Invictus Education Trust

Staff, leaders and students from across Invictus Education Trust came together at the Molineux Stadium in Wolverhampton for the Trust's Annual Conference 2026, a day dedicated to exploring the future of education through the lens of High Quality Inclusive Education. 

Under the theme "Every Great Story Begins Here", the conference brought together colleagues from across the Trust to reflect on shared successes, examine emerging opportunities and challenges, and strengthen a collective commitment to ensuring every child can thrive. 

The day opened with a performance from Crestwood School students before delegates were welcomed by Invictus Education CEO, Edward Vitalis, who set out the Trust's vision for delivering excellence, inclusion and belonging for every learner. Throughout the conference, student voice remained at the heart of discussions, with pupils from across the Trust taking to the stage to share their perspectives on what an inclusive, ambitious and future-ready education should look like. 

A key session from education specialist Agnes Fitzpatrick explored regional and national engagement data, examining themes including staff and pupil engagement, educational disadvantage and the growing role of artificial intelligence within schools. Her presentation provided valuable insight into the human factors that underpin successful school improvement and the considerations schools must make as they prepare for an AI-enabled future. 

The conference also featured a series of expert panel discussions focused on three key themes shaping the future of education. 

The first explored Curriculum for an Unknown Future: Accountability Reform and AI, examining how schools can balance academic excellence with innovation while preparing young people for a rapidly changing world. 

The second panel focused on Belonging and the Enrichment Entitlement, highlighting the importance of ensuring every child has access to meaningful opportunities that develop confidence, character and cultural capital, regardless of background or circumstance. 

The final panel examined Adaptive Teaching and the School Blueprint, exploring how inclusive classroom practice, high expectations and effective support can help every learner achieve success. 

Throughout the day, delegates were encouraged to collaborate, share best practice and reflect on how the Trust can continue to strengthen its commitment to high-quality inclusive education across all its schools. 

The conference concluded with an inspiring keynote address from Charlotte Davis, who challenged attendees to think ambitiously about the future and the role education plays in transforming lives and communities. 

Reflecting on the event, Nikki Clifton, Director of Education at Invictus Education Trust, said: 

"Our Annual Conference provided an invaluable opportunity for colleagues from across our Trust to come together, learn from one another and explore how we can continue to deliver exceptional educational experiences for every child. The powerful contributions from our students, alongside the expertise shared by our guest speakers and panellists, reinforced the importance of collaboration, innovation and inclusion in shaping the future of education." 

The event showcased the strength of the Invictus community and its shared commitment to ensuring every child experiences a sense of belonging, receives an excellent education and is equipped to succeed in an ever-changing world. 

‘Together we will climb mountains’