On Thursday 15^th January, educators and partners gathered at the University of Surrey for the Surrey Education Partnership Conference. Throughout the day, attendees explored how Surrey can ensure no learner is left behind, strengthening education through collaboration, inclusion, and evidence‑led practice.

The conference opened with welcomes from Julia Katherine, Surrey County Council’s Director of Education and Lifelong Learning, Patrick Alexander, SAfE CEO, and Emma Rowsell, Chief Student Officer at University of Surrey, setting the tone for a day focused on partnership, shared ambition and improving outcomes for all children and young people in Surrey.

Baroness Estelle Morris, former Secretary of State for Education, delivered the morning keynote. She reflected on national school reform, the evolving role of the teaching profession, and the importance of long‑term, system‑wide commitment to inclusion and social mobility.

Panel discussions with local leaders explored recruitment, career pathways, professional development, and the conditions required for great teaching to flourish across Surrey, as well as what strong engagement looks like and how connection drives improved attendance.

Debbie Pedlow and Lucy Pearson from Surrey County Council’s User Voice & Participation Team shared powerful insights from the In Our Own Words youth‑led peer research programme. Young researchers aged 12–20 have led projects on neurodivergence, mental health, Emotional Based School Non-Attendance (EBSNA), teacher training and community safety – findings that are already shaping county‑wide strategy and practice.

A highlight of the day was University of Surrey students sharing their experiences, aspirations and challenges within today’s education landscape. Their perspectives offered a compelling reminder of the importance of listening to learners when designing policy, curriculum and support systems.

Lisa Woodward and Ireni Thalassinos presented Surrey Adult Learning’s work, highlighting the rapid growth of ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) provision (from 126 learners in 2018/19 to 417 in 2024/25) and the flexible, community‑centred approaches designed to remove barriers and increase access for multilingual learners across Surrey.

Next, Lisa Andrews and Sarah Lyles shared updates on the Surrey Healthy Schools framework. They presented new insights from the 2024–25 Health Related Behaviour Questionnaire, completed by nearly 2,000 pupils, and demonstrated how schools can use a whole‑school approach to improve health, wellbeing and inclusion at scale.

The closing keynote from Professor Dame Sonia Blandford challenged the audience to rethink their assumptions about disadvantage and social mobility. She emphasised that no child is born to fail, and highlighted the central role of schools in fostering aspiration, access, attainment and achievement – the “4 As” that underpin life‑long learning and success. Her message reinforced the day’s theme of collective responsibility and system‑wide inclusion.

Throughout the day, attendees also connected with partner organisations including The Cheryl King Trust, Good Company Surrey and Surrey Fostering Service, each playing a vital role in supporting children, families and schools across the county.

The conference closed with reflections and thanks to delegates for their commitment to reaffirming the Surrey Education Partnership’s mission: to work together so that every child and young person in Surrey can thrive, regardless of background, need or circumstance.