NAVSH 2026 Annual Conference

This conference brings together Virtual School Heads, Virtual School Teams, leaders, practitioners, and policy makers to explore how identity, lived experience, and systemic inequality intersect in the lives of children in care, care-experienced young people, and those with a social worker.

At its heart, the event champions the belief that every child’s story matters — and that equity in education begins with listening, understanding, and leading with compassion.

As the role of the Virtual School evolves in the UK, this conference will spotlight how leadership can drive meaningful change by: 

• Embedding intersectionality into school systems and leadership practices.Addressing the educational barriers faced by children in care, care experienced (including adoption and kinship) and those with a social worker.
• Exploring the impact of trauma, identity, and systemic disadvantage on learning and wellbeing.
• Sharing innovative strategies and best practice to improve outcomes for these young people and support them to overcome the challenges they face.
• Build collaborative networks across education, social care, and community sectors.

Together, we will examine how to lead with equity at the core — ensuring that every child, regardless of background or circumstance, is seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.

Submissions for speakers for the NAVSH 2026 Annual Conference are now closed. We will be in touch with anyone who has submitted an EOI in mid-September.

If you would like to be added to our contact list to receive information about the speaker expression of interest process for the 2027 Annual Conference, please click the button below.

Click here to add your details to our contact list 

If you are interested in exhibiting at the NAVSH conference then please click the button below to submit your details and be added to our contact list. Bookings for exhibition stands will open in Autumn 2025. 

Please note: Completing this form does not guarantee you a stand at the conference, you will be added to our exhibitor contact list and will receive all communications about how to book a stand when they become available. 

Click here to add your details to our exhibitor contact list