Association of Education Advisers

Tenth Annual Connecting Educators Summit
2027-04-29 - 2027-04-30 | The Civic Centre, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8QH
29–30 April 2027 | The Civic Centre, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne
Click here to book via AoEA Hub
The AoEA is delighted to announce the Tenth Connecting Educators Conference, taking place on 29–30 April 2027 at The Civic Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne.
Our tenth annual conference will bring together education advisers, leaders and practitioners to connect, share learning and explore effective approaches to school and system improvement.
The two-day programme will include keynote sessions, Associate-led practice sessions, professional discussion and networking. The conference will begin on Thursday afternoon, followed by an evening reception and informal buffet, before continuing with the main conference programme on Friday.
2027 Two-Day Conference Ticket:

AoEA members: £200
Non-members: £240

The ticket includes access to both days of the conference, Thursday evening reception and buffet, Friday refreshments and lunch, and the full conference programme.
To book your place, please visit the AoEA Hub.
Click here to book via AoEA Hub

EduKIT: Education Keeping in Touch Meeting
2027-04-20 16:00 - 17:00, 2027-03-23 16:00 - 17:00, 2027-02-23 16:00 - 17:00, 2027-01-19 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-11-24 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-10-20 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-09-22 16:00 - 17:00 (Europe/London) | Online
A speaker and topic is yet to be confirmed for this EduKIT. Keep an eye on our social media for announcements!
The AoEA Keeping in Touch meeting is a way for members to listen to guest speakers, share knowledge, best practice and have a forum where you can discuss with your peers any areas of concern or support you require.
Registration:
RSVP via the AoEA Hub – CLICK HERE TO RSVP
Our members will automatically receive calendar invites to each EduKIT event. If you are not a member of the AoEA, get in touch with us at info@aoea.co.uk to learn more about EduKITs and becoming a member of the AoEA.

Briefing Session: IQSEA April 2027
2027-04-15 16:30 - 17:30 | Microsoft Teams
Interested in enhancing the quality of education advice? Learn more about the benefits of our International Quality Standard for Education Advisers.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
The Association of Education Advisers (AoEA) has been established to help ensure quality and consistency in the advice given by school and college improvement advisers working in the education system.
These colleagues play a critical role and are increasingly deployed to provide specialist advice in the areas of educational improvement, governance, change management, finance and people development. Significant numbers of education leaders now work for national, international and local government,
individual schools, academies and colleges and other educational settings. The need for quality and consistency of advice is a very important concern. While government departments make their own judgements about the strengths and weaknesses of individual schools, it is essential that schools and colleges are confident their self-evaluation is sound and will withstand scrutiny by regulatory bodies.
The diverse education systems across the UK and overseas comprise a wide range of education leaders with different titles, who work to a variety of guidelines and standards and adopt differing approaches to the various requirements and priorities of providers. The system requires better quality and greater consistency and reliability in the advice received.
In the past, the accreditation of education advisers has tended to concentrate on data analysis and the key aspects of school and college improvement, as identified by government. The education context has significantly changed and requires a broader focus on corporate governance, establishing and developing educational organisations and quality management systems. The AoEA has developed an accreditation process based on clearly defined competence criteria which will allow people intending to provide advice to schools and colleges to demonstrate that they meet rigorous standards.
To learn more please join us for one of our briefing sessions about our quality standard and benefits for becoming a member.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Briefing Session: IQSEA March 2027
2027-03-11 16:30 - 17:30 | Microsoft Teams

Briefing Session: IQSEA January 2027
2027-01-14 16:30 - 17:30 | Microsoft Teams

North East Network Conference
2027-01-14 09:00 - 15:30 | The Common Room, Neville Hall, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE
For senior leaders in the North East, showcasing school improvement practice and facilitating conversations with peers.
THIS EVENT IS FOR COLLEAGUES IN THE NORTH EAST MAYORAL STRATEGIC AUTHORITY AREA ONLY
The conference will bring together leaders and partners from across the North East to:

respond to shared regional priorities;
strengthen collaboration and partnerships;
showcase quality-assured practice and lived experience;
move from discussion to practical action;
create a shared sense of purpose across the region

Delegates will leave with:

practical strategies that can be implemented immediately;
stronger relationships and partnerships;
increased awareness of expertise across the region;
examples of effective and quality-assured practice;
renewed hope and shared purpose

Briefing Session: IQSEA November 2026
2026-11-26 16:30 - 17:30 | Microsoft Teams

LA School Improvement Network Meeting
2026-11-19 14:30 - 16:00 | NEC Birmingham, Pendigo Way, Marston Green, Birmingham, B40 1NT, United Kingdom
We are developing a Local Authority School Improvement Network that brings together colleagues from across LA education services.
If you are in an LA role, whether that involves strategic leadership, governance, curriculum and pedagogy development or teaching and learning and inclusive education in any age range or phase, we would welcome your involvement.
Face-to-Face at the Schools and Academies Show: 19 November, 14:30–16:00
Please get in touch or share with colleagues who may be interested.

Briefing Session: IQSEA October 2026
2026-10-15 16:30 - 17:30 | Microsoft Teams

LA School Improvement Network Meeting
2026-09-18 11:30 - 12:30 | Microsoft Teams
We are developing a Local Authority School Improvement Network that brings together colleagues from across LA education services.
If you are in an LA role, whether that involves strategic leadership, governance, curriculum and pedagogy development or teaching and learning and inclusive education in any age range or phase, we would welcome your involvement.
Online meeting: 18 September, 11:30–12:30
Please get in touch or share with colleagues who may be interested.

Briefing Session: IQSEA September 2026
2026-09-17 16:30 - 17:30 | Microsoft Teams

Briefing Session: IQSEA July 2026
2026-07-16 16:00 - 17:00 | Microsoft Teams

Briefing Session: IQSEA June 2026
2026-06-25 16:00 - 17:00 | Microsoft Teams

EduKIT: Equity in Action: Transforming School Systems for Every Student
2026-06-16 16:00 - 17:00 | Online
Discover how E.O. Smith High School transformed equity from a guiding principle into everyday practice. Despite strong academic results, disparities persisted in course access, belonging, and participation among marginalised students. Headteacher Lou DeLoreto shares how strategic planning, data-informed leadership and courageous conversations dismantled barriers to access, belonging and achievement. This session offers practical insights for senior leaders seeking to embed equity across systems, sustain improvement through challenge, and ensure every learner benefits from an inclusive and high-performing school culture.

Registration:
RSVP via the AoEA Hub – CLICK HERE TO RSVP
If you are not a member of the AoEA, get in touch with us at info@aoea.co.uk to learn more about EduKITs and becoming a member of the AoEA.

Effective Governance for School Improvement
2026-05-20 09:00 - 2026-05-21 15:00 | Private: Seamus Heaney Homeplace, 45 Main Street, Bellaghy, BT45 8HT
This full-day session will step through the characteristics of effective and accountable governance. It will cover in detail:
• the role of governors,
• the people, systems and structures which support governance, and
• how to evaluate governance of and for improvement.
Please choose one date.

THIS EVENT IS FOR EANI COLLEAGUES ONLY

EduKIT: System Leadership and Professional Learning: A Model of Effective Practice
2026-05-19 16:00 - 17:00 | Online
This EduKIT will describe how, within the framework of the Association of Education Advisers’ (AoEA) Accreditation programme, Northern Ireland is growing a high-quality system-wide advisory community across its educational partners and school leaders.

Registration:
RSVP via the AoEA Hub – CLICK HERE TO RSVP
If you are not a member of the AoEA, get in touch with us at info@aoea.co.uk to learn more about EduKITs and becoming a member of the AoEA.

