Raising the Future
Education Conference – Tuesday 28th April – Liphook, Hampshire
The future of education is being shaped right now — and it demands collaboration, courage, and fresh thinking across both education and business.
Our keynote speakers and panellists are leaders and innovators from across these sectors, united by a shared passion: ensuring that education evolves to meet the needs of tomorrow’s world. Together, they recognise that preparing children for an ever-changing future is not the responsibility of schools alone, but a collective endeavour involving educators, policymakers, employers, and society as a whole.
This conference offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights from experts at the forefront of educational change, to engage in meaningful dialogue, and to connect with peers who are equally committed to shaping a better future for young people. Throughout the day, you will hear thought-provoking perspectives, take part in live Q&A discussions with our panel, and explore the real opportunities — and challenges — facing the sector today.
Following the conference, presentations will be available on request, alongside opportunities to continue the conversation through future round-table discussions. This is not just a day of listening, but a catalyst for action, collaboration and lasting impact.
Our children will enter a world unlike today’s. Education must evolve.
Raising the Future is the catalyst to shape what comes next. The time to act is now.
Suzannah Cryer, Head of Highfield and Brookham School
Hosted by Lawrence Deju-Wiseman
Professor-in-the-field at the University of Connecticut.
| Keynote Speaker | Role | Focus |
| Evelyn Haywood | Director of Education, at Skills Builder Partnership | Shaping learners’ futures through essential skills: adapting to a changing policy landscape. |
| Darren Coxon | Co-founder and Executive Director, Kompass Education | Making Room for AI: Welcoming the cybernetic classmate into schools. |
| Panel Speakers and Specialist Contributors | Role | Focus |
| Suzannah Cryer | Head of Highfield and Brookham School | Evolution of education for tomorrow’s world. |
| Will Goldsmith | Head of Bedales School | The need for a change with the current GCSE format. |
| Sarah Clarke | COO, Media & Entertainment, ITV plc at ITV | What will employers of the future be looking for? |
| Hannah Oertel | Campaigner, Founder of Delay Smartphones | The impact of social media and smartphones on children. |
What we’re up to…
We’re thrilled to announce that our LAMDA pupils have achieved an outstanding 100% distinction rate in their recent LAMDA (London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art) examinations. Preparing for LAMDA encourages pupils to think deeply, perform with confidence and communicate with clarity, skills that support them both on stage and far beyond the classroom. Read the full story here. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #westsussex
We’re thrilled to announce that our LAMDA pupils have achieved an outstanding 100% distinction rate in their recent @lamdadrama examinations. Preparing for LAMDA encourages pupils to think deeply, perform with confidence and communicate with clarity, skills that support them both on stage and far beyond the classroom. Head to the link in our bio to read the full details of this fantastic achievement. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #westsussex
Our Year 8 pupils turned detectives today as the Biology Lab transformed into a full-scale crime scene. The victim? Stan the Skeleton. Using their scientific knowledge and investigative skills, pupils worked through a series of experiments to analyse evidence and eliminate suspects. From examining clues to interpreting results, the session challenged them to think critically, collaborate effectively and apply their scientific understanding in a new context. Activities like this bring science to life, and show how the skills developed in the classroom, such as observation, problem-solving, logical reasoning and teamwork, are used in real-world investigations. The big question remains…will they gather enough evidence to identify the culprit and solve the mystery of Stan’s untimely demise? #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #STEM #LearningInAction #ProblemSolving #CriticalThinking #HandsOnLearning
There was a mystery to solve today as our Year 8 pupils stepped into the role of detectives when the Biology Lab became a crime scene. The victim? Stan the Skeleton. Through a series of hands-on scientific investigations, pupils analysed evidence, tested ideas and worked methodically to narrow down the list of suspects. The activity encouraged them to apply their biological knowledge while developing key skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, careful observation and logical reasoning. Experiences like this help bring science beyond the textbook, showing pupils how scientific methods are used to investigate real-world problems. Now the challenge is on… will our young investigators uncover the culprit behind Stan’s mysterious demise? #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #STEM #LearningInAction #ProblemSolving #CriticalThinking #HandsOnLearning
