This year’s CET Annual Governance Conference 2026 brought together governors, Trustees, Members and school leaders from across the Trust for an evening of collaboration, reflection and forward thinking. With strong representation from schools across Cumbria, the conference once again provided an important platform to explore the evolving role of governance and its direct impact on outcomes for young people.
The conference opened with a fantastic student performance from William Howard School, showcasing the talent, confidence and creativity of CET pupils. The performance was a powerful reminder of the purpose behind governance, ensuring every child has access to the very best opportunities and experiences.
Lorrayne Hughes OBE, Chief Executive, welcomed delegates and set the tone for the evening, reinforcing the Trust’s commitment to its vision of “Every Child Achieving and Thriving.” Her address highlighted the importance of strong, informed governance working in partnership with leadership to drive continuous improvement across all schools.
The conference featured an inspiring line-up of keynote speakers, each offering valuable insight into key priorities across the education sector.
The first keynote session was delivered by David Bartram OBE, who focused on inclusion and the importance of ensuring that every child is supported to succeed. His session emphasised the need for thoughtful, strategic approaches to meeting the needs of all learners.
This was followed by Stephen Morales (ISBL), who explored operational excellence and how effective systems, leadership and decision-making can be transformational in delivering high-quality education.
Later in the programme, Jonathan Coyles of Barker Associates shared insights into energy, sustainability and future planning, encouraging delegates to consider how estates and long-term investment decisions can support both educational outcomes and environmental responsibility.
Tom Martell, Director of Strategy at CET, concluded the keynote sessions by reflecting on how the Trust can continue to deliver on its ambitions, aligning strategy, collaboration and practice to ensure every child thrives.
Following the keynote sessions, delegates had the opportunity to engage in a series of breakout sessions, designed to encourage discussion, share best practice and explore practical approaches to the challenges and opportunities facing schools today. These sessions provided valuable opportunities for collaboration and professional dialogue across the Trust.
The conference also included dedicated time for networking, strengthening connections between governors and leaders and reinforcing the shared sense of purpose that underpins Cumbria Education Trust.
The evening concluded with reflections from George Beveridge, Chair of the Trust Board, who thanked attendees for their continued commitment and dedication. He highlighted the crucial role governance plays in shaping the future of education across the Trust and supporting the success of all pupils.
As the conference drew to a close, one message was clear: strong, collaborative governance is essential in delivering the very best outcomes for young people. With renewed focus and shared ambition, attendees left equipped with ideas, insight and inspiration to continue driving improvement across their schools.
Cumbria Education Trust looks forward to building on the success of this year’s event and continuing to support governors in their vital role.
