More than 150 education professionals, including a large number of Edge Hill University alumni, returned to campus for the annual Mentor Development Day, highlighting the University’s commitment to supporting graduates throughout their careers. The event celebrated the vital role mentors play in shaping the next generation of teachers while providing high-quality continuing professional development (CPD) for experienced educators supporting trainee teachers.
Held on Friday 26 June in the Faculty of Education on the Ormskirk campus, the event brought together professional mentors and mentees from partnership schools for a day of high-quality continuing professional development (CPD), focused on Initial Teacher Education (ITE) and supporting trainee teachers throughout their school placements.
Every Edge Hill ITE trainee is currently completing a placement within one of the partnership schools represented at the event, making the day an important opportunity to strengthen relationships between the University, mentors and schools while sharing best practice.
This year’s keynote speaker was nationally recognised inclusion and special educational needs (SEN) expert Margaret Mulholland, who delivered an inspiring session exploring different approaches to inclusion. Her presentation encouraged delegates to consider practical ways to create classrooms where every learner feels valued, supported and experiences a genuine sense of belonging.
Alongside keynote sessions, attendees took part in a programme of professional development designed to equip mentors with the latest knowledge, skills and strategies to support trainee teachers as they begin their careers in education.
Michelle Pearson, Head of School (Initial Teacher Education), said: “Our mentors play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of teachers, and Mentor Development Day is an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate their contribution.
“We are proud to welcome so many of our alumni back to campus as experienced practitioners who continue to be part of our partnership and strengthen our network. Events like this demonstrate the power of lifelong professional learning and reflect our commitment to working collaboratively with schools to ensure the highest quality experience for both mentors and trainees.”
Among those returning to campus was alumnus Adam Holding, whose Edge Hill journey spans an undergraduate degree in Physical Geography, a PGCE and an MA in Education. Now Head of Geography at Lathom High School, Adam continues to return to the University to develop his own practice while helping to mentor future teachers.
Now Head of Geography at Lathom High School, Adam has attended the Mentor Development Day for the third time and values the opportunity to reconnect with the University while continuing his own professional development.
Adam said: “It’s like a celebration for mentors and mentees, with good quality CPD and an opportunity to establish a good working relationship with Edge Hill University.
“Margaret Mulholland’s keynote was excellent. I’ve come away with some really practical ideas and tools that I can use in the classroom straight away, which is exactly what you want from a day like this.”
Adam secured his first teaching position before graduating from Edge Hill after responding to an advert in TES. He began his career as a Geography Teacher at Maghull High School, where he taught for two years before relocating to Dubai.
During six years teaching overseas, Adam also took on the role of Head of Year.
While living in Dubai, he and his wife Lauren, whom he met while studying at Edge Hill in the Students’ Union Venue, welcomed their first child before deciding to return to the UK.
Since returning home, Adam has been part of the team at Lathom High School for the past four years, where he now leads the Geography department while continuing to support the development of future teachers through mentoring.
The Mentor Development Day reflects Edge Hill University’s commitment to supporting graduates long after they leave campus. By bringing together alumni, experienced mentors, current trainees and partnership schools, the University continues to provide opportunities for lifelong professional development, helping teachers enhance their practice, build their networks and support the next generation entering the profession.
Many of the University’s graduates return to campus throughout their careers for professional development opportunities, demonstrating the lasting relationships built during their time at Edge Hill and their ongoing commitment to supporting future generations of teachers.
Find out more about CPD courses at Edge Hill University.
July 3, 2026