Reading together is a real highlight of the week at Highfield and Brookham. Our Year 7 pupils regularly share stories with our Year 4s, helping to build confidence, foster empathy and nurture a genuine love of reading. Through shared reading and discussion, pupils develop key speaking and listening skills, learning to explain, question and respond thoughtfully. Older pupils build leadership and responsibility, while everyone learns that reading is something joyful and meant to be shared. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #YearOfReading2026
Our Year 7 pupils read regularly with our Year 4s, building confidence, empathy and a love of reading. Along the way, pupils develop key speaking and listening skills and discover that sharing a story is truly joyful. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #YearOfReading2026
Encouraging curiosity and a lifelong love of reading, our Years 1–3 Reading Ambassadors meet to share some of their favourite books, using their listening and speaking skills as they exchange thoughts and reflections on the stories they enjoy. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #WorldBookDay #LoveReading #ReadingForPleasure #BookLovers #worldbookday2026
Encouraging curiosity and a lifelong love of reading, our Years 1–3 Reading Ambassadors meet to share some of their favourite books, using their listening and speaking skills as they exchange thoughts and reflections on the stories they enjoy. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #WorldBookDay #LoveReading #ReadingForPleasure #BookLovers #worldbookday2026
While the costumes are always a highlight on #WorldBookDay, children at Highfield and Brookham, from Nursery right up to Year 8, know that the real joy comes from the books themselves. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #WorldBookDay #LoveReading #ReadingForPleasure #BookLovers
#WorldBookDay at Highfield and Brookham School was a joyful celebration of stories, imagination and a shared love of reading. Our pupils brought their favourite characters to life, reminding us that books open the door to curiosity and creativity. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #WorldBookDay #LoveReading
As part of our World Book Day celebrations, we’ve loved welcoming a wonderful book fair run by @haslemerebookshop. From browsing new titles to debating favourites with friends, the children have thoroughly enjoyed choosing their next great read. You can find out more about how we nurture a love of reading by heading to our blog, find the link in our bio. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #WorldBookDay #LoveReading #ReadingForPleasure #BookFairFun #BookLovers
At Highfield and Brookham, a love of reading is carefully nurtured. Books are part of everyday life and are seen, shared and truly enjoyed. With daily quiet reading time and a warm, inviting library, children are encouraged to curl up on a beanbag and discover the joy of getting lost in a good book. Find out more about in our recent blog. https://highfieldandbrookham.co.uk/blog/reading-for-pleasure-small-habit-big-impact-why-reading-for-pleasure-matters-more-than-ever/ #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #YearOfReading2026
Our Pre-Prep children enjoyed a storytelling workshop with author and illustrator @sophieambrose_illustration. They listened carefully as Sophie talked about how stories begin and shared their own ideas for some illustrations. Building on their knowledge, the children experimented with their own ideas, working collaboratively and creatively to illustrate their very own books. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #yearofreading2026
Our Pre-Prep children enjoyed a storytelling workshop with author and illustrator Sophie Ambrose. They listened carefully as Sophie talked about how stories begin and shared their own ideas for some illustrations. Building on their knowledge, the children experimented with their own ideas, working collaboratively and creatively to illustrate their very own books. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #yearofreading2026
Year 2 enjoyed a fantastic day of learning at @brooklandsmuseum. The children marvelled at full-size jet aeroplanes, buses and cars exploring the exhibits and learning all about their topic Changing Transport. Hands-on activities and real-life examples sparked curiosity, deepened understanding and connected their learning with the wider world. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #year2 #schooltrip
