In her keynote, Laura will explore how sexism and gender inequality shape the everyday experiences of young people — both in and beyond the classroom. She’ll unpack the impact of the digital landscape, from online misogyny and radicalisation to the challenges emerging technologies pose for schools and educators. Most importantly, she’ll share practical strategies and positive steps schools can take — at both an organisational and individual level — to tackle these issues and create cultures where every student feels safe, supported, and empowered.
Laura writes regularly for the New York Times, Guardian and others, and is a frequent media commentator and consultant for TV productions tackling issues around gender inequality. She works closely with government, schools, businesses, police forces and bodies from the United Nations to the Council of Europe on sexism and inequality. In recognition of Laura’s work surrounding sexism and gender inequality, she was awarded a British Empire Medal in the 2015 Queen’s Birthday Honours List and has been named Woman of the Year by Cosmopolitan, Red Magazine and The Sunday Times Magazine. She is also an Honorary Fellow of St John’s College, Cambridge, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.
Rachel will deliver her keynote: “Creating Inclusive and Equitable Learning Climates in which All Learners can Thrive”. She’ll also be sharing ideas from her upcoming book: Making School Unmissable. Built around five powerful “senses” that both adults and young people need to thrive, Rachel explores how schools can foster: A sense of purpose | A sense of success | A sense of belonging | A sense of empowerment| And — perhaps most importantly — a sense of joy. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from one of education’s most passionate voices for inclusion and equity.
Rachel Macfarlane is an author and independent education consultant committed to equity and social mobility. She served as Headteacher of three schools over sixteen years and founded a 4–18 academy in 2011, later judged outstanding by Ofsted. From 2018–23, she was Director of Education Services at HFL Education. Rachel has written several books on inclusion, learning, and school improvement. Obstetrics for Schools (2021) explores closing the disadvantage gap, Unity in Diversity (2023) guides schools in becoming actively anti-racist, and The A-Z of Inclusion and Diversity was published in 2024. Her forthcoming book will be about Making School Unmissable. Rachel is passionate about supporting schools to effect social mobility and achieve equity for all learners.
Steve is a thought leader on AI in education and has helped shape national discussions on how technology can support schools and leadership. At this year’s conference, he will deliver his keynote: “From Strategy to Stillness: Leading with AI in a Noisy World.” Steve will explore how AI can become a tool to bring clarity, perspective, and focus — helping leaders reconnect with purpose and lead more intentionally.
Steve was a member of a national working party that partnered with Google and Educate Ventures to explore the role of Artificial Intelligence in education and continues to provide thought leadership in this field. In November 2024, he delivered a national keynote at the Optimus Summit on AI and school leadership, focusing on how school leaders can embrace technological advancement. In February 2025, Steve co-founded The AI and Me Ltd, a company dedicated to helping leaders unlock the full potential of AI.
Steve is the CEO of Robin Hood Multi Academy Trust in Birmingham, a position he has held since January 2016. With a strong leadership background in education, he has led Trust School Improvement work, previously served as a National Leader of Education (NLE), and contributed to initiatives at both national and international levels.
In this powerful and deeply personal keynote, Steven Gilbert OBE draws on his journey growing up in South Birmingham and living with bipolar disorder to explore the idea of “North Star Leadership.” Amid the noise and pressures of modern education, Steve challenges leaders to reconnect with their authentic selves, using core values as a compass when the path ahead feels uncertain.
Through honest storytelling and practical insight, he reveals how lived experience — including adversity — can become a leader’s greatest strength. Attendees will leave with tools to lead with authenticity, resilience, and purpose. Because in a world that often rewards conformity, your true power lies in the courage to be you.
Steve Gilbert OBE is an Anti-Racism Consultant with over a decade of experience tackling racism and improving outcomes for people living with mental illnesses. He is the go-to speaker, consultant and coach for organisations serious about delivering meaningful change in this area.
In his session, Floyd will guide leaders through his Compass Leadership framework to map initiatives against a clear North–South–East–West compass, so priorities are coherent, resourced, and owned. Leaders will leave with tools they can apply immediately to strengthen strategy, monitoring, and communication — prime evidence for Leadership & Governance and whole-school alignment
Floyd began his career as a soldier in the Parachute Regiment, spending four years with the 1st Battalion before being one of the youngest ever individuals selected for the Special Air Service at the age of 22. Floyd went on to win the second-highest gallantry award, a Distinguished Conduct Medal, for his work in Iraq and an MBE for his work in Afghanistan. During his time in the military, Floyd also studied law and psychology and wrote his first book “Learning to Learn”.
Since leaving the military Floyd established his consultancy business alongside his commercial business ventures and became the founder of Quantum Group which specialises in finance and technology. Determined, supportive, and inspirational, Floyd is a renowned speaker on leadership, dedicating his time and energy to developing elite teams and individuals as well as offering practical and commercial value in strategic planning and execution.
Floyd is the founder of the Compass for Life methodology - helping all to recognise their Super North Star and developing the ethos, strategy and warrior spirit needed to achieve it.
We’re proud to partner with trusted, impact-driven organisations that share our commitment to delivering expertise and empowering leaders in education.
A huge thank you to our conference sponsors — Aperture Portraits, Capita Entrust, Cornerstone VR, Teaching Personnel, and Two Thirds Design Ltd — for their valuable support of this year’s Excellence in Leadership Conference.
Be sure to visit their stands on the day to learn more about how they’re supporting schools and educators across the UK.
