Education Estates® will take place on 20-21 October 2026 at Manchester Central, comprising a multi-stream conference, an exhibition showcasing some of the most innovative solutions around and an awards ceremony celebrating excellence in the sector. The event focusses on education infrastructure: the funding, design, build, maintenance and management of schools, colleges and universities.

In partnership with Department for Education, the event brings together senior professionals from central and local government, multi academy trusts, schools, colleges, universities, architects, consultants/advisers and contractors from across the UK.

Join the national conversation by registering your interest, in speaking, exhibiting, sponsoring or attending. When you do, you'll be added to our mailing list which will ensure you're kept up-to-date with key steps, such as the call for presentations opening, attendee registration opening and rate changes.

Schools | Colleges | Universities

Exhibition

Conference

Awards

attendee

6 Stages and 170+ Speakers

Exhibitor

220+ Exhibitors

attendee

5000+ Attendees

Award

650 Awards Guests

A delightful event of knowledge sharing, with fantastic talks balanced by a good selection of product & services exhibits, all expertly brought together by the excellent STEP CONNECT2 team in the amazing Manchester conference venue.

Mark Pratt
Design Adviser, Department for Education
Education Estates is my top choice of any educational event. As an Estates & Facilities Manager working in the Education Sector, it is solely focused on the requirements of my specific role. The organised sessions are plentiful and relevant and the speakers are all highly knowledgeable and have demonstrable experience in their respective fields. I always come away having gained invaluable knowledge and plenty of new contacts - would highly recommend this event.

Jeremy Kenyon
Jeremy Kenyon, Facilities & Estates Manager, Tonbridge Grammar School
We left with a lot of qualified leads and immediate meetings in the diary. In the last day alone, new connections have already turned into real opportunities to expand our reach. We are now lining up trials with national installers and presenting to a major academy trust about detection and air quality.

Simon Hassett
Founder, Vape Guardian
It was an inspiring few days connecting with educators, designers, and innovators who share our vision for healthier, happier learning environments.

Charlotte Trugden
Design Director, acou.space
Education Estates®, is always a brilliant opportunity to meet new people, reconnect with old friends, and have meaningful conversations about how we continue to improve and invest in the school estate — and do so sustainably. This year was exceptional!

Javid Mahdavi
Managing Director, Nexus Associates
What an amazing few days in Manchester this week for Education Estates®. The conference was full of insights into the Department for Education vision for the future, inspiring project presentations and noting areas where the industry is still learning.

Zane Putne
SEND Director, Noviun Architects

Join the national conversation around the education estate!

Schools | Colleges | Universities

Education Estates® Homepage Video

2026 predicted statistics

6 Stages and 170+ Speakers

220+ Exhibitors

5000+ Attendees

650 Awards Guests

Awards Charity 2025

Event Partner

Sponsor Partners

Event Supporters