountability, and a renewed focus on inclusion. Attendees gain insight into the first wave of inspections, key learnings, and what’s next for education under the evolving Ofsted landscape.
Turning AI’s promise into progress: Google and Sal Khan, Khan Academy
This fireside chat features Ben Gomes, Chief Technologist for Learning at Google, and Sal Khan, Founder and CEO of Khan Academy, discussing how AI can enhance learning experiences. They will share how their collaboration is improving literacy, broadening access, and strengthening human connection in education. Attendees will gain insight into new AI tools and initiatives like Schoolhouse that are redefining how learners and educators engage with technology.
HIGHER EDUCATION THEATRE
Explore the ideas shaping the future of universities. Hear Professor Doug Delpha and Marie-Aude Sourd on creating consistent AI policies, Vivienne Stern MBE and Amol Rajan on the choices facing university leaders, and UCL’s Abbi Shaw and Dr Jesper Hansen on rebuilding trust in assessment and feedback. With many more sessions to discover, this is where Higher Education’s biggest challenges meet real, practical solutions.
MUST-SEE HE SESSIONS
Creating consistent AI policies for staff and students in higher education
Prof. Doug Delpha and Marie-Aude Sourd explore how educators can create clear, consistent AI policies that support both staff and students. Drawing on insights from academia and industry, they’ll tackle challenges like curriculum reform, ethical awareness, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Join this session to discover practical strategies for integrating AI in ways that strengthen critical thinking and prepare learners for the future.
Vivienne Stern MBE and Amol Rajan in conversation: The choices facing University leaders today
Vivienne Stern MBE, Chief Executive of Universities UK, joins journalist Amol Rajan to unpack the financial realities shaping the future of Higher Education within the UK. Together, they’ll explore findings from Universities UK’s latest survey and its Efficiency and Transformation Taskforce. Expect an honest, forward-looking discussion on how universities can balance funding pressures with innovation and long-term sustainability.
Rebuilding trust and quality in Higher Education assessments and feedback
Abbi Shaw and Dr Jesper Hansen from UCL explore how smarter assessment design and digital feedback can rebuild trust and enhance learning in Higher Education. Drawing on UCL research and real-world practice, they’ll show how authentic, equitable, and timely feedback strengthens student engagement and outcomes. This session offers fresh, practical ideas for creating meaningful assessments that work for both educators and learners.
INNOVATION THEATRE
Discover bold ideas and fresh perspectives driving the future of EdTech. From Michael Jackson on navigating the evolving U.S. education landscape to Dr Arthur Galamba on boosting engagement and assessment in hybrid learning, these sessions bring global insight and practical strategies to life. It’s the place where innovation meets impact and where today’s ideas become tomorrow’s breakthroughs.
MUST-SEE INNOVATION SESSIONS
Navigating state level challenges and opportunities: Succeeding in the US EdTech landscape
Michael Jackson from the Texas Education Alliance leads a dynamic discussion on how shifting U.S. State policies are reshaping opportunities for EdTech innovators. As federal influence wanes and States gain greater control, understanding local legislation, funding, and adoption cycles has never been more critical. This session offers insider insights and practical guidance to help educators, investors, and start-ups navigate the challenges, and seize the opportunities, of America’s changing education market.
Enhancing engagement and assessment in hybrid lessons
Dr Arthur Galamba from King’s College London shares how digital platforms can transform formative assessment and student engagement in hybrid classrooms. This session offers practical strategies for fostering collaboration, reflection, and real-time feedback across online and in-person settings. Educators will leave with evidence-based tools to create more inclusive, data-informed learning experiences that truly connect with students.
LIVE CLASSROOM THEATRE
Experience live lessons that showcase the power of technology to transform teaching and learning. From inclusive cooking to global geography connections, these interactive sessions bring the classroom to life - demonstrating how digital tools can inspire confidence, curiosity, and collaboration for every learner.
MUST SEE IN LIVE CLASSROOM
Cooking up confidence: Adaptive tech for independent living and learning
Join students and teachers from Lift Pioneer School for a live adaptive cooking lesson that brings inclusive education to life. This interactive session demonstrates how innovative technology can help children with learning difficulties safely develop essential life skills and confidence. Attendees will witness first-hand how thoughtful digital tools empower learners to achieve greater independence both in and beyond the classroom.
Mapping the world: Bringing geography to life with EdTech
Join a live Year 5 geography lesson that connects pupils from Suffolk to Missouri through the power of EdTech. This interactive session demonstrates how digital mapping, collaboration tools, and real-time assessment can spark curiosity and deepen understanding of global regions. Educators will discover practical ways to make geography more inclusive, engaging, and inspiring for every learner.
TECH IN ACTION THEATRE
See practical demonstrations of the technologies transforming teaching and learning today. From AI tools that enhance writing and thinking to secure, password-free access that streamlines school systems, these sessions showcase real solutions that make education safer, smarter, and more effective.
MUST SEE IN TECH IN ACTION
Passwords must go: The future of authentication in schools
Derek Devine and Candice Whitney from Clever Inc explore how schools can move beyond passwords to create safer, smarter, and more efficient digital learning environments. Discover how single sign-on, automated identity management, and password-free authentication can save valuable learning time and reduce IT workload. This session offers a practical roadmap for protecting student data while keeping classrooms running smoothly and securely.
How AI deepens students’ thinking and writing skills
Dr Ian Hunter, former university professor and AI patent holder, shares insights from the world’s largest study on AI-driven writing intervention. Discover how educational AI tools are enhancing students’ critical thinking, reasoning, engagement, and creativity at scale. This session is essential for school leaders seeking to harness AI strategically to elevate teaching quality and overall school performance.
