Summary
- The UK events sector is booming, with the broader market expected to grow to around US $136 billion (~£102.03 billion) by 2035.
- Within this, education conferences in the UK have become a crucial forum for schools, universities and EdTech firms.
- Yet with dozens of events competing for attention, choosing the right conference matters for time, budget and impact.
- That’s why we’ve created a vetted list of top UK education conferences for 2026, where we have scored each using our UKEB Trust Score system.
- Whether you’re a school leader, university manager or EdTech innovator, this guide helps you pick where to invest your attention.
The UK calendar for 2026 is packed with education conferences (some long-established, others bold newcomers).
For educators, school leaders, or anyone interested in the future of learning, these events offer a window into what’s next, right from classroom innovation to global policy debates.
But with so many choices, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
Which conferences genuinely move the sector forward? Where can you make real connections? From where can you take away practical insights for your school or institution?
That’s why we’ve created this guide.
We’ve reviewed the UK’s top education conferences for 2026. Our list covers London, the regions, and all key sectors, and we’ve rated them to help you cut through the noise.
How We Rated the Top Education Conferences
To make our shortlist, we use the UKEB Trust Score, which is a system that measures each conference on five essential factors, each with its own weight:
- Reputation & Organiser Credibility (25%)
- Quality & Relevance of Content (25%)
- Networking & Business Opportunities (20%)
- Accessibility & Diversity (15%)
- Impact & Influence (15%)
Each factor is scored out of 5, then weighted by importance. The total is converted into a Trust Score out of 10. This makes it easy to find the best UK ed conferences for 2026.
Also read: How EdTech Changes E-Learning and Education in 2025
These are the best UK education conferences in 2026 to mark in your calendar.
1. Bett UK, London — UKEB Trust Score: 10/10
Bett UK is the world’s leading education technology event, and it draws educators and industry leaders from around the globe. This conference is held each year at ExCeL London. If you want to see what’s next in teaching and learning, Bett is the place to be.
- Dates: 21–23 January 2026
- Location: ExCeL London, Royal Victoria Dock, London E16 1XL
- Main Focus: Educational technology, digital learning, innovation in teaching and management.
- Programme Highlights: 400+ expert speakers, CPD-accredited seminars, hands-on workshops, live demos.
- Access & Format: In-person, free entry for educators, business day tickets for industry, and hybrid sessions.
- Exhibitors/Scale: Over 35,000 delegates, 600+ exhibitors, global participation.
2. Education World Forum, London — UKEB Trust Score: 9.7/10
Education World Forum is the world’s largest gathering of education and skills ministers, which sets the agenda for global education policy each year. It brings together government leaders, influencers, and sector experts for knowledge exchange.
- Dates: 17–20 May 2026
- Location: London (venue TBC)
- Main Focus: Global education policy, innovation, system change.
- Programme Highlights: Ministerial keynotes, policy debates, networking receptions.
- Access & Format: In-person, invitation-only, global government representation.
- Exhibitors/Scale: 120+ countries, 300+ senior delegates.
3. EAIE Conference & Exhibition, Glasgow — UKEB Trust Score: 9.7/10
The EAIE Conference is Europe’s flagship event for international higher education. It brings together thousands of global professionals for learning, sharing, and partnership. This year, it heads to Glasgow with the theme “The Rhythm of Revolution.”
- Dates: 8–11 September 2026
- Location: SEC Scottish Event Campus, Glasgow, Scotland
- Main Focus: Internationalisation, student mobility, global partnerships.
- Programme Highlights: Expert panels, research sessions, international networking, and exhibition.
- Access & Format: In-person, multi-day pass, international reach.
- Exhibitors/Scale: 6,000+ delegates, 200+ exhibitors.
4. Digital Universities UK, Birmingham — UKEB Trust Score: 8.5/10
This annual event from Times Higher Education is all about digital transformation in the UK’s higher education sector. It’s where senior leaders and tech experts meet to discuss AI, online learning, and the future of university teaching.
- Dates: 14–16 April 2026
- Location: Birmingham (venue TBA)
- Main Focus: Digital transformation, AI, smart campuses.
- Programme Highlights: 90+ speakers, case studies, live workshops, campus tours.
- Access & Format: In-person, ticketed, limited hybrid sessions.
- Exhibitors/Scale: 450+ attendees, industry partners.
5. ASCL Annual Conference, Liverpool — UKEB Trust Score: 8.5/10
The Association of School and College Leaders’ flagship conference is a must-attend for UK education leaders. This conference is focused on leadership, policy, and school improvement.
- Dates: 13–14 March 2026
- Location: The ACC, Liverpool
- Main Focus: School leadership, strategy, policy, CPD.
- Programme Highlights: Keynote speakers, leadership workshops, policy debates.
- Access & Format: In-person, ticketed.
- Exhibitors/Scale: 1,000+ delegates, education suppliers.
6. National Education Show, Wales — UKEB Trust Score: 7.7/10
The National Education Show is Wales’s largest school-focused expo. This education conference is held twice a year. It offers a one-stop shop for CPD, resources, and the latest curriculum guidance.
- Dates: 12 June 2026 (Llandudno), 2 October 2026 (Cardiff)
- Location: Venue Cymru, Llandudno & Utilita Arena, Cardiff
- Main Focus: CPD, school resources, curriculum, ALN/SEND.
- Programme Highlights: 50+ seminars, networking, and exhibition.
- Access & Format: In-person, affordable tickets.
- Exhibitors/Scale: 2,000+ attendees, 100+ exhibitors.
7. INTO Northern Conference, Belfast — UKEB Trust Score: 6.8/10
Northern Ireland’s key annual conference for primary educators, run by the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation. It’s focused on the latest developments in teaching, curriculum, and school life in NI.
- Dates: 6–7 March 2026
- Location: ICC Belfast
- Main Focus: Primary teaching, curriculum, and professional development.
- Programme Highlights: Keynotes, CPD workshops, supplier showcase.
- Access & Format: In-person, for INTO members.
- Exhibitors/Scale: Hundreds of delegates, local suppliers.
We hope this shortlist has got you excited to explore the best education conferences in the UK for 2026.
Use our list and Trust Scores to short‑list events that match your goals. Then check dates, book early and plan connections.
Attending an education conference in London or elsewhere in the UK? If we’ve missed it, let us know; contact us anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the biggest education conferences in the UK for 2026?
The top education conferences in the UK for 2026 include Bett UK, Education World Forum, EAIE Conference & Exhibition, Schools & Academies Show, and Digital Universities UK.
2. How do I choose the right education conference in the UK?
Look for well-established events with strong reputations, relevant content, and quality networking opportunities. Use tools like our UKEB Trust Score, which rates each event on reputation, content, networking, accessibility, and sector impact.
3. Are UK education conferences open to international delegates?
Yes, many leading UK education conferences welcome international participants, including Bett UK, EAIE, and the Education World Forum. These events are attended by global educators, EdTech firms, and policymakers.
Author Profile
- Editor in Chief
- Blogger and Educator by Passion | Senior Online Media & PR Strategist at ClickDo Ltd. | Contributor to many Education, Business & Lifestyle Blogs in the United Kingdom & Germany | Summer Course Student at the London School of Journalism and Course Instructor at the SeekaHost University.
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