Insight, inspiration and community: the English UK ELT Conference 2026

The English UK ELT Conference returned on 6–7 March with two days dedicated to strengthening the skills, confidence and connections of ELT professionals across the sector. With distinct programmes for academic management on Friday and teaching practice on Saturday, the event brought together academic managers, teachers and sector leaders for two days of reflection, creativity and community, showcasing the very best of UK ELT. 

Academic Management – leading confidently into the future   

Friday united academic managers from across the country for a programme dedicated to understanding what leaders truly need to build thriving, future focused organisations.  

The day opened with Steve Copeland and Mike Solly exploring how the latest insights from the Future of English research programme can inform ELT decision-making. They examined the shifting economic value of English, the challenges of unequal access, and the role of evidence-based findings in shaping curriculum design, teacher development and learner engagement, reminding delegates that research only becomes powerful when it leads to meaningful action. 

Skills, strategy and inclusive leadership 

Sessions throughout the day explored emotional intelligence, collaboration, coaching, the growing need for AI literacy, and developing organisations even when budgets are tight. Speakers shared strategies for activating transferable skills in managers, supporting teams with empathy, and building inclusive excellence into daily practice. 

Laïla El Métoui delivered an empowering and reflective keynote on intersectionality. Delegates described this last session of the day as constructive, hopeful and actionable, shining a spotlight on the strengths of diverse teaching teams and the responsibility leaders hold as advocates for equity.

Creativity, connection and classroom confidence 

Saturday placed teachers and learners at the centre, offering practical, innovative insights designed to refresh classroom practice. Hannah Alexander Wright opened with an energising World Café session, giving delegates the space to connect, reflect and share experiences before moving into a series of hands-on workshops. 

Practical ideas for today's classrooms 

Sessions throughout the day explored learner agency, lexical grammar, reducing language anxiety, future ready skills and new ways to ignite creativity. Teachers valued the immediacy of the ideas and the chance to reflect on how classroom practice can evolve to better support students. 

Shakespeare, playfulness and empathy 

The closing keynote from Ben Crystal invited teachers to rediscover Shakespeare as a powerful tool for modern ELT.  Ben encouraged delegates to "find one line or one sonnet that resonates with you," reminding them that Shakespeare's work contains "so much playful innovation" and a constant invitation to students that "there is room here for you." His message highlighted how the Bard's language can help build more empathic, student-centred learning spaces. 

English UK trustee Neil Harris closed the day by urging delegates to take inspiration straight back into the classroom: "Let's make our classrooms not about grammar rules and declarative knowledge but about performance and communication—of which Shakespeare was a master." He added that "the passion in the room today means that ELT is in safe hands." 

A sector brought together by community 

What stood out most across both days was the collective spirit of the UK ELT community. Delegates shared challenges, exchanged fresh ideas, celebrated successes and supported one another, creating the kind of collaborative atmosphere that makes this conference and the UK ELT sector so special. What emerged from the 2026 ELT conference was a vibrant snapshot of an industry that is reflective, evolving, and committed to supporting learners and each other. 

Thank you to everyone who was part of the ELT conference 2026 

A huge thank you to everyone who attended, contributed and supported the event and a special thanks to our gold and silver sponsors, Trinity College London and Pearson.