Sustainability and technology in schools and further education conference
9am – 4pm23 September 2026
London
techUK, 10 St Bride Street, London, EC4A 4AD
Purpose
This agenda has been shaped to explore how sustainability and technology intersect across the education system, recognising that financial pressures, infrastructure investment, digital inclusion, and environmental responsibility are increasingly interdependent.
The programme brings together school leaders, system organisations, government, and technology providers to examine sustainable approaches across procurement, operational practice, and community impact. Alongside practical case studies, the conference creates space to address wider strategic questions including system fragmentation, benchmarking, ethical technology use, and the implications of emerging policy direction.
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.
Afternoon roundtables
The afternoon programme uses structured roundtable discussions. Participants remain seated at mixed tables representing schools, system leaders, government, and industry. Discussion themes rotate between pillars, allowing each table to explore sustainability challenges from multiple perspectives. solving. Each roundtable is facilitated and produces key outputs to inform closing reflections.
Block one
13:45 - 14:20
The afternoon programme uses structured roundtable discussions aligned to three sustainability pillars. Participants remain seated at mixed tables while discussion themes move progressively from strategic decisions to operational delivery and wider system outcomes.
Block two
14:20 - 14:55
This session examines how sustainable technology is delivered in practice. Participants will explore maintenance culture, automation and AI, asset management, and how integrated data across estates and IT can support efficiency and reduce waste.
Block three
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.
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
techUK has submitted its response to the Department for Education's Call for Evidence on the use of AI and digital technology in children's social care.
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.
