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 offered 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, we heard thought-provoking perspectives, took part in live Q&A discussions with our panel, and explored the real opportunities, and challenges, facing the sector today.
Following the conference, a recording of the day including the panel discussion is available to purchase. You are also able to read the White Paper which has been submitted to the Department for Education. This was not just a day of listening, but a catalyst for action, collaboration and lasting impact. Look out for future details regarding Round Table events.
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 very excited to share that our Head, Suzannah Cryer, is the latest guest on the Maverick School Podcast! 🎙️ Joining educator, author and podcast host Karl Pupé FRSA, Suzannah tackles some of the biggest questions facing education today, exploring the impact of AI and why preparing young people for their future is about so much more than exam results. At Highfield, we want to play an active part in shaping the future of education and we’re incredibly proud to see Suzannah sharing her thinking to help to move these important conversations forward. Thank you, Karl, for such a brilliant and thought-provoking discussion! 👇Listen to the full episode below Apple Podcasts https://tr.ee/wweiCZ Spotify https://tr.ee/RwzE3d Podbean https://tr.ee/hkH6e4
We’re very excited to share that our Head, Suzannah Cryer, is the latest guest on the @maverickschoolpodcast 🎙️ Joining educator, author and podcast host Karl Pupé FRSA, Suzannah tackles some of the biggest questions facing education today, exploring the impact of AI and why preparing young people for their future is about so much more than exam results. At Highfield, we want to play an active part in shaping the future of education and we’re incredibly proud to see Suzannah sharing her thinking to help move these important conversations forward. 💚 Thank you, Karl, for such a brilliant and thought-provoking discussion. 🎧 Listen to the full episode via the links in our bio. #IndependentSchool #FutureOfEducation #Education #ArtificialIntelligence #EducationalLeadership
Once a Highfieldian, always a Highfieldian. 💚 We loved welcoming one of our former students, Platon, back for a trip down memory lane. Platon’s visit was a chance to show his parents around the school that holds so many memories for him, and revisit some of the places that were such a big part of growing up. He also bumped into a few familiar faces while he was here, catching up with staff and sharing memories from his time at Highfield. It’s not every day you get to hear the impact you’ve had on someone years later, so that was pretty special! However many years pass, there’ll always be a warm welcome waiting for our Highfieldians. ✨
Once a Highfieldian, always a Highfieldian. 💚 We loved welcoming one of our former students, Platon, back for a trip down memory lane. Platon’s visit was a chance to show his parents around the school that holds so many memories for him, and revisit some of the places that were such a big part of growing up. He also bumped into a few familiar faces while he was here, catching up with staff and sharing memories from his time at Highfield. It’s not every day you get to hear the impact you’ve had on someone years later, so that was pretty special! However many years pass, there’ll always be a warm welcome waiting for our Highfieldians. ✨ #IndependentSchool #OldHighfieldian #Alumni #SchoolCommunity #Memories
Our holiday club golfers didn’t miss a beat yesterday – even in the heat! ⛳️ And when a shot wasn’t quite up to par? Back they went to try again. We loved seeing the determination to keep practising until they got the shot they were after. #IndependentSchool #175acres #GolfCourse #HolidayClub #Determination
“Highreach Holidays is one of the most special weeks in our school calendar.” And after nine years, that feels as true as ever. 💚 This summer, 23 children and young people joined us at Highfield for a week of new experiences, supported by an incredible team of volunteers. From this year’s Rock and Pop theme to some particularly poignant goodbyes, Highreach 2026 gave us plenty of moments to remember. 🔗Read the full story here:
We’re running a 4-day intensive swimming course from 17th–20th August, with a few places still available. Four consecutive days in the pool gives children a great opportunity to build their confidence and make real progress with their swimming. 🏊 Sessions are available from Beginner 1 through to Intermediate Swimmer. Cost: £65 for all four days Find out more and book a place here: https://highfieldandbrookham.co.uk/school-plus/holiday-activity-clubs/summer-holiday-swimming-lessons-booking-form/
An envelope opens. A screen refreshes. And for thousands of young people, a whole world of possibility sits on the other side. Today, on A-Level Results Day, we’re thinking especially of our Old Highfieldians from the Class of 2021, as they see the results of all the hard work that has brought them to this moment. Whatever path you take from here, we can’t wait to see what you do next. And remember, there is never only one route to where you want to go. ✨ #ALevelResultsDay #Classof2021 #SchoolAlumni #OldHighfieldians #FuturePossibilities
