What do we want the next decade in education to look like?
An education system that champions imagination, freedom of expression, equity and inclusion should be the pathway to success on offer to every young person.
The Next Decade Conference will bring leading experts together for a day of Next Decade thinking. Renowned author and broadcaster Matthew Syed will set the tone for the day before a wide array of experts will take platforms on inclusion, creativity, unconditional positive regard, levelling-the-playing-field and what we can learn from research. Leaders and practitioners will be immersed in philosophies, provoked to challenge perspectives and practice and will have the opportunity to forge connections with other like-minded individuals.
This is our time to author the future of education in England. Join us for what is certain to be an inspiring and thought-provoking day, for if it is not to be us who author The Next Decade, then who?
The Real David Cameron
The Real David Cameron is the former Director of Children’s services for Stirling council, and Head of Education in East Lothian. With a wealth of experience supporting children and schools at all levels, his work as President of the Association of Directors of Education Scotland saw his involvement with a multitude of national groups, most notably Curriculum for Excellence, Outdoor Education and Looked After Children. He now works in a consultancy capacity for local authorities as well as a speaker, mentor and coach.
Known to all as the ‘Real David Cameron’, he combines an overview of education, from policy making at national level to knowing what makes children tick in a real classroom and everything in between.
Matthew Syed
Journalist. Broadcaster. Author: ‘Rebel Ideas’, ‘Black Box Thinking’, ‘Bounce’ & more.
Dave Whitaker
Dave Whitaker is the Chief Education Officer for Wellspring Academy Trust and leads their national behaviour and outreach team, Positive Regard, providing relational behaviour support across the country. A former Executive Principal of SEMH Special and Alternative Provision academies, Dave is profoundly experienced and often called upon to share his expertise in national forums. An active campaigner for educational change, Dave is a member of the DFE’s Timpson Exclusions Review Reference Group, founding member of the Headteacher’s Roundtable think tank and trustee of The Difference charity.
Author of best-seller, ‘The Kindness Principle’, Dave offers a blend of advice, guidance, and expertise, enriched with anecdotes, to illustrate how relational practice can be effectively implemented in schools. His work emphasises the importance of kindness and understanding in fostering positive educational environments.
Dave Whitaker
National Relational Practice Expert. Chief Education Officer. Author: ‘The Kindness Principle’
Hywel Roberts
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Hywel Roberts is an educational speaker, author and ‘pedagogy philosopher’. Beginning his career as a drama teacher in the North of England, across primary, secondary, special schools and PRU’s, Hywel is a fervent advocate for creativity in the curriculum. Impassioned to breathe life into learning, for the most disaffected children and young people, Hywel believes capturing children’s innate curiosity and ‘tricking’ them into learning is the key to engaging young people. This was the foundation for his first book ‘Oops! Helping children learn accidentally’. His stout belief that creativity, humour, imagination and self-coined ‘botherdness’ are the key to conquering the ‘art of the profession’. With a Masters in Education, Hywel also leads PGCE programmes at both Huddersfield and Leeds Beckett Universities, and contributes to many more. A prominent figure in the world of Education, Hywel regularly authors columns for TES and has co-written ‘Unchartered Territories’ with friend and Independent Thinking Associate Dr Debra Kidd, a book full of practical inspiration to bring learning to life for all. |
Hywel Roberts
DThe Travelling Teacher. Pedagogy Philosopher. Author: ‘Botherdness’ & more.
Mark Wilson
Mark is the CEO of Wellspring, a highly successful Multi-Academy Trust renowned for its inclusive approach to education and distinctive social purpose. Over the twelve years of its operation, Wellspring has never permanently excluded a single student.
Mark’s vision for education is both compelling and transformative. Named ‘The Philosopher CEO’ by School’s Week, his approach is deeply rooted in strategic intent and long-term thinking, encapsulated by the concept of ‘Cathedral Thinking’. This forward-thinking mindset involves looking upstream, challenging the status quo, provoking thought, and occasionally breaking the mould to innovate and shape the future.
Despite his visionary outlook, he humbly acknowledges that he doesn’t have all the answers. Nonetheless, he firmly believes that bold and brave ideas are essential to spark meaningful conversations about the future of education. His commitment to this cause is exemplified through founding ‘The Next Decade Conference’. This initiative serves as a modest yet impactful contribution to the ongoing dialogue about how we can best educate and prepare our children and young people for the future.
These efforts seek to inspire others to think creatively and act boldly for the betterment of education. By fostering a community of forward-thinking educators and leaders, Mark hopes to pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
Mark Wilson
National Leader of Education. CEO Wellspring Trust. Founder: ‘The Next Decade’.