Ninth Connecting Educators Summit
2026-04-30 | Radisson Blu Hotel, Manchester Airport, Chicago Ave, Manchester, M90 3RA, United Kingdom
29–30 April 2026 | Radisson Blu Hotel, Manchester Airport
Click here to book via AoEA Hub
The AoEA is delighted to announce the Ninth Connecting Educators Summit, taking place on 29–30 April 2026 at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Manchester Airport.
This annual summit is a highlight of the AoEA calendar, bringing together education advisers, leaders, and practitioners to connect, reflect, and exchange knowledge. Within our one day programme, attendees will engage in keynote sessions, thought-provoking panels, and collaborative discussions focused on raising the quality of education advice.
As in previous years, the programme includes a pre-conference dinner, offering an opportunity to strengthen professional connections in an informal and collegial environment.
Prices for 2026:

BB, Dinner & Day Ticket: £350 (members) | £375 (non-members)
Dinner & Day Ticket: £200 (members) | £225 (non-members)
Day Ticket Only: £125 (members) | £150 (non-members)

To book your place, including tickets, dinner, and hotel accommodation, please visit the AoEA Hub.
Click here to book via AoEA Hub

Briefing Session: IQSEA April 2026
2026-04-23 16:00 - 17:00 | Microsoft Teams

Coaching 5: Introducing a Coaching System
2026-04-23 09:00 - 12:30 | Online
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
This final session will look at learning to date; best practice locally and nationally; your responses to specified learning, reading and practice; and seek to simplify the task of introducing a coaching and change management system.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Coaching 4: ‘Culture eats strategy for breakfast’ (Peter Drucker)
2026-03-26 09:00 - 12:30 | Online
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
This half-day course is for those wishing to develop a coaching approach to their work. It is suitable for those with a leadership role in schools, advisory services, local authorities, Multi-Academy Trusts or with an HR function in a related industry. Building on the introductory course offered earlier in the year, this session will consider the impact of coaching on individuals, the teams they lead and the outcomes that might be expected.
Rooted in experience and based on current research in education and business, the session will provide insight, practical demonstration and collaborative opportunity to experience and learn about coaching.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

EduKIT: Using Data and Staff Development to Improve Pupil Outcomes
2026-03-17 16:00 - 17:00 | Online
This session explores how purposeful leadership can transform school culture, systems, and outcomes. On appointment as principal, Dr Michelle Rainey led the introduction of new policies and procedures for tracking and intervention to raise attainment. Central to this work was reshaping culture, developing staff, and ensuring accountability at all levels. Through collaborative workshops with senior leaders, middle leaders, governors, and staff, a shared vision was built and embedded into a three-year School Development Plan. A tailored in-house CPD programme supported staff to grow confidence in data use, coaching, and leadership skills, while ensuring workload and wellbeing remained priorities. This strategic, inclusive approach not only improved pupil outcomes year-on-year but also created a sustainable culture of collaboration, capacity building, and professional growth.

Registration:
RSVP via the AoEA Hub – CLICK HERE TO RSVP
If you are not a member of the AoEA, get in touch with us at info@aoea.co.uk to learn more about EduKITs and becoming a member of the AoEA.

Using an Organisational Development Approach to School Improvement
2026-03-05 09:00 - 2026-03-06 15:00 | Private: Seamus Heaney Homeplace, 45 Main Street, Bellaghy, BT45 8HT
This full-day session will extend your understanding and knowledge of the facets of organisational development, how they interconnect and how contextual factors influence planning for improvement. It will support you with the process of School Development Planning. Please choose one date.

THIS EVENT IS FOR EANI COLLEAGUES ONLY

Coaching 3: Advanced Coaching for Advisers and Leaders – From Individual to a Team Approach
2026-03-05 09:00 - 12:30 | Online
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
This session will build on levels 1 and 2 and look to forward and deepen coaching practice by introducing advanced coaching techniques. It will also mark a subtle change, which demands that thinking moves towards how best to introduce coaching into the team setting, with a view to becoming part of a small-scale system.
We will consider your coaching approach and thoughts, and challenge you in the practical sessions. We will explore: chemistry; the coaching state; co-active approaches; return to OSKAR and ZOUD; discuss beginnings, middles, and endings; intuition; body language; and BAGs.
Two participants will feedback on background reading designed to extend and enhance learning.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Briefing Session: IQSEA February 2026
2026-02-26 16:00 - 17:00 | Microsoft Teams
