ASCL Sustainability Conference 2026

Birmingham City Football Club

The ASCL Sustainability Conference will be a key event for delegates who lead on or are interested in sustainability within their setting. 

With the DfE requiring all settings to have a Sustainability Lead and Climate Action Plan in place by the end of 2025, this event will reflect on the implementation of this guidance and also provide the opportunity for delegates to receive practical advice and experience from leaders and experts in this field.

Now in its third year, the conference coincides with World Environment Day and is dedicated to providing schools, colleges, and trusts with the tools and support needed to enable leaders, governors and students to create a lasting sustainable culture.

NB In keeping with the conference theme and message around sustainability, all refreshments will be vegetarian. 

Feedback from previous delegates

"The sessions and speakers were all so inspiring and gave lots of takeaway ideas for use across schools. It was so good to see what was happening across the country and I felt less alone in my role and part of something bigger -and very active!"

"Inspiring me to have renewed energy to continue on the journey"

Speaker
speaker thumbnail
Emma Harrison

Business Leadership Specialist

Read More
speaker thumbnail
Paul Edmond

Chief Financial Officer, Heart Academies Trust

Read More
speaker thumbnail
Heena Dave

Co-founder, Climate Adapted Pathways for Education (CAPE)

Read More
speaker thumbnail
Rebecca Stacey

Schools Coordinator, Carbon Literacy Project

Read More
speaker thumbnail
Eliška Gooch

DfE Youth Sustainability Champion

Read More
speaker thumbnail
Charlotte Bonner

CEO, Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (EAUC)

Read More

Early bird discount until 5 December 2025
Member:  £175+VAT
Non-member: £199+VAT 


Standard rate (after 5 December 2025)
Member: £245+VAT 
Non-member: £265+VAT 

Group discount
10% discount for groups of two or more
 

ASCL reserves the right to amend the programme should circumstances dictate.
 

8.00am     Registrtation, exhibition and refreshments
       
8.30am - 9.55am     Optional session
Climate Change: Understanding causes, consequences, and why we need to act

Paul Edmond, Chief Finance and Sustainability Officer, Heart Academies Trust
Rebecca Stacey, Schools Coordinator, Carbon Literacy Project

Join us for an engaging breakfast session designed to further our understanding of climate change and its far-reaching impacts on people, communities, and our planet. We will explore some of the science behind climate change, examine its social and environmental consequences, and consider the urgent need for action within education settings. Through discussion and reflection, delegates will gain clarity on the challenges ahead and inspiration to take forward into a day of collaboration and learning.   
       
9.55am     Conference opens and scene setting
Emma Harrison, ASCL Business Leadership Specialist
       
10.05am     How We Can Move the World Forward
Presentation by students from Walton High School
       
10.35am     Headline sponsor: Barker
       
10.40am     Refreshment break and exhibition
       
11.00am     Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Sustainability
Charlotte Bonner, CEO, Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (EAUC)

Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and sustainability are often discussed separately, yet in practice they are deeply intertwined. EAUC doesn’t claim to be an expert in EDI, but is committed to learning and doing better, recognising that caring for the planet and caring for people cannot be separated.

In this session, Charlotte will share what EAUC has learned so far, drawing on the organisation’s own journey, research with members, and stories of impactful and innovative practice from across the post-16 education sector. There may not be definitive answers, but there will be an invitation to get curious, reflect on where we’re at and make collective progress. 
       
11.20am     Movement time
       
11.25am     Workshop session 1
       
12.05pm     Lunch and exhibition
       
12.50pm     Keynote
Eliška Gooch, DfE Youth Sustainability Champion
       
1.05pm     Keynote
Speaker to be confirmed
       
1.45pm     Greener Governance
Megan Tate, Senior Policy and Research Officer, National Governance Association (NGA)
       
2.05pm     Movement time
       
2.10pm     Workshop session 2
       
2.50pm     Movement time
       
2.55pm     Keynote
Rebecca Stacey, Schools Coordinator, Carbon Literacy Project
       
3.25pm     Conference close

The conference is suitable for business leaders (including director of estates and sustainability leaders), CEOs, headteachers, senior leaders, trustees and governors, and including colleagues in independent and post-16 settings. 

Related Events

Successful Timetable Construction

  • CPD
  • Timetabling

ASCL Conference for Pastoral Leaders

  • Inclusion
  • Pastoral
  • CPD
  • Mental Health
  • SEND
  • Attendance
  • Behaviour
  • Alternative provision

Successful Timetable Construction

  • CPD
  • Timetabling