Education Estates® Education Estates®


returns as the sector prepares for a decade of estate renewal


returns to Manchester Central on 20-21 October 2026, bringing together the people responsible for shaping, delivering and managing education environments across the UK.


E


ducation Estates®


is the UK’s leading


event for education infrastructure, creating a meeting point for everyone involved in the education estate, from local authorities, academy trusts, schools, colleges and universities through to contractors, architects, consultants, suppliers and government representatives.


With an anticipated attendance of over 5,000, Education Estates®


has become far more


than a conference and exhibition. Across two days, Manchester Central becomes a focal point for the sector: a place where strategic conversations take place, partnerships are formed and practical solutions are explored. Attendees come to see how others are tackling shared challenges, from estate condition and sustainability to inclusion, funding pressures and modernisation. They also get to see new approaches in practice and engage directly with the specialists and suppliers who can help move their projects forward.


Importantly, the event also offers rare access to the wider ecosystem influencing education infrastructure policy and delivery, bringing together decision makers, framework providers, technical experts and Government representatives all in one room.


Delivered in partnership with the Department for Education, Education Estates®


arrives at


a significant time for the sector, following publication of the Education Estates Strategy: a decade of national renewal. As education organisations respond to rising expectations around sustainability, suitability, inclusion and long-term asset performance, the event offers a valuable opportunity to explore how these policy ambitions are translating into delivery priorities across the estate.


The conference programme runs across six themed stages, giving you CPD-accredited insight and sector-led discussion on the issues


shaping learning environments today. Each session responds to the challenges set out in the Education Estates Strategy and shows practical ways to improve your estate, so students get the best possible outcomes.


Grounded in live projects and operational experience, the programme is designed to support those responsible for estate strategy, capital planning, project delivery and long- term management. Delegates can tailor their time around the areas most relevant to their organisation, while hearing directly from those leading projects and initiatives across the sector.


Alongside the conference sits the largest Education Estates®


exhibition to date,


with more than 220 exhibitors expected. From construction, modular buildings and professional services to furniture and fit-out, building materials, and sustainability, safety and security solutions, the exhibition offers a practical opportunity to explore products and services designed specifically for education environments.


Several new features will also debut in 2026, including two co-located events. EdTech UK will examine the intersection between education technology and infrastructure, while the European Universities Estates Congress will bring together professionals involved in campus development and university estate strategy from across Europe.


Education Estates® 2026 will also mark the


public debut of a new strategic partnership between STEP CONNECT2 and EBDOG (the Educational Building and Development Officers Group), bringing Multi-Academy Trusts and Local Authorities closer together on the management and improvement of the school estate.


In addition to this, new networking and engagement spaces will also feature


prominently throughout the venue, including the Career Conversations stand, a focal point for students, graduates and people at the start of their careers to make the connections that will facilitate their journey within the sector, alongside the Fireside Exchange, a more informal, discussion-led setting designed to encourage open conversation and shared learning.


The Education Estates® Awards have


become a highlight of the year for the sector, recognising the projects, teams and organisations delivering meaningful impact across education environments. The Department for Education Sustainability Award also returns for 2026, with a £2,500 donation awarded to support the winning school’s sustainability plans.


Education Estates® is unique in offering


representatives of the public sector (those directly employed within schools, colleges, universities, government and local authorities) a free pass that gains them access to all conference sessions and the exhibition across both days.


Attendance at the conference remains free for those directly employed within schools, colleges, universities, government and local authorities, including governors and independent schools. Public sector delegates receive access to all conference stages and the exhibition across both days.


For private sector organisations, one-day delegate passes are priced at £375 + VAT, with two-day passes at £499 + VAT. The exhibition is free for all to attend.


For more information and to register your place, see www.educationestates.com


Event Partner: Department for Education Sponsor Partners: Arcadis, AtkinsRéalis, ClearVUE, Galliford Try, Nexus Associates


36


Autumn 2026 issue 4185


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