In order for pupils and students to realise their full learning potential, they need the best learning environments. Facilities need to be purpose-built for learning, not just for today’s needs, but also those in the future, and create an environment that inspires and empowers teachers, lecturers, pupils and students alike.
As a result, it is vitally important to realise the full potential of existing estates, maximising space and functionality with a focus on creating the ideal environment for learning. To bring out the best in people, schools need to make the most of their buildings, whether they’re working with existing premises or starting from scratch.
Comprising a two-day exhibition and conference and taking place in Manchester in November, Education Estates brings the education sector together to share best practice, share knowledge and to learn from each other. The conference has been put together by the industry, for the industry, and has two streams, one covering schools and one covering colleges and universities. Delegates and visitors to Education Estates are split into three distinct groups; those involved in the design, construction and delivery of schools, colleges and universities, the users of these environments and those involved in the management and maintenance
James Lee is the event director of Education Estates. “The strapline for Education Estates is ‘creating learning environments’,” he says, “and this is the focus we would like delegates, exhibitors and speakers to have at this key event in the calendar.”
James also say that “registrations for the event have been strong, with representatives from Manchester City Council, Bolton Council, Paignton Community and Sports Academy, Department for Education, Thornton Community Primary School, States Education Department, Stoke on Trent College, Inspiration Trust, Girls’ Day School Trust, Winstanley College, University of Oxford, University of Liverpool, Anglia Ruskin University, Bath Spa University, Manchester City Council, Leeds Metropolitan University and many more already registered to attend.”
The two-day programme for the conference and exhibition focuses on building and managing education facilities. Event supporters include Times Higher Education, BRE, B&ES, the Construction Industry Council, Class of Your Own, The Transformation Trust and The Carbon and Energy Fund. The conference is free for individuals directly employed in schools, colleges and local authorities, while entry to the exhibition is free to all. All delegates and visitors travelling from London to Manchester are also being offered a 20 percent discount on Virgin Advance Fares.
In all, there will be more than 70 key speakers at this year’s Education Estates conference. These include:
- Stephen Beechey, managing director education sector and investment solutions, Wates Group
- Jayne Bird, partner, Nicholas Hare Architects
- Ann Bodkin, head of design, Education Funding Agency
• Simon McEneny, assistant director for physical assets, regeneration, Liverpool City Council
- Andrew Rannard, deputy headteacher, Notre Dame Catholic College
- Sir Anthony Seldon, master, Wellington College
- Rachel Stephenson, programme director, Education Funding Agency
On the first night of the event, there will also be a dinner and awards ceremony, recognising excellence and achievement in the education sector.
Running alongside the conference, the exhibition will showcase products and services that are leading the way by providing innovative solutions for schools, colleges and universities. Confirmed exhibitors include: ADP, AECOM, Atkins, Autex Acoustics, Britplas, Caloo, EC Harris, EllisWilliams Architects, Healthy Buildings International, Ponds for Schools, Marsh, Monodraught, Nuaire, The SCIN Gallery, Sika, Stantec, The StudyBed Company, Tarkett, Trend Control Systems and many more. There will also be a technical classroom where visitors can get to the heart of some of the issues that estates and facilities teams are facing with day-to-day management and maintenance.
Education Estates takes place at Manchester Central Convention Centre on Tue 11 and Wed 12 Nov. For more information and to register, visit www.educationestates.com or call 01892 518877
