National Education and Physical Activity Leaders to Gather in Gloucestershire for the Active Schools’ Conference 2026

Active Gloucestershire and Move More are set to welcome some of the country’s leading voices in education, physical activity and wellbeing to Cheltenham this autumn as they host the Active Schools’ Conference 2026.

Taking place on Tuesday 20 October 2026 at Cheltenham Ladies’ College, the Active Schools’ Conference 2026 conference will bring together headteachers, senior leaders, teachers, PE leads, SEND and inclusion practitioners, family support professionals and partners from across the county and beyond for a day designed to inspire action and help schools navigate a changing educational landscape.

With schools responding to curriculum review, evolving Ofsted expectations and changes to the PE and Sport Premium and wider school sport landscape, the conference offers a timely opportunity to gain insight, build confidence and shape future approaches to physical activity, wellbeing and inclusion.

Delivered through a partnership between Active Gloucestershire and Move More, the conference will connect local priorities with national policy and practice, creating space for meaningful discussion, collaboration and learning.

Bringing national expertise to Gloucestershire

The conference will feature an outstanding line-up of national partners and keynote speakers who are helping shape the future of physical education, school sport and children’s wellbeing across England.

Keynote speakers include:

• Ali Oliver MBE, Chief Executive Officer, Youth Sport Trust
• Kate Thornton-Bousfield, Chief Executive Officer, Association for Physical Education (afPE)
• Vicci Wells OBE, Assistant Director of Children and Young People, Youth Sport Trust
• Richard Fouracre, National Development Manager, Youth Sport Trust

Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear from and engage directly with national partners throughout the day, including:

• Iain Anderson, Policy Lead for Physical Education, School Sport and Physical Activity, Department for Education
• Helen Pring, Director of Children, Young People and Programmes, Active Partnerships National Organisation

Their presence will provide delegates with a valuable opportunity to explore the key issues facing schools and gain insight into national developments affecting education, physical activity and wellbeing.

Local leadership, practical solutions

Alongside national speakers, the conference will showcase expertise from across Gloucestershire and the wider sector. Contributors include:

• Kirsty Dunleavy-Harris, Chief Executive Officer, Active Gloucestershire
• Dan Derrick, Chief Executive Officer, Move More

Delegates will be able to follow dedicated pathways focused on strategic leadership, inclusion and family engagement, and teaching and delivery practice. Sessions will explore topics including non-attendance, place-based working, PE and Sport Premium, adapting schemes of work, inclusive practice and enrichment opportunities.

Leading change through movement, wellbeing and inclusion

The Active Schools’ Conference has been designed as a high-energy event for schools ready to lead change.

Bringing together national leaders, educators and partners, the conference will share bold ideas, practical approaches and evidence-informed solutions to help strengthen activity, wellbeing and inclusion across the school day.

Whether attending as a headteacher, strategic leader, PE practitioner, SENCO, inclusion lead or family support professional, delegates will leave with fresh insight, stronger connections and practical ideas to take back to their setting.

Kirsty Dunleavy-Harris, CEO at Active Gloucestershire, said:

“Schools have a huge amount on their plates right now, with constant change and competing demands. Yet it’s also clearer than ever that movement, wellbeing and inclusion are not extras, they’re fundamental to helping children and young people learn, develop and thrive. This conference is about bringing together national expertise and local experience, creating opportunities to share ideas, learn from one another and explore what works in practice. We’re delighted to be partnering with Move More and others to deliver a day that we hope will leave schools feeling inspired, connected and full of practical ideas.“

Daniel Derrick, CEO at Move More said:

“Schools play a vital role in shaping not only educational outcomes, but the lifelong health, wellbeing and confidence of children and young people. At a time of significant change across education, it is more important than ever that school leaders feel equipped and empowered to respond positively to the challenges and opportunities ahead whether that is as a strategic, PE, Inclusion or Family lead.  We’re proud to be partnering with Active Gloucestershire to create a space through the Conference where schools can share challenges, explore new approaches and connect with others who are committed to improving children and young people’s experiences.”

Event Details

Active Schools’ Conference 2026

Date: Tuesday 20^th October 2026

Location: Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Cheltenham

Time: 8.30am to 4.00pm

Cost: Free (Fully funded)

Demand for places is high, with workshop selections being currently released.

Schools and education professionals are encouraged to secure their place as soon as possible.

Book your place here:  Active Schools’ Conference 2026

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