Inspiration, Reflection, and a Perfect Close
Thursday 20 November 2025 | NEC Birmingham | #SAASHOW #FanSAAStic
As media supporters covering the Schools & Academies Show 2025, The School Network wrapped up an extraordinary two days at SAAS Birmingham 2025 with a Day 2 that delivered practical tools, heartfelt legacy reflections, and a powerful sense of hope for the future. The energy stayed sky-high – packed theatres, vibrant exhibition halls, and cross-sector connections that made the co-location with the EdTech Summit, Independent Schools Conference, and Higher Education Transformation Expo truly shine.
From Dr Hilary Jones linking nutrition to attainment to a star-studded Question Time finale, today was all about turning insight into action. Here’s your full recap, enriched with real voices and moments from the floor.
Day 2 Themes: Wellbeing, Efficiency, Legacy, and Hope
Delegates focused on implementable strategies:
- Nutrition as a foundation for resilience and focus
- Embedding assistive technology as everyday infrastructure
- Stronger parent/carer partnerships under the new Ofsted lens
- Efficient, inclusive SEND provision
- The future of independent education
- Restoring curiosity and opportunity in a polarised world
- Evidence-informed, compassionate reform that lasts
Standout Sessions: The Moments That Mattered
- Main Stage Keynote – Robert Peston: A stirring call that “Investing in schools should not be a marginal issue – it should be THE issue,” urging education to restore hope, opportunity, and curiosity for young people in a complex world.
- Dr Hilary Jones on Nutrition: Clear links between good food, pupil focus, resilience, and lifelong health – practical takeaways for school meals that boost attainment.
- Assistive Technology as Core (EdTech Summit): From staff CPD to seamless curriculum integration – “core principle, not add-on.”
- SEND Efficiency Done Right: Reducing costs while strengthening inclusion and outcomes – smarter systems, not cuts.
- Parent & Community Engagement: Proven ways to build trust, lift attendance, and improve perceptions aligned with Ofsted expectations.
- Independent Schools Conference: Navigating strategic challenges, empowering teams, and proving the sector’s value in 2025 and beyond.
- High-Performance Insights: Bradley Scanes (Max Verstappen’s coach) on thriving amid chaos – F1 data lessons for school leaders.
- Legacy Reflections:
- Sir Nick Gibb celebrated evidence-informed reforms that raised standards long-term.
- Baroness Estelle Morris on compassionate, courageous change for pupil outcomes.
- Question Time Finale: Interactive gold with Sir Nick Gibb, Lord David Blunkett, Leora Cruddas CBE, and Baroness Morris. Candid debate ended on Lord Blunkett’s uplifting note: “As parents or grandparents we need to cheer up a bit” to help children thrive.
Exhibition Floor & Community Highlights
Footfall never dipped – stands buzzing with demos, giveaways, and charity selfie competitions (SchoolGrid raised £450 for NARF!). Exhibitors like Learning by Questions (“brilliant conversations”), iplicit, and many more shared the love on social.
Real Voices from the Floor
- “Investing in schools should not be a marginal issue – it should be THE issue.” – Robert Peston
- “As parents or grandparents we need to cheer up a bit.” – Lord Blunkett
- Official close from @SAA_Show: “An amazing two days of education innovation and inspiration!”
- NGA: “Fantastic energy” at their conference sessions
- Delegates: “Powerful”, “fascinating insights”, “energised for the year ahead”
Key Takeaways from Day 2 – Action Today
- Nutrition powers attainment – make school meals a priority
- Assistive tech is mainstream – invest in staff readiness now
- Build genuine parent partnerships for better outcomes
- SEND efficiency with inclusion at its heart
- Education restores hope – prioritise curiosity and opportunity
- Evidence-informed + compassionate = lasting reform
- Cheer up and collaborate – the sector is stronger together
SAAS Birmingham 2025 has been nothing short of transformative – united, innovative, and ready for what’s next.
Huge thanks to GovNet, every speaker (absolute legends), exhibitors, and delegates for making it #FanSAAStic.
We invite all exhibitors and attendees to share your own insights, photos, standout sessions, and key takeaways so we can amplify your voice in and our full event wrap-up on Monday!
We’ll be back with the Day 2 recap tomorrow.
The School Network – keeping you connected to the heart of UK education.
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