If you’re shaping strategy for the year ahead, reviewing budgets, or planning long-term improvement across your school or trust, the Schools & Academies Show at Excel London on 7th May 2026 should be in your diary.
This is more than a conference. It’s a working day for decision-makers.
With over 30 hours of CPD-accredited content and more than 200 education suppliers in one place, the show brings together the people, ideas and solutions that are actively shaping the sector.
Focused on What Leaders Are Dealing With Now
School and trust leaders are navigating increasing financial pressure, workforce challenges, rising expectations and evolving policy. The 2026 programme has been built around those realities.
Sessions will explore:
- What current policy changes mean in practice for schools and MATs
- Managing budgets in an unpredictable funding landscape
- Building and retaining high-performing teams
- Improving attendance, behaviour and inclusion
- Rethinking SEND provision through innovation and generative AI
- Delivering sustainable digital transformation
- Planning estates and infrastructure for long-term resilience
Every session is designed to move beyond theory. You’ll leave with ideas you can act on, conversations you can continue, and practical next steps.
A Strong Speaker Line-Up
Hear from leaders who are operating at trust and national level. Confirmed speakers include:
- Becks Boomer-Clark, Chief Executive, Lift Schools
- Angi Gibson, President, NAHT
- Tom Rees, CEO, Ormiston Academies Trust
- Emma Balchin, Chief Executive, National Governance Association
- Jo Rowey, President, ASCL
These sessions offer honest insight into what is working, where the pressure points are, and how leaders are responding.
Dedicated Spaces for Key Roles
New for 2026 is the SBL Networking Area, created in partnership with the Institute of School Business Leadership (ISBL). This dedicated space gives school business leaders the opportunity to:
- Access one-to-one advice from trusted suppliers
- Connect with peers facing similar operational and financial challenges
- Take part in focused discussions around financial strategy and leadership
For those focused on inclusion, the new Inclusive Classroom feature will bring SEND provision to life on the show floor. Hosted by specialist suppliers, it will showcase what effective inclusive practice can look like in a real classroom environment, offering practical ideas schools can adapt and implement.
Learn. Compare. Plan.
One of the biggest advantages of attending is being able to compare solutions side by side. Whether you’re reviewing MIS systems, estates support, HR platforms, catering, technology or specialist SEND resources, having direct conversations with suppliers helps you make more informed decisions.
Instead of spending months researching in isolation, you can explore options in a single day and ask the questions that matter to your setting.
Connect With Peers
The show attracts thousands of senior leaders, governors, trustees, CFOs and operational leads. It’s a rare opportunity to step outside your day-to-day environment and speak openly with others managing similar pressures.
Often, the most valuable conversations happen between sessions.
Join Us at Excel London
On 7th May 2026, the education community will come together at Excel London to share ideas, tackle challenges and focus on improving outcomes for pupils and staff.
Registration is free.
If you’re responsible for strategy, budgets, operations or improvement planning, this is time well spent. Secure your place and map the next stage of your school or trust’s journey with clarity and confidence.