An envelope opens. A screen refreshes. And for thousands of young people, a whole world of possibility sits on the other side. Today, on A-Level Results Day, we’re thinking especially of our Old Highfieldians from the Class of 2021, as they see the results of all the hard work that has brought them to this moment. Whatever path you take from here, we can’t wait to see what you do next. And remember, there is never only one route to where you want to go. ✨ #ALevelResultsDay #Classof2021 #SchoolAlumni #OldHighfieldians #FuturePossibilities
“Education is facing one of the most significant periods of change in a generation.” Earlier this year, our Raising the Future conference brought together voices from across education and beyond to explore how we better prepare young people for the world ahead. The resulting White Paper was shared with the Government, and now the @educationgovuk has responded. It’s encouraging to see many of the issues we raised reflected in the Government’s plans for curriculum reform, particularly around digital literacy and preparing young people for their futures. But we believe change needs to happen faster. 🔗 Full details in our press release – link in bio. Parents and educators… what does “future-ready” look like to you? 👇 #IndependentSchool #RaisingTheFutue #DepartmentforEducation #EducationReform #FutureSkills
Ready, set… jump! 🤸 There’s been plenty of airtime at our Gymnastics Holiday Club over the last few days! Cartwheels, vaulting, swinging on the bars – the children have thrown themselves into it, quite literally! They’ve been trying out new techniques and building their strength, and whenever they picked up a bit of advice from the coaches, they were straight back in there putting it into practice. Well done to our young gymnasts! 💪
Ready, set… jump! 🤸 It’s been an energetic two days at our Gymnastics Holiday Club, with lots of swinging from the bars, cartwheels and taking on the vault. The children have been testing what they can do for themselves, picking themselves up after the odd tumble and going straight back for another try. 🌟 #IndependentSchool #HolidayClubs #Gymnastics #YoungGymnasts
💚 Highreach volunteer appreciation post 💚 Behind every Highreach Holiday is an incredible team of people who give their time to make the week possible. This year, 60 volunteers came together for our ninth Highreach Holiday, from first-time helpers to those who have been part of Highreach every year since it began in 2018. We’re especially proud that 20 former Highfield and Brookham pupils returned to volunteer this year, alongside current and former members of staff and many others who have become part of the Highreach community over the years. A huge thank you to every single person who gave their time, energy and enthusiasm to Highreach this year. We couldn’t fit all 60 of you into these photos, but this post is for every one of you!
And that’s a wrap on Highreach 2026! 🎸 Our ninth Highreach holiday has officially come to an end, and this year’s Rock & Pop theme brought a whole lot of energy to Highfield. Of course, none of it would be possible without our incredible volunteers, who give so much to make Highreach the week that it is. A HUGE thank you to every one of you! Highreach 2026, you’ve been a blast. Same time next year? 🙌🏼 #HighfieldHighreachHoliday #SchoolCommunity #Highreach2026 #Volunteering
We’re incredibly lucky to have teachers who don’t just encourage our children to follow their passions, but lead by example too! A huge good luck to our very own @sumattingly, who is representing South Africa at the World Cup Masters Hockey Championships. 🏑 Su and the RSA team play their first match tonight. Let’s give Su a big Highfield and Brookham cheer in the comments 👏
“Education is facing one of the most significant periods of change in a generation.” Earlier this year, our Raising the Future conference brought together voices from across education and beyond to consider how we can better prepare young people for the world ahead. The resulting White Paper was shared with the Government, and now the Department for Education has responded. It’s encouraging to see many of the issues we raised reflected in the Government’s plans for curriculum reform, particularly around digital literacy and preparing young people for their futures. But we believe change needs to happen faster. 🔗Read the Government’s response and our Head Suzannah Cryer’s reflections here:
The sound of drums echoed around Highreach yesterday as our Rock and Pop adventure continued! 🥁 The children proudly paraded a flag they had decorated earlier in the day, before raising it together to begin the celebrations. Everyone then joined in with the drummers, discovering the power of rhythm and filling Highfield School with lively music!
The musical adventure continued at Highreach yesterday with an energetic drumming workshop! 🥁 Led by the sounds of the drums, the children proudly paraded a flag they had decorated earlier in the day before raising it. Then it was time to discover the power of rhythm as everyone joined in with the drummers, filling Highfield with lively music! 🎶 #HighfieldHighreachHolidays #MusicWorkshop #Drumming
Highreach has begun! 💛 We’re delighted to once again welcome Highreach Holidays to Highfield and Brookham for a very special week. Over the coming days, children will enjoy a packed programme of activities and exciting day trips, all made possible by an incredible team of volunteers and the generosity of our school community. We can’t wait to share more from the week!
