1st July 2025: More than 4,000 school leaders, policy influencers and education sector champions are expected to descend on Birmingham for two jam-packed days in November at this year’s Schools & Academies Show (SAAS).
The show, which takes place at the NEC on 19th& 20th November 2025, will feature speakers providing advice on some of the key challenges facing the sector at the moment.
One of the keynote sessions that is bound to be standing room only is entitled ‘How precarious is the funding crisis?’ from Luke Sibieta, Research Fellow at Institute for Fiscal Studies and Emma Wilson, Director- Education Value for Money at National Audit Office.
Other topics covered by speakers over the two days will include:
- The new Ofsted framework – what it will mean for schools
- How to improve the SEND system
- Addressing behaviour effectively
- Expected outcomes from the Curriculum and Assessment Review
There will also be dedicated content zones related to the leadership and management of multi-academy trusts, school finances, estates management, digital learning and SEND.
For 2025, the show has expanded from one to two days to allow school leaders more time to learn, network with colleagues and meet with over 250 leading education suppliers to compare the latest cutting-edge developments.
Amazon Business, Sage, BT, Arbour, VenturEd Solutions, AQA and IRIS Education all have stands at the show alongside Ofsted, the Association of Schools and College Leaders, ISBL, NAHT, NASEN and the Confederation of School Trusts.
Chris Callaghan, Portfolio Director for the Schools & Academies Show said, “We have made the Schools & Academies Show, Birmingham, the must attend event for any school leader this year.”
He continued: “There is so much change happening in education. With huge financial shifts, the new Ofsted framework, the SEND whitepaper and the curriculum and assessment review, school and trust leaders need a space where they can come and make sense of it all.
“At the Schools & Academies Show, Birmingham, they can get the practical insight they need to take back to schools. From questioning industry experts, hearing from inspirational speakers, networking and reviewing the latest developments from suppliers – it is a highlight of the education calendar.”
Sally Wheeler, Director of Professional Development, at the RAISE Education Trust, a previous attendee said: “The show is a great opportunity to network and collaborate with others. After the last SAAS, I had follow up conversations with a number of the presenters which helped me to dig a little deeper into my role. Talking to people in similar roles and sharing ideas and best practice can never be underestimated. SAAS provided me with a starting platform to do that.”
Show features include:
Ofsted Hub
Visitors can engage in discussions with senior Ofsted representatives, demystify the inspection process and stay up to date with the latest inspection changes.
ConnectEd
There is an opportunity to use the free ConnectEd platform prior to show to schedule 1-2-1 meetings in a dedicated lounge with suppliers or attendees at the show.
Government Education Village
Senior leaders can use the show as an opportunity to seek advice from senior DfE representatives and get the latest on policy updates in the Government Education Village.
MAT Showcase
The MAT Showcase is a dedicated space to explore the groundbreaking practices implemented by leading Multi Academy Trusts across the country.
Plus:
250+ Exhibitors
School leaders can save countless hours sourcing suppliers and finding out what’s new in education to save time or money and improve pupil outcomes.
Four Co-Located Events
The Schools & Academies Show, Birmingham, will be co-located with the EdTech Summit, the Independent Schools Conference and HE Transformation Expo. One ticket provides entrance to all these events.
Tickets are available from the Schools & Academies Show web site: https://www.schoolsandacademiesshow.co.uk/
Key Event Details:
- Schools & Academies Show
Co-Located with the EdTech Summit, Independent Schools Conference and HE Transformation Expo
- Event Dates: 19th & 20th November 2025
- Location: NEC, Birmingham
- Registration Link: https://www.schoolsandacademiesshow.co.uk/
- Free for all schools, including MATs, academies, independent schools, colleges, universities, local authorities and central government and the wider public sector.