Our Year 2s enjoyed a brilliant day of discovery at Brooklands Museum. Exploring the science of flight and discovering how an aeroplane stays in the sky, the children built their own paper flying craft, bringing their topic Changing Transport to life. Educational visits like these spark curiosity, deepen understanding and show children how learning connects to the wider world. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #schooltrip
Curious about the benefits of educating outside London? Join us for an informal drinks reception on Wednesday 11th March at @beauforthousechelsea, exploring countryside school options beyond the capital. Our Head, Suzannah Cryer, will be joined by senior representatives from @hanfordprepschool @ludgrove_school @downe_house @marlboroughcollege @tonbridge.school for an open discussion designed to help families make confident, informed choices. Places are limited, so don’t miss this opportunity to ask the experts. 👉 Book via the link in our bio. #EducatingOutsideLondon #CountrySchoolBenefits #ChildrensEducation #LondonKids #LondonMums #LondonDads #LondonFamily #LondonParenting #LondonParents #CountrySchoolEducation #Parenting #EducationalJourney #InformedChoices @talkeducation
Yesterday saw the first girls’ football fixtures of the year, with our U10s and U11s taking to our home pitches full of energy, teamwork and determination. It was a pleasure to welcome @twyfordschool and @amesburyschool for a great afternoon of football, sportsmanship and learning. A fantastic start to the season! #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #westsussex #girlsfootball #prepschoolsports
Year 3 pupils stepped into the tropics on their visit to The Living Rainforest. Exploring what a rainforest is, where rainforests are found around the world and why protecting these incredible habitats matters, the children loved bringing their classroom learning to life in such a hands-on way. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #schooltrip #rainforestlearning
Our Year 6 pupils delved into the art of Chinese calligraphy, practising the character 春symbolising renewal and fresh beginnings. They learned key techniques, like holding the brush vertically, different brush strokes and controlling the pressure, and discovered the skill and patience required to create each character. A truly inspiring cultural and creative workshop. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #ChineseCalligraphy #Year6Learning #SpringInspiration #LanguageAndCulture #Creativity #lunarnewyear
Our Year 6 pupils explored the beauty of Chinese calligraphy, practising writing the character 春 which celebrates renewal and new beginnings. Learning essential techniques, including holding the brush vertically, brush strokes and controlling pressure, they discovered how skill and patience bring each character to life. A wonderful workshop that connected language, culture and creativity. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #ChineseCalligraphy #Year6Learning #SpringInspiration #LanguageAndCulture #CreativeLearning #lunarnewyear
What a brilliant afternoon of swimming at the gala against @cranleighprepschool. Our swimmers brought such energy to the pool, showing fantastic determination, teamwork and encouragement for one another throughout that helped them produce another stand-out performance. A huge well done to everyone involved, it was a joyful celebration of prep school swimming and all the best things about school sport. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #swimming #prepschoolswimming #prepschoolsport
What a fantastic afternoon of swimming at the gala against @cranleighprepschool. Our swimmers showed great determination, teamwork and support for one another throughout, continuing a strong tradition in the pool with another stand-out performance. Well done to everyone involved, it was a wonderful celebration of prep school swimming. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #swimming #prepschoolswimming
Best of luck to Louis, as he prepares to tackle Paper 2 of the Townsend-Warner History Prize. Out of more than 1,100 entries nationwide, he finished in the top 250 in Paper 1 and earned his place in today’s paper – hugely impressive! #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #TownsendWarnerHistoryPrize #LoveOfHistory #SchoolsInHampshire #AcademicProwess
Learning really does come alive when our nursery children head to Forest School. Carefully crossing a muddy puddle on a bed of logs is about so much more than getting from one side to the other. Forest School experiences help children develop balance, coordination, problem-solving skills and confidence, while also building resilience and a strong connection with the natural world. Time spent outdoors encourages curiosity, independence and teamwork, giving children the freedom to explore, take safe risks and learn through real experiences — muddy boots and all. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #westsussex #forestschool #outdoorlearning