The CPD Exchange 2026: Tailoring PD to School Needs

Join Us in Manchester on 24th April 2026

The CPD Exchange is your opportunity to connect, collaborate, and discover practical CPD solutions that are making a real difference.

This interactive event brings together school and MAT leaders from across the IRIS Connect community to share real-world strategies for overcoming professional development hurdles in regards to coaching, reflection and communities of practice. Through a mix of insightful presentations and collaborative discussions, you’ll hear directly from peers who are using innovative solutions, such as video technology, AI Insights and adaptive Pathways to enhance teacher growth, foster collaboration, and drive sustainable improvement.

Expect thought-provoking sessions, including:

• Tailoring PD to School Needs by Andy Newell, IRIS Connect

• From Good to Outstanding - Our Journey to Exceptional Teaching, by Naomi Gillinson, All Saints Catholic College

• The Empowerment Paradox - Building Agency Without Losing Accountability Through the Use of Bespoke Coaching Pathways, by Lou Elliot & Matt Smith, Danecourt School

• Seeing What Matters: AI‑Supported Reflective Practice at Trust Scale, by Guy Carpenter, Dudley Academies Trust

• Community Breakouts

• Opportunities for Networking

• …and more!

This isn’t just another conference—it’s a chance to learn from experience, share what works, and find new solutions together.

Join us in person in Manchester:

Location: voco Manchester. Doors will open at 8.30am and close by 4:00pm. The first presentation will begin at 9am.
Lunch and refreshments throughout the day will be provided.

Suitable for:

• MAT Leaders
• School Leaders
• PD & Coaching Leads

Both current IRIS Connect schools and non-member schools are welcome!

Impressions of past events: