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Looking ahead to the 2025 FTS Annual National Conference

2nd January 2025

The new year provides a golden opportunity to not only review the past year – but to look ahead and plan for our continuing development as teachers.

As we enter the final year of the Future Teaching Scholars programme, we’re looking ahead to one of the largest CPD opportunities for our talented Scholars in the academic year: the annual National Conference.

What is the FTS National Conference?

The annual National Conference is the highlight of the FTS calendar, providing a day of insightful CPD for our maths and physics Scholars. Speakers from the education sector, as well as FTS Alumni, are invited to deliver sessions appropriate for ECTs to both complement and extend their ECF training.

Why are these conferences important to early career teachers?

Pritesh Raichura, who spoke at the 2023 FTS National Conference, believes in teachers having more face-to-face opportunities.

“Conferences are really important for early career teachers as they provide an opportunity to network, to meet other people – and that shared experience brings people together,” Pritesh said.

“I had so many interesting and stimulating conversations with Scholars at various stages in the programme; there was a sense of mission and purpose that was palpable. And when teachers share their stories and experiences, it builds a sense of camaraderie which is what we need in the teaching profession.”

What have past FTS National Conferences looked like?

The programme at each National Conference is different, reflecting both the general CPD needs of ECTs as well as topics that our Scholars have requested. Session topics at previous National Conferences have included:

  • creating a positive behaviour culture,
  • use of AI in the classroom,
  • mastery learning,
  • low prior attainment pupils and numeracy,
  • developing independence in KS4 and A-level,
  • supporting students with SEND.

You can watch highlights of the 2024 National Conference here.

Announcing our 2025 keynote speaker

We are thrilled to announce that Ross Morrison McGill will be joining us at our final National Conference in May 2025.

Ross’ career in education has spanned more than three decades, having spent 20 years as a school leader in secondary schools based in London. Ross is best known as @TeacherToolkit in addition to being an education author, writing such books as 60-Second CPD.

For further speaker announcements, follow Future Teaching Scholars and Education Development Trust on social media.