Learning and Teaching Conference 2026

This year's conference theme explores how tertiary education can evolve to meet the needs of a diverse and changing student population. It brings together practitioners to share strategies for fostering student success through inclusive support, responsive pedagogies and future-focused innovation.

Programme:

09.45 -10.00: Welcome and opening: Professor Paul Little, CBE

10.00 - 10.50: Keynote: Darren McGarvey

10.50 - 11.10: Break

11.15 – 12.15: Parallel sessions 1

12.15 - 12:55: Lunch

13.00 - 13.40: Discussion Panel

13.45- 14.45: Parallel sessions 2

14.50 - 15.00: Close (& refreshments)

More about our Keynote Speaker:

Darren McGarvey is an award-winning Scottish author, musician, and social commentator known for his work on social inequality and poverty.

Darren is known for his insightful commentary on class, social mobility, and public services, advocating for a better understanding of the realities faced by working-class communities.

Our Discussion Panel:

As well as delivering our keynote address in the morning, we are delighted that Darren will join our afternoon discussion panel to consider insights and perspectives on supporting students success from across the sector.

Our other warmly welcomed panel members are:

Vikki Hill, Director of Learning Enhancement and Academic Development, Queen Margaret University

Dr Paula Christie, Head of Delivery & engagement, College Development Network

Eve Lewis, Director, sparqs