The theme, ‘Improving Life Chances and Making Hope Possible Through Education’, promises two days of inspiring discussion, practical workshops and pioneering research focused on transforming lives through education.
The conference will unite senior educators, policy makers, civic leaders, practitioners and researchers from across the region and beyond, providing a unique platform to address the pressing challenges facing children, families and communities today. It reflects the Faculty’s longstanding commitment to working in partnership to meet the needs of the regions it serves and address global challenges using the best quality evidence to inform practice.
Dr Helen O’Keeffe, Pro Vice Chancellor and Dean of the Faculty of Education, said: “It is a privilege for us as a Faculty of Education to bring together regional, national and global thought leaders with one focus – improving life chances through education.
“Education is the single most powerful tool for change, but the power can only be fully realised through true collaboration. We hope this conference will offer the time and space to reflect further on how we can continue improving life chances in what are challenging times, but in which there are many opportunities for us to work together to meet those challenges.”
With an outstanding reputation for shaping the teaching and education workforce, nationally and internationally, Edge Hill’s Faculty of Education is a diverse, publicly-engaged, collaborative team with an international reputation for developing and implementing impactful research, knowledge exchange and continuing professional development.
Vice-Chancellor Michael Young will be providing the opening address at the conference. A keynote panel, formed of senior leaders in public health, education and children’s services from across the region, will also be discussing ‘enhancing life chances and reducing inequalities through education’ and how lasting change can be embedded within communities.
Across the two days, there will be presentations, workshops and poster displays covering topics including the mental health of children and young people, play in the early years, the role of sport and the arts in wellbeing, supporting children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and the role of cross-sector partnerships in producing positive outcomes.
Contributions will be made by leading researchers and practitioners, as well as partners and organisations including Shakespeare North Playhouse, Gatsby Foundation, National Children’s Bureau, Liverpool Learning Partnership, Partnership for Children, Stable Lives, Wigan Council, Lancashire County Council, Higher Folds Works, Chasing the Stigma, and Youth Sports Trust, alongside academic partners from across the globe.
This event is essential for anyone passionate about education and its power to change lives – educators, school leaders, policy makers, local authorities, health and social care professionals, researchers, and community partners are all welcome.
Find out more about ‘Improving Life Chances and Making Hope Possible Through Education’ and register before Friday 27 June.
June 19, 2025
