Annual Summit 2026

Saturday 11th July 2026

This is your day and we can't wait to see you there! Join us for an inspiring programme packed with honest conversation, expert speakers, and practical takeaways. And what better opportunity to reconnect with your fellow Now Teach Network members. Whatever stage you're at, there's something here for everyone.

Programme

09:30

Registration

10:15

Welcome

Graihagh Crawshaw Sadler — CEO, Now Teach
10:20

Student Voices in Conversation

We start with hearing directly from those at the heart of teaching: students. Listen to the experiences of Now Teachers' students and reflect with peers on what this means for your own classroom practice as career-changers.

11:30

Break

11:50

Keynote: Musharaf Asghar

Musharaf shares his journey in education, and what it truly means to have someone believe in you as a student.

12:35

Lunch

13:50

Session choices

Cohort 2026
Dr Emma Kell — Setting Up Positive Mentor Relationships

Your relationship with your mentor will be one of the most important in your training year. Join us to understand how to set this up positively and navigate common obstacles.

Cohort 2025
Professor Sam Twiselton & Gareth Conyard — The ECT Year: What It Really Feels Like (and How to Thrive)

What does starting your ECT year really feel like? This session combines practical guidance with real experiences to help you navigate the challenges ahead and start September with confidence.

Cohort 2017–2024
Tom Sherrington — What Makes Great Teaching?

Tom will share evidence-informed techniques to help you reach every student in the room, designed with career-changers firmly in mind, and will leave you with concrete takeaways.

14:50

Break

15:15

The Career-Changer Difference

Glyn Potts MBE DL — CEO, Greater Manchester Youth Federation

Explore how your previous career and life experience shapes your impact in school. Hear a school leader's perspective and reflect with other Now Teachers on how to build on this further. The session draws on the new Now Teach Impact Framework to support your ongoing development.

16:45

Closing

Lucy Kellaway OBE — Co-founder, Now Teach
18:30

Close

17:00

Network Social

Join us for drinks and networking.