Draft:Festival of Education

{{Draft article}}
{{Infobox event
| name = Festival of Education
| logo =
| logo_caption =
| status = Active
| genre = Education conference
| frequency = Annual
| years_active = 2010–present
| first = 2010
| founder = Wellington College
| organiser = EducationScape
| venue = Wellington College (flagship event)
| location = United Kingdom and international
| attendance = 5,000+ (UK event)
| website = {{https://educationfest.co.uk/}}
}}
'''Festival of Education''' is a series of international education events held annually, bringing together teachers, school leaders, policymakers, and education professionals to explore developments in teaching, learning, and leadership.

== Overview ==
The Festival of Education provides a platform for professional learning and collaboration across all phases of education.It focuses on topics such as pedagogy, curriculum development, leadership, educational technology, and student wellbeing.

[https://educationfest.co.uk/agenda/ View the UK Festival Agenda.]

Originally established in the United Kingdom, the festival has expanded internationally, with events taking place across Europe, Asia, and North America.

[https://educationfestthailand.com/ For example, the Thailand Festival of Education]

== History ==
The Festival of Education was founded in 2010 by [https://educationfest.co.uk/about/ Wellington College] as a platform for educators to share ideas and engage in professional dialogue.

Initially conceived as a small-scale event, it grew to become a prominent fixture in the United Kingdom’s education calendar, attracting speakers including government representatives, commentators, and education practitioners.

In September 2015, responsibility for the organisation of the Festival was assumed by [https://educationscape.com/ EducationScape], the publisher of education-focused publications including [https://schoolsweek.co.uk/ ''Schools Week''] and [https://feweek.co.uk/ ''FE Week''].

[https://educationfest.co.uk/about/ Under EducationScape’s management], the Festival expanded in scale and scope, with increased participation from educators across different sectors. A significant proportion of attendees are from state-funded schools and further education colleges.

[[Wellington College, Berkshire|Wellington College]] has remained the principal host venue for the Festival.

The UK site accommodates a large-scale programme, with attendance exceeding 5,000 participants, alongside dozens of exhibitors and multiple concurrent sessions held across the campus.

In 2022, Wellington College introduced a [https://educationfest.co.uk/tickets/free-tickets/ bursary scheme] to widen access to the Festival. The initiative provides up to 2,000 free tickets annually to educators from state-funded schools and further education colleges with limited budgets.

The Festival of Education has expanded internationally, with additional events established in Asia, Europe, and North America.

[https://educationfestchina.com/ China]

[https://educationfestusa.com/ Washington, D.C.]

[https://educationfest.nl/ The Netherlands]

[https://educationfestspain.com/ Barcelona]

[https://educationfestthailand.com/ Thailand]

By 2026, the Festival operates as a global series while maintaining its flagship event at Wellington College.

== Events ==
The Festival of Education hosts multiple events each year in different locations. Confirmed events for 2026 include:

• 8 April 2026 – Shanghai, China (9th year) https://educationfestchina.com/

• 6 June 2026 – Edith Stein College, The Hague, Netherlands (1st year) https://educationfest.nl/

• 13 June 2026 – The British School of Barcelona, Castelldefels, Barcelona, Spain (1st year)
https://educationfestspain.com/

• 2–3 July 2026 – Wellington College, United Kingdom (16th year) https://educationfest.co.uk/

• 3 October 2026 – British International School of Washington, Washington, D.C., United States (1st year) https://educationfestusa.com/

• 7 November 2026 – Wellington College International School Bangkok, Thailand (4th year) https://educationfestthailand.com/

== Programme ==
Festival events typically include keynote presentations, workshops, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and exhibitions showcasing educational resources and services.

== Partners ==
Festival events are supported by a range of core partners, including educational organisations, awarding bodies, and host institutions.

These currently include a range of organisations such as:

[[British International School of Washington]]

[https://shanghai.hibaacademy.org.cn/en/ Hiba Academy Shanghai]

[[Wellington College International Shanghai]]

[https://www.wellingtoncollege.ac.th/ Wellington International School Bangkok]

[[AQA]]

[https://www.pearson.com/en-gb.html Pearson]

[[National Education Union|National Education Union (NEU)]]

[https://www.cityandguilds.com/ City & Guilds]

[https://toetsrevolutie.nl/ Toets Revolutie]

[https://edithsteincollege.nl/ Edith Stein College]

[[British School of Barcelona|The British School of Barcelona.]]

== Organisation ==
The Festival of Education is delivered by [https://educationscape.com/ '''EducationScape'''], in partnership with host schools and international education organisations.

The festival is powered by [https://thebridge.wellingtoncollege.org.uk/ '''The Bridge, Wellington College'''], which supports the development of its global network and programming.

== Impact ==
The festival is recognised as a platform for professional development and knowledge exchange within the education sector. [https://www.youtube.com/@EducationScape/playlists View our YouTube channel for testimonials.]

It enables educators to share best practice, engage with current research, and build international networks.

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

[https://www.morningstar.com/news/pr-newswire/20260420cn38111/the-9th-china-festival-of-education-shaping-the-future-of-learning The 9th China Festival of Education: Shaping the Future of Learning]

[https://schoolsweek.co.uk/join-the-educational-extravaganza-festival-of-education-returns/ Join the educational extravaganza: Festival of Education returns]

[https://thebridge.wellingtoncollege.org.uk/events/festival-of-education/ The Bridge:Festival of Education 2026]

[https://schoolsweek.co.uk/education-secretary-to-open-festival-of-education-2021-how-to-watch/ Education secretary to open Festival of Education 2021: how to watch]

[https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRtJTIxj0pggXbKgu3WoS5w The Festival of Education During Covid]

== External links ==
[https://educationfest.co.uk/ UK]

[https://educationfestchina.com/ China]

[https://educationfestusa.com/ Washington, D.C.]

[https://educationfest.nl/ The Netherlands]

[https://educationfestspain.com/ Barcelona]

[https://educationfestthailand.com/ Thailand]