Dr Suzanne Zeedyk
Dr Suzanne Zeedyk is a developmental psychologist and research scientist, fascinated by the Science of Connection. In 2011 she stepped back from her full time academic role to focus on her ‘Science of Connection’ independent training enterprise. This then expanded again in 2014 when she founded ‘Connected Baby’. Suzanne’s work brings awareness to the latest discoveries in infant communicative capacities and brain development, as well as her own research projects around parent-infant relationships and the socio-political contexts where scientific information emerges.
Dr Suzanne Zeedyk
Psychologist. Research Scientist. Author: ‘Nurturing […] Development in Early Childhood.’
Mark Finnis
Mark Finnis is the Director of L30 Relational Systems, an accomplished author, international keynote speaker and systems thinker. A passionate advocate for the power of restorative and relational based practice for over two decades, Mark’s work is centred around creating the right ethos, culture and relationships: ‘is your culture by design or by default?’.
Dubbed the ‘Don of Restorative Practice’, Mark has a wealth of experience working with schools, local government agencies and social services, and encourages schools and teams to create highly connected improved outcomes for children and young people.
Mark Finnis
Director L30 Relational Systems. Author: ‘Restorative Practice’.
Luke Mitchell
Luke Mitchell is the Head of Positive Regard, an influential national service that supports over six hundred schools, children’s services and local authorities in implementing cultural behaviour change. As a national expert and practitioner in schools, Luke leads a dedicated team focused on reducing exclusions through relational practice and positive behaviour support. His wealth of experience stems from working in an SEMH school and later progressing into the role of Head of Behaviour Support for the Wellspring Academy Trust.
Luke’s unwavering commitment to inclusion and relational practice is driven by his belief in creating environments where every individual is valued, understood and can thrive.
Luke Mitchell
Head of Positive Regard. National Behaviour Expert. Practitioner in schools.
Kiran Gill
Kiran Gill is the Founder and CEO of The Difference, the leadership charity for whole-school inclusion. Kiran grew up in Hackney and Doncaster, and started her career as a teacher in mainstream and AP schools. Kiran left the classroom to follow her frustrations with how policy shaped choices in education, studying alongside roles in education policy including Head of Policy at the Social Mobility Commission. In 2017 she quit her job to research exclusions and in 2018 advised the Timpson Review, through which The Difference charity was born. In its first 5 years The Difference has developed the skills and careers of 500 school leaders, helping them measurably improve inclusion with suspensions and absence falling, and continues to raise awareness amongst press and policy-makers on the need for inclusion to be core to school improvement.
Lando Du Plooy
Founder of Education4Change. Headteacher. Chair of Governors. HMI.
Hywel Roberts
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Hywel Roberts is an educational speaker, author and ‘pedagogy philosopher’. Beginning his career as a drama teacher in the North of England, across primary, secondary, special schools and PRU’s, Hywel is a fervent advocate for creativity in the curriculum. Impassioned to breathe life into learning, for the most disaffected children and young people, Hywel believes capturing children’s innate curiosity and ‘tricking’ them into learning is the key to engaging young people. This was the foundation for his first book ‘Oops! Helping children learn accidentally’. His stout belief that creativity, humour, imagination and self-coined ‘botherdness’ are the key to conquering the ‘art of the profession’. With a Masters in Education, Hywel also leads PGCE programmes at both Huddersfield and Leeds Beckett Universities, and contributes to many more. A prominent figure in the world of Education, Hywel regularly authors columns for TES and has co-written ‘Unchartered Territories’ with friend and Independent Thinking Associate Dr Debra Kidd, a book full of practical inspiration to bring learning to life for all. |
Dr Sharon Watson MBE DL
Dr Sharon Watson MBE, DL, is a trailblazing figure in the world of contemporary dance, celebrated for her exceptional contributions as CEO and Principal of the Northern School of Contemporary Dance. With a career spanning over three decades, Sharon’s journey is marked by remarkable achievements, innovative choreography, and steadfast advocacy for diversity and inclusion within the arts.
Sharon’s contributions to the arts have been widely recognised and celebrated. She has been honoured with prestigious awards, including the Sue Ryder ‘Yorkshire Women of Achievement in Business Award’ and the title of ‘Yorkshire Woman of the Year’ in 2016. Her leadership and impact were further acknowledged with the First English Woman’s Award for Arts and Culture in 2018 and an Honorary Fellowship from the Northern School of Contemporary Dance.
