NASS Conference 2025

We’re heading to Bristol for #NASSConf2025!

Join us for an enriching two-day conference where learning, sharing and connecting take centre stage.

NASS Conference 2025 brings together school leaders, SEND professionals, sector experts, sponsors and exhibitors from across the UK for a programme designed to inform, energise and empower.

Across keynote sessions, panel discussions and interactive workshops, we’ll explore what it takes for special schools to thrive in today’s changing landscape. Expect practical takeaways, fresh thinking and meaningful conversations on topics ranging from wellbeing and inclusive practice to safeguarding, leadership, AI innovation and the latest in education policy.

We’ll also be celebrating excellence through our 2025 NASS Awards – recognising the people and practices making a remarkable difference in our special school community.

Our conference programme

We have a packed programme with a brilliant line-up of speakers across keynotes, panel discussions and workshops

NASS Conference 2025 programme

Wellbeing

30-minute supervision sessions – In recognition of the pressures faced by school leaders, we’re offering bookable 30-minute supervision sessions during the conference. These will be led by two experienced supervisors from Talking Heads with specialist knowledge of the education sector and the needs of children and young people. Delegates can prebook these sessions when choosing their workshops.

Sound Bath – At the end of day one, we are offering delegates the chance to nourish themselves and relax with a Sound Bath – a restorative experience where you are “bathed” in the calming, harmonious vibrations of instruments such as gongs, singing bowls and chimes. A great way to reset, recharge and prepare for an inspiring day two of #NASSConf2025.

Conference timings

Thursday 2nd October

9am: Registration opens and refreshments available

9.50am: Morning session – keynotes and workshops

12.30pm: Lunch

1.30pm: Afternoon session – NASS Awards, keynotes and workshops

5pm: Day one finishes

5.30pm: Sound Bath

7.30pm: Conference dinner

9.30pm: Disco

Friday 3rd October

9am: Registration opens and refreshments available

9.30am: Morning session – keynotes, panel discussion and workshops

12.30pm Lunch

1.30pm: Afternoon session – Workshops and keynotes

3.20pm: Conference ends

This year’s conference sponsors and exhibitors

Our Gold sponsor

TG Escapes modular eco-buildings create attractive eco-friendly spaces that act as a contemporary solution to meet the needs of SEND & SEMH students. Their highly insulated, beautifully designed modular SEN classrooms combine biophilic innovative designs with up-to-the-minute technology, ensuring a positive learning environment for every student with specialist needs.

Our Silver sponsor

LuxAI’s flagship solution, the QT Robot, is a cutting-edge educational robot designed to improve educational outcomes for students with autism and other special needs.

Our Bronze sponsor

RWK Goodman is a top 75 full service law firm. They are a recognised leader in the health and social care sector which includes childrens’ services and special schools’ services.

Our Conference Dinner sponsor

Christie & Co is a market leading specialist firm providing business intelligence a wide range of sectors including childcare & education. A leader in its specialist markets, it employs the largest team of sector experts in the UK providing professional agency, valuation and consultancy services.