Unlocking students’ success in GCSE English and maths is one of education’s biggest challenges. Alongside the changes currently in play, where could we go further? The answers might lie in the post-16 sector, where the worlds of school learning, further study and employment meet.

Navigating this, college educators have a unique perspective on what it takes to stretch high attainers/achievers while also re-engaging resit students. Bringing schools and colleges together, the expert panel hosted by Pearson will explore essential skills and missing links to pinpoint how we evolve GCSE curricula, assessment and student support for the better.

Expect honest discussion, practical tips and ideas to be sparked as we consider how to best equip young people for success at GCSE and beyond.

“I hope learning helps me to find the right path.”

These words from a college student echo those from young people across the nation. Yet, hopes of where learning will lead sit alongside fears. As the Pearson School & College Report shows, 1.2 million secondary and college students don’t feel ready to make choices about subjects, courses and next steps that’ll impact their futures. So at this time of reform and change in education, what will make a difference in helping every learner forge their future with confidence?

In this interactive workshop co-hosted by young people and Pearson, you’ll join educators and leaders across the sector to seek the answers. You’ll step into the shoes of different learners – from high attainers to those at risk of becoming NEET – and map how their journeys progress through learning and life.

Together, we’ll pinpoint the barriers, milestones, opportunities and turning points that can help create clearer, more connected, learner-centred routes for all.

“Dear Future, I hope learning will…”

More than 800 students have already had their say in the Pearson School & College Report. In this unique session, our panel of students and young people take the stage and put their hopes, fears and ideas about education in the spotlight.

What’s genuinely working in their schools and colleges? What’s not? Do they feel ready for what comes next? What could make a difference? And how does tech fit in?

Let’s listen and learn from the ones actively navigating education now. And as upcoming reform puts change front of mind, let’s see the future of education through young people’s eyes.

Which skills will today’s learners need to thrive in tomorrow’s world? And how do we get them ready for what’s ahead?

In this round-the-world panel session from Pearson and WorldSkills UK, our experts and representatives from Team UK will explore:

• keeping up – what’s changing in skills across the globe, from teamwork to AI readiness.
• setting the pace – learning lessons from the Pearson School and College Report and international success stories.
• getting ahead with ‘gold’, ‘silver’ and ‘bronze’ ideas for engaging students and building future-focused skills into everyday learning.
• Join us for insights and practical ideas to inspire you, the next generation, and skills champions of the future.

What we learn today, we build on tomorrow. So, what can five years of insights tell us about where education is heading and what it means for your classroom?

Inspired by the experiences of 50,000+ educators, students and changemakers in the Pearson School & College Report, Laura McInerney and an expert panel will make sense of the big picture in schools and colleges.

Together, they’ll unpack the defining trends and topics:

• what’s changing, what’s not, and why?
• what are the emerging challenges and opportunities with tech and AI?
• what would make a difference in readying students for their futures?
• Join us for facts, fresh perspectives, and practical tips and ideas that’ll help you face the future with confidence now.