How can schools prepare for a future that is already being shaped by major changes to curriculum, inclusion, technology, workforce and pupil wellbeing? 

Schools across England are entering a period of significant reform. The Government’s 2026 Every Child Achieving and Thriving White Paper sets out an ambition to take the education system into the 2030s, with schools preparing for SEND and curriculum reforms from 2026–27 and full implementation planned from 2028–29. The programme includes £1.6 billion for the Inclusive Mainstream Fund, alongside more than £200 million for SEND training. 

At the same time, workforce pressures remain significant. The 2025 School Workforce Census statistics record 466,372 FTE teachers in state-funded schools, while the Government is targeting 6,500 additional teachers and greater emphasis on retention, professional development and workload. Attendance also remains a major challenge, with 18.1% of pupils persistently absent in autumn 2025/26 and higher absence among pupils with SEND and those eligible for free school meals. 

Against this backdrop, schools must translate national ambition into practical action: creating genuinely inclusive environments, preparing for curriculum reform, using AI and technology effectively, developing sustainable workforces and improving attendance, wellbeing and outcomes. 

The Institute of Government & Public Policy is proud to announce that The Future of Schools Conference and Exhibition 2027 will be taking place in London on the 12th October 2027. This national event will bring together school leaders, education professionals, policymakers and sector experts to examine what the future of education means in practice. 

Join the Institute of Government & Public Policy in London and explore approaches that can help schools navigate reform while continuing to deliver high-quality education for every pupil. 

Places are limited; please register today to secure your attendance.