Conversations around the Education Estate

[edit] Education Estates® event 2025

Funding, sustainability and inclusive learning spaces are now firmly embedded in sector priorities, prompting the education sector’s most influential voices to come together to tackle shared challenges and shape future direction. The community, from designers and policymakers to educators and suppliers, will gather on 14–15 October, 2025 at Manchester Central to reimagine the places where learning happens.

Education Estates® brings together an exhibition, CPD-accredited conference and prestigious awards ceremony, all dedicated to improving how the UK plans, delivers and maintains its learning environments. Held in partnership with the Department for Education, it is the only national event focused exclusively on the design, build, funding, maintenance and management of schools, colleges and universities.

Now in its 13th year, the event has developed a strong reputation for attracting senior decision-makers and sector specialists from across the UK. Its continued growth in scale, attendance and influence reflects a sharp rise in attention on the condition of educational buildings and the role they play in supporting learner wellbeing and attainment. By combining strategic discussion with practical insight, Education Estates® helps turn sector priorities into projects that deliver impact.

[edit] Overview of the programme

The two-day event offers content relevant to strategic, operational and project-focused professionals. Delegates can engage with policy updates, explore practical case studies and connect with peers from across the education and built environment sectors.

Conference: CPD-accredited content delivered across 36 sessions and seven themed stages, including daily keynotes and strong Department for Education support through speaking contributions, exhibition presence and awards participation.

Exhibition: The exhibition features over 190 leading organisations showcasing the latest products, technologies and services shaping the future of learning environments. From innovations driving efficiency and sustainability to solutions that ensure compliance and long-term value, it’s a unique opportunity to explore what’s new, connect with experts and find practical answers that make a real impact across the education sector.

Awards: Held on 14 October at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, the Education Estates® Awards recognise achievement across 15 categories, including the Department for Education’s Sustainability Award, which includes a £2,000 prize for the winning school.

James Lee, Event Director, notes that interest in the event is at an all-time high:

"Education Estates® 2025 is shaping up to be our most ambitious event yet. The programme offers real depth and flexibility, allowing delegates to focus on their specialist area or explore wider themes across the sector. With demand at record levels and registration numbers already surpassing last year, it is clear the sector is ready to collaborate and innovate."

[edit] New Features for the 2025 event

Several new and returning initiatives have been introduced this year to reflect emerging priorities and sector needs:

• The Surgery Stream: Offering deep-dive technical sessions focused on solving specific challenges in estates planning and delivery. Topics include procurement reform, PFI contract close out, efficient heat pump sizing and evidence-based design
• Refurbishment, Reuse & Adaptation Stage: Addressing the challenge of extending the life of existing buildings while meeting evolving needs and sustainability goals.
• Shaping Tomorrow Stage: Forward-looking content examining the trends, technologies and policies likely to influence the next generation of learning environments.
• People’s Awards (13 October): Celebrating individuals and teams making a significant impact across the education estate.
• Developing Future Talent: A new initiative offering free delegate places to those in the first year of their careers, helping nurture the next generation of sector professionals.

[edit] Experience for delegates

Public sector professionals can attend free of charge*, with full access to all conference stages and the exhibition. Private sector attendees can register for complimentary exhibition access or purchase delegate passes for the full conference experience.

Past attendees continue to recognise the event’s value. Deborah Tyler from Newcastle City Council shared:

"We've been attending Education Estates® for a number of years. It's a great combination of an interesting conference programme with real-life case studies and a vibrant marketplace of exhibitors covering a wide range of disciplines and interests. Brilliant CPD and networking for me and my team. We always leave with new ideas and good contacts. Thank you."

Programme highlights:

• Challenges facing historic education estates, Ian Caldwell, Kings College London
• Revitalising Heritage Buildings for Modern Learning – Trevor Payne, University of Oxford
• Designing for Active and Sustainable School Travel, Samantha Powell, Department for Education
• The role of design in supporting independence and life beyond education – Mark Pratt – Department for Education
• Student experience – Helen Groves, AtkinsRéalis
• Reimagining Learning Spaces: From Pattern Language to Evidence-Based Design, Rachel Moulton, HKS

This article and images were issued via Step Connect2 press release as "Education Estates® 2025: Join the Conversation around the Education Estate" dated 18 September 2025.

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