Sustainability and technology in schools and further education conference
9am – 4pm23 September 2026
London
techUK, 10 St Bride Street, London, EC4A 4AD
Technology is becoming ever more embedded in the day-to-day running of schools and colleges, with growing device access and connectivity needs sitting alongside a push towards more efficient, technology-driven operations. As this dependence deepens, questions of sustainability, from procurement choices to energy use and device lifecycles, are becoming as central to education technology strategy as the technology itself.
This free to attend conference brings together school leaders, system organisations, government, and technology providers to create space for a conversation that has often been missing on both sides, namely bringing technology into sustainability thinking, and sustainability into technology thinking in education.
Morning plenary
The morning conference focuses on shared understanding. Through keynote and plenary discussion, it will examine how sustainability and technology pressures are being experienced across schools and colleges, and where coordination and shared approaches could support more effective delivery.
09:35 – 09:45
Chair's welcome
09:45 – 10:05
Sustainable Technology and Infrastructure in UK Education Keynote
An opening view from the Department for Education on current thinking and direction of travel on sustainable technology and infrastructure across the sector.
10:05 – 10:45
From Policy Ambition to Operational Reality Panel discussion
Practitioners respond to the policy and funding landscape set out in the keynote, discussing what's realistic to deliver on the ground and where the gaps remain.
10:45 – 11:05
Break
11:05 – 11:45
Sustainability in Practice, UK Delivery Examples Spotlight sessions
Short case studies from schools and colleges already leading the way, showcasing practical approaches to sustainable technology in action.
11:45 – 12:20
International Perspectives on Sustainable Education Technology Talks
A look beyond the UK at how other systems are approaching sustainable education technology, connecting the day's work to a wider global movement.
12:20 – 12:45
On the Horizon: Carbon Reduction and Energy
A look ahead at emerging science and best practice in carbon reduction and energy, drawing on developments from beyond the education sector that may shape its future direction.
12:45 – 13:45
Lunch and networking
Afternoon roundtables
The afternoon programme uses structured roundtable discussions aligned to three sustainability pillars. Participants remain seated at mixed tables representing schools, system leaders, government, and industry, with discussion themes moving progressively from strategic decisions to operational delivery and wider system outcomes. Each roundtable is facilitated and produces key outputs to inform closing reflections.
Strategic Foundations
13:45 – 14:20
This session opens the roundtables by focusing on the strategic decisions that shape sustainable technology in education, including procurement, investment, and governance choices that set the direction for delivery.
Operational Excellence
14:20 – 14:55
This session examines how sustainable technology is delivered in practice, exploring maintenance culture, automation and AI, asset management, and how integrated data across estates and IT can support efficiency and reduce waste.
Reuse and Inclusion
14:55 – 15:30
This session examines responsible device disposal, circular reuse pathways, and the role of schools in supporting wider societal digital inclusion through redistribution and partnership models.
15:30 – 16:00
Closing Reflections Panel discussion
The day closes with a 30 minute discussion bringing together some of the most active voices from across the roundtables, reflecting on the key outputs from each table and where shared approaches and coordinated action could have the greatest impact across the sector.
Get in touch
If you have questions about this event, or would like to discuss the Education and EdTech Programme more broadly, please get in touch through my bio below.
Austin Earl
Senior Programme Manager, Education and EdTech, techUK
Austin Earl
Senior Programme Manager, Education and EdTech, techUK
Austin leads techUK’s Education and EdTech programme, shaping strategies that support the digital transformation of schools, colleges, and universities. His work focuses on strengthening the UK’s education technology ecosystem, enhancing core technology foundations, and advancing the adoption of emerging technologies to improve educational outcomes.
Austin also chairs the EdTech Advisory Panel for AI in Education, contributing to national discussions on the future of EdTech, AI, and the UK's Education system.
Hostile activity against UK research is growing more sophisticated, and sensitive fields such as AI, semiconductors, quantum and telecoms are attracting increasing attention from state and commercial actors. Hosted by techUK in partnership with Jisc and the University of Strathclyde, this all-day summit brings together academia, government and industry to address real-world practice, emerging risks and how the UK can maintain open, trusted and secure research collaboration.
techUK’s Education and EdTech programmeseeks to address this challenges by bridging the gap between education, the tech industry, and policymakers. We ensure that education institutions can effectively adopt technology that enhances learning, streamlines operations, and supports skills development. Visit the programme page here
The UK now has more than a million young people not in education, employment or training, the first time the figure has passed one million since 2013. Two government reports published within days of each other tell a story the tech sector should be paying attention to.
Our members develop strong networks, build meaningful partnerships and grow their businesses as we all work together to create a thriving environment where industry, government and stakeholders come together to realise the positive outcomes tech can deliver.
Senior Programme Manager, Education and EdTech, techUK
Austin Earl
Senior Programme Manager, Education and EdTech, techUK
Austin leads techUK’s Education and EdTech programme, shaping strategies that support the digital transformation of schools, colleges, and universities. His work focuses on strengthening the UK’s education technology ecosystem, enhancing core technology foundations, and advancing the adoption of emerging technologies to improve educational outcomes.
Austin also chairs the EdTech Advisory Panel for AI in Education, contributing to national discussions on the future of EdTech, AI, and the UK's Education system.