In addition to her artistic achievements, Sharon is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within the arts community. As a trustee of Factory International in Manchester she actively supports the creative voices of women and Black, Asian, and ethnic minority artists, striving to create a more equitable and representative cultural landscape.
Sharon’s dedication to the arts extends beyond the stage, as evidenced by her appointment as a Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire in November 2020 and her recognition with an MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list in 2021. Her tireless advocacy, innovative choreography, and visionary leadership continue to shape the future of contemporary dance, inspiring generations of artists and audiences alike.
Photo Credit: Benji Reid
Luke Mitchell
Luke Mitchell is the Head of Positive Regard, an influential national service that supports over six hundred schools, children’s services and local authorities in implementing cultural behaviour change. As a national expert and practitioner in schools, Luke leads a dedicated team focused on reducing exclusions through relational practice and positive behaviour support. His wealth of experience stems from working in an SEMH school and later progressing into the role of Head of Behaviour Support for the Wellspring Academy Trust.
Luke’s unwavering commitment to inclusion and relational practice is driven by his belief in creating environments where every individual is valued, understood and can thrive.
Lucie Lakin
Lucie Lakin is the Principal of Carr Manor Community School and Executive Principal of Wetherby High School. Inclusive Education Specialist.
Vic Goddard
Vic Goddard is the Chief Executive of Passmores Cooperative Learning Community, a Multi Academy Trust comprising six schools. A founding member of the Headteacher’s Roundtable pressure group, published author and experienced speaker, Vic is a well respected and passionate advocate for young people.
Star of the BAFTA nominated Channel 4 documentary ‘Educating Essex’, Vic’s commitment to inclusion and equity in education attracted national attention and he remains a highly sought after figure, sharing his experience of school leadership, particularly in areas of socioeconomic hardship.
Vic is regularly invited to speak at large conferences, and has been requested to present to the Education Select Committee, as well as hosting ex Secretary of State Michael Gove and Nicky Morgan at Passmores.
Keziah Featherstone
Keziah Featherstone is the Executive Headteacher across The Mercian Trust. Her schools – secondary and AP – serve diverse, multicultural communities, many of whom experience socio-economic disadvantage. Keziah is co-founder and a strategic lead of WomenEd, as well as a member of the Headteachers’ Roundtable. Writing articles for Tes and Schools Week, Keziah has also co-edited the WomenEd books ‘10% Braver’ and ‘Being 10% Braver’. Her first solo book ‘Punk Leadership’, was published by Corwin in autumn 2024.
The Real David Cameron
The Real David Cameron is the former Director of Children’s services for Stirling council, and Head of Education in East Lothian. With a wealth of experience supporting children and schools at all levels, his work as President of the Association of Directors of Education Scotland saw his involvement with a multitude of national groups, most notably Curriculum for Excellence, Outdoor Education and Looked After Children. He now works in a consultancy capacity for local authorities as well as a speaker, mentor and coach.
Known to all as the ‘Real David Cameron’, he combines an overview of education, from policy making at national level to knowing what makes children tick in a real classroom and everything in between.
Professor Danny Dorling
Danny Dorling is a Professor of Human Geography at Oxford University. An established author, Danny’s publications include ‘Inequality and the 1%’, ‘Shattered Nation’, ‘Finntopia’, ‘Peak Inequality’, ‘The Equality Effect’, ‘Fair Play’ and ‘Seven Children: Inequality and Britain’s Next Generation’. His work is focused around housing, health, employment, education and poverty. Previously employed as a play-worker, Professor Dorling epitomises the ethos for education extending beyond the classroom, and the rationale to which he returns: ‘learning for living’.
Dr Nasima Riazat
Dr Nasima Riazat is an experienced teacher, researcher and author. As Network Lead for WomenEd Northwest, Nasima is passionate about equality and diversity and supports women moving on to the next steps in their educational careers, as well as serving as a coach and mentor. A leader herself in Pendle Vale College, a secondary school in Nelson, Nasima is committed to the continual pursuit of her own education, and holds a PhD in Educational Leadership. Co-Author of ‘What Teachers Need to Know about Memory’, Dr. Riazat’s research and expertise work to reduce workload for teachers and achieve better outcomes for young people.
Dr Andrew Curran
Dr Andrew Curran is a practising paediatric neurologist and neurobiologist committed to using his extraordinary knowledge of the workings of the human brain to make a difference to the educational experience for young people. His 30 years experience working with children led him to his research about the neurobiology behind learning. Working closely with Manchester University’s Department of Education Andrew is developing research around emotional literacy in classrooms. Author of ‘Little Book of Big Stuff About the Brain’, Dr Curran stresses his most important neurobiological fact ‘if a child feels loved then he or she will learn at their optimum ability. And experience joy in doing so’.
