The IncludEd Conference 2026 will open the year as one of the UK’s most anticipated education events dedicated to equality, diversity, and inclusion in schools. Hosted at University College London’s Institute of Education (IOE), the conference brings together teachers, senior leaders, policymakers, and educational researchers to share best practice and new thinking about inclusion in education. It is organised by The Difference, a social enterprise working to equip schools with the skills and leadership required to improve outcomes for vulnerable pupils and reduce exclusion.
Since its inception, the IncludEd Conference has built a strong reputation for combining deep academic insight with frontline experience from schools and local authorities. Its aim is to create a space where practitioners and researchers can collaborate, challenge assumptions, and find solutions that work for every child — especially those facing barriers due to race, disability, special educational needs, trauma, or socioeconomic inequality.
The 2026 conference takes place at a time when education is at a crossroads. The lingering effects of the pandemic, combined with growing awareness of systemic inequities, have left many schools rethinking how inclusion is embedded within their culture. This year’s theme, “Every Child Belongs”, reflects a renewed commitment to ensuring that all learners — regardless of background or circumstance — can thrive within mainstream education. Over the course of the day, speakers and sessions will explore what belonging means in practice, and how school systems can transform to support it.
Delegates can expect a rich programme featuring keynote presentations from leading voices in education, psychology, and social policy. Previous speakers have included headteachers recognised for their inclusive leadership, as well as academic researchers from the IOE, Cambridge, and King’s College London. Each keynote is designed to inspire as well as inform, connecting big ideas about policy and pedagogy to the day-to-day realities of the classroom.
Workshops and breakout sessions will run throughout the day, covering a wide range of practical topics. These will include behaviour inclusion strategies, trauma-informed practice, reducing exclusions, cultural competency in teaching, neurodiversity awareness, and staff wellbeing. Sessions are deliberately interactive, giving teachers and school leaders the opportunity to reflect on their own experiences, share challenges, and collaborate on new approaches. Many of the workshops are led by practitioners who have successfully implemented inclusive models in their own schools, making the content grounded and immediately applicable.
The conference is also a vital networking opportunity for educators passionate about inclusion. Between sessions, delegates will have time to connect with colleagues from across the UK and beyond, sharing experiences and resources. The organisers place strong emphasis on community-building, ensuring that IncludEd functions not only as a conference but also as a professional network that continues to support collaboration long after the event ends.
Exhibitors will include organisations and charities providing resources, research, and tools that promote inclusion. From behaviour support programmes and SEND technology solutions to mental health services and inclusive curriculum providers, the exhibition zone offers practical inspiration for schools seeking to strengthen their inclusion strategies. The IOE venue, based in the heart of London’s Bloomsbury district, provides a fitting academic environment, combining modern conference facilities with the heritage of one of the world’s leading education institutions.
Another defining feature of IncludEd is its focus on evidence-based practice. Each year, The Difference and partner researchers present new findings on school inclusion, exclusion data, and leadership development. Delegates receive access to detailed reports and case studies, offering insight into what works and why. This focus on evidence helps bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring that the conference is not only inspirational but also credible and rigorous.
A key strand of the 2026 agenda will address the issue of exclusions — one of the most pressing topics in UK education. Data shows that pupils with special educational needs, those from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds, and those eligible for free school meals remain disproportionately represented in exclusion statistics. The conference will look at how schools can address these inequalities through restorative approaches, positive behaviour frameworks, and targeted support.
Another major theme is staff wellbeing and retention. The demands of inclusive education can be high, and supporting teachers to manage stress, maintain balance, and sustain motivation is central to creating inclusive schools. Sessions will highlight how leadership teams can create compassionate cultures that prioritise staff wellbeing alongside pupil outcomes.
Equity in curriculum design will also feature strongly. Delegates will explore how to embed representation and inclusivity into subject teaching, moving beyond tokenism to ensure that all students see themselves reflected in the curriculum. Workshops will share practical methods for diversifying content and teaching approaches across subjects such as history, English, and PSHE.
The IncludEd Conference’s inclusive ethos extends to its delivery. The organisers ensure that accessibility is at the heart of the event, with wheelchair access, hearing assistance, quiet spaces, and online participation options available. Delegates who cannot travel to London will have the opportunity to attend virtually through live-streamed sessions and digital networking areas, making this one of the most accessible events on the education calendar.
For school leaders, governors, and teachers, IncludEd 2026 offers both strategic insight and practical inspiration. Attendees will leave with concrete ideas for developing inclusive policies, improving staff training, and supporting pupils’ social and emotional needs. For policymakers and researchers, it provides a vital platform to share evidence and influence practice at scale.
More than just a conference, IncludEd 2026 is a movement — one rooted in optimism, evidence, and collaboration. It reminds educators that inclusion is not a standalone initiative but the foundation of good education. By bringing together voices from across the system, it demonstrates that when schools commit to belonging, everyone benefits. As delegates depart from the IOE, they take with them not only new tools and insights but a renewed belief in the transformative power of inclusive education.
🎟️ Tickets: eventbrite.co.uk