Begin the Summit by joining us for an at the AoEA Pre-conference Dinner. Taking place on Wednesday 29 April 2026 at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Manchester Airport, the dinner continues a much-valued AoEA tradition that has become a highlight for many delegates in previous years. It offers a warm and informal setting to reconnect with colleagues, meet new peers from across the sector, and set the tone for the day ahead at the Ninth Connecting Educators Summit.
This year’s dinner will include a special panel discussion exploring one of the most pressing questions in education today. Education systems have evolved incrementally over decades, yet many of the pressures facing schools today are fundamentally different from those that shaped the system we inherited.
Our panel will consider a simple but important question: if we were designing the system now, what major shifts would we prioritise?
Featuring Baroness Estelle Morris, Les Walton CBE and Rory File, this discussion promises to be insightful, challenging and highly relevant for education advisers, school leaders and system thinkers alike. It will create space for honest reflection, fresh perspectives and stimulating professional dialogue in the company of fellow delegates who care deeply about the future of education.
Estelle started her career as a teacher in an inner city multiracial comprehensive school where she taught for 18 years. She entered Parliament in 1992 and was appointed a minister in the Department for Education and Skills in 1997 becoming the secretary of state for education and skills in 2002. She followed this with two years as a minister at the Department of Culture Media and Sport. Estelle has been a member of the House of Lords since 2005 which she combines with her work as the chair of the Birmingham Education Partnership. She helped to establish the Association of Education Partnerships.
Les Walton is an accomplished education leader and innovator with experience across multiple sectors. As a Headteacher, his school was recognised as one of the most successful urban schools in the country, and as Director of Education, all schools under his leadership were rated successful by Ofsted. He has advised successive UK governments and played a key role in major national initiatives, including the establishment of the Young People’s Learning Agency and the Education Funding Agency.
He is the founder of several influential organisations, including the Association of Education Advisers, and has supported education both nationally and internationally. A Visiting Professor at the University of Sunderland, he holds an Honorary Doctorate and has been awarded both an OBE and a CBE for his services to education.
Rory File is Head of Education and Partnerships at ILT Education UK. He works with multi-academy trusts, local authorities, and strategic partners to design and deliver literacy-focused professional development and product implementation support that strengthens practice at scale. Rory, a former teacher with leadership experience, holds a Master’s in Educational Leadership. His action research focused on improving attitudes, approaches, and outcomes in literacy for underserved learners. He is committed to bridging the gap between research and day-to-day practice across schools and trusts.
The Pre-conference Dinner is included within the Summit dinner packages, which also offer options that combine the dinner with the conference and overnight accommodation. The main Summit takes place on Thursday 30 April 2026, making the dinner an excellent opportunity to arrive early, settle in, and make the most of the full event experience.
Whether you are attending the Summit for the first time or returning as part of our growing community, the Pre-conference Dinner is a chance to be part of a continuing tradition that delegates have genuinely valued year after year. We would be delighted to welcome you for an evening of excellent food, engaging discussion and meaningful connection ahead of the conference day.
For the full Summit programme and booking information, visit the Summit page.