OPERATIONAL
TRANSFORMATION
THEATRE
Discover how digital strategy, AI, and cybersecurity are transforming the way schools and trusts operate. Hear from Stephen Morales on connecting people and systems for operational excellence, James Garnett on strengthening IT security, and James Browning on using AI to power smarter, more resilient trusts. With more expert-led sessions throughout the programme, this theatre is your go-to for practical insights that turn innovation into impact.
MUST-SEE IN OPERATIONAL TRANSFORMATION
Connecting technology and people for operational excellence
ISBL CEO, Stephen Morales, will explore how the five pillars of educational operational excellence; Culture, People, Productivity, Systems & Data, and Continuous Improvement form an interconnected ecosystem rather than operating in isolation. He will show how digital technology, data intelligence, and AI act as the connective tissue that empowers people, drives productivity, and enables evidence-based decision-making. By uniting these elements through technology, schools and trusts can build adaptive operational models that lead directly to improved student outcomes.
Are your IT Systems really secure and can you assure your board?
James Garnett, Director & Digital Strategist at James M Garnett Consulting, leads this session helping school and trust leaders understand how to evaluate and assure the security of their IT systems. He explores the real impact of ransomware attacks, shares lessons learned and outlines key questions leaders should ask their IT teams or service providers to ensure systems are secure. The session also introduces frameworks such as the DfE Cyber Security Digital Standard, Cyber Essentials, and the CIS framework as practical tools to strengthen cybersecurity and support informed board-level discussions.
AI strategy and operational transformation: Building the next generation trust
James Browning, Chief Operating Officer at Lift Schools, discusses how the trust is harnessing AI and data to drive operational transformation and build the next generation of trust leadership. The session highlights practical lessons from early implementation—aligning AI strategy with people, processes, and technology to achieve meaningful change. It offers insights into balancing innovation with risk, developing staff capability, and using digital transformation to enhance efficiency, reduce workload, and boost organisational performance.
TEACHING AND LEARNING THEATRE
Explore how technology is transforming classrooms and empowering educators. Hear Dawn Taylor on redefining the teacher’s role in the age of AI and Mark Martin on how schools can join AI Awareness Day 2026 to build digital literacy and creativity. With many more sessions to discover, this theatre is packed with practical ideas and inspiration to help every teacher shape the future of learning.
MUST-SEE IN TEACHING & LEARNING
The Changing Role of a Teacher in the Age of AI
Dawn Taylor, international education consultant and the Founder/Director of Challenge Innovate Grow, focuses on how AI has shifted pedagogy and what teachers can do in response. This session is designed to offer a clear, practical framework that will be powerful and empowering for classroom teachers.
Introducing AI Awareness Day 2026: Get involved!
Join Mark Martin to discover how your school or youth group can take part in AI Awareness Day on 4 June 2026 and help prepare young people for an AI-driven world. This session will outline the campaign’s aims, share practical ways for teachers and youth leaders to get involved, and highlight creative classroom activities and free resources. Attendees will learn how AI education can build digital literacy, critical thinking, and ethical understanding while making AI accessible, engaging, and empowering for all learners.
SEND THEATRE
Discover how assistive technology and personal stories are shaping more inclusive education for all learners. From a parent’s powerful AAC journey to expert insights on supporting SEND students into work, these sessions explore how innovation, empathy, and collaboration can open new pathways to independence and opportunity.
MUST-SEE SEND SESSIONS
AAC in Specialist Education: A Parent’s Perspective
Laura Brown, AAC Advocate and parent of a non-speaking, autistic son, shares her family’s journey using an AAC device within a specialist school. Through her experiences, Laura explores the transformative power of AAC, highlighting both the successes and challenges of inclusion in education. Laura’s story offers valuable insights for teachers, parents, and policymakers on how to better support and advocate for AAC users.
Tech for transition: Supporting SEND learners into work
This engaging panel discussion will explore how assistive and accessible technology (ATech) can play a vital role in supporting SEND learners as they transition from education into employment. Panellist’s, including experts from the ATech, education, and employment sectors, local authorities, and individuals with lived experience, will share insights into how technology can remove barriers, enhance skills, and open new pathways to work.
TECH USER LABS
Dive into interactive workshops that put innovation into practice. From coding for climate action to building bespoke AI tools, these sessions empower educators to experiment, create, and take away classroom-ready ideas. Explore how hands-on technology can inspire creativity, problem solving, and real-world impact.
MUST-SEE IN TECH USER LABS
Empowering Climate Action with Micro:bit Coding and AI Tools
Join Matt Hewlett, Community and Education Lead at Digit<all>, for a hands-on Coding for Climate Action workshop that empowers teachers to engage students in real-world problem solving. Discover how learners can design early warning systems using the micro:bit while meeting computing curriculum objectives. The session will explore the micro:bit’s sensors, radio functionality, and the exciting new AI tool, showing how these features can inspire climate-focused innovation in the classroom.
Beyond the Prompt: Creating Bespoke AI Tools in Playlab.ai with Matt Hewlett
Join Matt Hewlett, Community and Education Lead at Digit<all>, for an inspiring Tech User Lab exploring how teachers can move beyond basic AI use to design bespoke tools for teaching and learning. This session demonstrates how to use the free online platform Playab.ai to build custom AI apps that streamline workloads, enrich subject knowledge, and engage students in meaningful ways. Through real-world examples, Matt will showcase how educators and learners alike can take agency in shaping AI, transforming it from a tool we use into one we co-create for personal and educational growth.
View the full agenda now
Now that you've seen the highlights, check out the full agenda and use the filter to find exactly what you are looking for. Happy reading!
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