NPQ Conferences: Delivering Connection, Confidence and Real Classroom Change

It’s conference season at Saffron Teaching School Hub, and January 2026 saw conferences for our Cohort 4a SENCO, Early Years Leadership and Senior Leadership NPQ programmes. These conferences brought together a vibrant mix of teachers and leaders across all phases to deepen their knowledge, strengthen their networks and prepare for their upcoming assessments.

Across the board, there was an abundance of curiosity, camaraderie and genuine commitment to improving practice – expertly harnessed by our fantastic facilitators.

Just like our programme members, Saffron Teaching School Hub is also committed to improving practice – so we make sure to survey attendees and Quality Assure delivery of our NPQs. The conference feedback does not disappoint!

What stood out most was just how energised people felt by being in a room with others facing similar challenges. Many talked about the value of “big picture thinking”, of “networking between people on the course”, and of gaining a deeper understanding of culture, equity and disadvantage. And for some, the day provided the confidence boost they needed to move forward in their roles, and even consider applying for new ones.

Throughout the conferences, facilitators created supportive spaces where discussion felt natural and purposeful. Participants praised the delivery for being thought‑provoking, clear and practical - something that was echoed across the reflections.

It wasn’t just the discussion that people valued. The Teach First materials were highlighted as being genuinely useful, helping attendees return to school with ideas they could apply straight away without adding to their workload.

And they did just that! Quick wins ranged from strengthening team communication, to rethinking aspects of school culture, to making small but meaningful changes in how staff meetings run. Others left feeling ready to launch longer‑term projects including implementation plans, interventions, reviewing charters and policies, or leading new conversations around equity and pupil need.

Not everything was perfect – there is a lot of content to cover in sessions, and for some this felt a little ‘wordy’. We will continue to refine materials and work with facilitators to ensure that sessions are delivered in digestible bites - but the overall feeling was one of gratitude and momentum. People valued the space to think, to learn from colleagues, and to rediscover the purpose behind their roles.

The words of participants say it best:

“I’ve really enjoyed it and feel I am ready to progress due to the course.” Liz
“Thought provoking and supportive.” Fiona
“Brilliant and informative, thank you!” Sophie
“Very informative and relevant to all teaching practices.” Zoe

These conferences aren’t just training days, they are a reminder of the power of shared learning and the ripple effect it creates back in classrooms, teams and communities. The impact of our programmes will shape practice far beyond January!

If you’re thinking about the next step in your career journey, and how you can make a lasting impact on students and settings, check out our NPQ programmes: Saffron Teaching School Hub - NPQ Programmes

Expressions of interest are now open for programmes starting in September 2026.