Jermaine Benjamin
Jermaine Benjamin grew up in inner city Leeds and after a challenging start to early life, has gone on to have a successful career in technology recruitment, working at leadership level for global organisations, SMEs and now his own business, Boost Talent.
He is particularly experienced in leadership, coaching, building great cultures and teams, process improvements, operations and delivering change.
Over the past 15 years, Jermaine has been heavily involved with leading and participating in community projects and is passionate about supporting, developing and enabling our next generation to be the best version of themselves, removing barriers and helping people to realise their full potential.
As a Governor at Carr Manor Community School and Special Advisor to Leeds Learning Alliance, Jermaine is a prominent voice in Leeds, advocating for equitable futures.
Shanaz Hussain
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Shanaz Hussain has been a Headteacher at Blackburn Central High School since 2020. Working in a large secondary school, Shanaz is determined to provide opportunities for all children and young people, particularly those from the most disadvantaged communities. As Network Lead for WomenEd Northwest, Shanaz is passionate about battling inequality and supporting women. Her drive is founded in her staunch belief in the transformative power of education to change the lives of individuals, communities and society to help make the world a better place. |
Salma Rahman
Salma Rahman is the Headteacher at Bowling Park Primary School, a large three-form entry school located in the diverse inner-city community of Bradford. Since her headship journey began in 2015, she has been committed to leading schools that serve multicultural populations, with Bowling Park reflecting this diversity through its pupils, who speak over 42 different languages. Salma’s leadership is focused on creating an inclusive environment where every child feels valued and has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background.
With a passion for promoting equity, Salma was an active member of the Yorkshire and Humber Diversity Steering panel and is currently a member of the Equity, Diversity, and Belonging group. Through these roles, she continues to be an advocate for inclusive practices and policies that ensure all children and staff experience a sense of belonging within their school communities.
Salma’s work at Bowling Park Primary has made the school a model of inclusive education in the region, providing tailored support to meet the needs of its diverse population. Her leadership style emphasises collaboration, community involvement, and a deep understanding of the families she serves. Salma’s dedication continues to shape a school environment where diversity is celebrated, and every pupil has the chance to thrive.
Tracy Goodyear
Tracy Goodyear is the Director of Teacher Development at The Mercian Trust, a role that underscores her dedication to staff development and educational excellence. She is also the founder and chair of The Trust CPD Leader’s Forum, whose members serve more than 800,000 children across the UK. Tracy’s influence in education is further amplified through her role as a regional lead for WomenEd West Midlands, where she champions gender equality and empowerment in education.
Professor Lee Elliot Major OBE
Saima Bahadur
Saima Bahadur has been the Headteacher of Horton Park Primary School in Bradford since 2020, and been at the school since 2011, leading with a focus on inclusion and community engagement. She began her career in education in 2004, working within Bradford’s inner-city schools, where she has consistently championed equity and diversity. Horton Park Primary, located in a richly multicultural area, serves a diverse pupil population with over 24 different languages spoken, making inclusion a key focus of her leadership.
Under Saima’s guidance, Horton Park Primary has become a recognised Centre of Excellence for Inclusion, ensuring that every child feels valued and supported, regardless of their background. She is committed to breaking down barriers to learning and fostering a sense of belonging for all pupils. Her involvement in the Equity, Diversity, and Belonging group reflects her dedication to creating an environment where both children and staff thrive in an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding.
Saima’s leadership is characterised by her holistic approach to education, addressing not only academic achievement but also the well-being of the entire school community. Her work continues to build a model of inclusive education, making Horton Park Primary a beacon of excellence in the region.
Rebecca Marshall
Rebecca Marshall has been the Headteacher at Horton Grange Primary School, a large three-form entry school in Bradford, since 2020. She has been a part of the school community since 2009, giving her a deep understanding of the local area and its families. Over the years, the school’s demographics have shifted, and Rebecca has remained committed to ensuring that the needs of the diverse, inner-city community are met. Horton Grange serves pupils who speak over 32 different languages, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of the community.
With a career in education that began in 2002 in Bradford, Rebecca brings extensive experience to her leadership role. She is a passionate advocate for equity and inclusion, playing an active role in the Equity, Diversity, and Belonging group. Her work focuses on creating a welcoming, inclusive environment where all children feel valued and supported, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Under her leadership, Horton Grange is recognised for its inclusive provision, ensuring that every pupil has the opportunity to succeed. Rebecca’s leadership is characterised by her commitment to understanding the community she serves, creating a school where diversity is celebrated and every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Tom Hall
