Conferences, NSCD Events

nscd conference 2026 – better together: rethinking practice through partnership

Better Together invites educators, artists, practitioners, and researchers from across schools, higher education, and the performing arts to come together in a shared exploration of collaboration as a catalyst for change in teaching, learning, artistic practice and well-being.

This year’s theme recognises that the most powerful learning environments and the most impactful artistic practices, emerge when we work in partnership. Whether between students and teachers, artists and participants, schools and communities, or across disciplines and sectors, collaboration offers us ways to rethink how we teach, assess, support and create. It also offers space to prioritise well-being, inclusion and innovation in increasingly complex educational, artistic and cultural landscapes.

This cross-sector conference will explore:

• Co-created approaches to teaching, learning and assessment that centre voice, equity and engagement
• How artistic and creative practices enable shared inquiry, critical reflection and transformation
• Structures of support and belonging that promote the well-being of learners and educators alike
• Case studies of partnership across schools, universities, arts organisations and communities
• The value of listening, shared authorship, and collective leadership in responding to sector challenges

Better Together is a call to celebrate the knowledge that emerges in relationship with each other, with our students, and with our wider communities. It is a space to imagine new futures where collaboration is not just a method, but a mindset.

Ticket prices:

• Full Day Pass: £35  Standard / £20 Unwaged including lunch and refreshments

View the full schedule here: NSCD Conference 2026

Lunch and refreshments are included in the price of your ticket.

Please note prior to attendance you will need to make your session selections and inform us of any dietary and access requirements. A link to this will be provided in your booking confirmation email. 

You can buy combined tickets for £60 (full price tickets only) from Thursday 27 November 2025 for both NSCD Conference 2026 Better Together: Rethinking Practice Through Partnership on 7 January and The Art of Recovery Symposium on 8 January 2026 on NSCD website. Tickets must be bought at the same time, discount applies to basket.

Photography and video will be taking place at this event. If you do not wish to be filmed please let us know upon arrival on the day. 

Tickets:£35 full / £20 unwaged