OnDemand: Most Able Pupils Conference 2026
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*Presentation decks for speakers who have given permission for their materials to be shared
2026 Overview
Despite their high potential, most-able pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds, remain a consistently underserved group in education. Schools and educators face mounting pressure from increasing workloads, tighter resources, and ever-expanding accountability measures, making it harder than ever to prioritise the identification and sustained support of their most able learners.
- In 2022, just 52% of high-attaining disadvantaged pupils achieved grades 7–9 (A–A*) in English and maths, compared to 72% of all high-attaining pupils (Sutton Trust, 2023)
- 37% of disadvantaged high attainers dropped out of the top attainment group (top third) by GCSE, compared to 19% of non-disadvantaged high attainers (Sutton Trust, 2023)
- Disadvantaged high attainers scored on average three-quarters of a grade lower per subject than their better-off high-attaining peers (Sutton Trust, 2023)
Join us at the Most-Able Pupils Conference 2026: Supporting Pupils from Disadvantaged Backgrounds for the opportunity to engage with leading experts, practitioners and policymakers who are driving change in this space. Through a series of keynote sessions and practical case studies attendees will explore the latest approaches to recognising and supporting high-potential students across both primary and secondary schools. The conference will showcase successful models for closing the attainment gap, whole-school strategies that raise expectations and engaging with parents to unlock pupil potential. This conference will provide you with the tools, evidence-based practices and professional insight needed to improve provision for most able pupils in your context.
2026 Agenda
Chair’s Opening Remarks
Jonathan Ferstenberg, School Improvement Partner and Leadership Coach, Bespoke School and Leadership Development
Keynote: Removing Barriers to Opportunity and Achievement
- Recognising and tackling hidden obstacles that limit high-ability learners’ progress
- Embedding inclusive classroom strategies that raise expectations for all able pupils
- Equipping staff to identify and support able learners with additional or complex needs
- Ensuring pupils have equal attainment opportunities to in the classroom
Rob Lightfoot, CEO, National Association for Able Children in Education
Key Supporter Session: Closing the Reading Gap for High-Attaining Disadvantaged Pupils
- Discover how Reading Plus supports high-attaining disadvantaged pupils to make measurable, sustained progress in reading through a personalised, adaptive approach.
- Review school-based evidence showing improvements in reading comprehension, fluency and vocabulary, enabling pupils to access greater curriculum depth and challenge.
- Explore how embedding Reading Plus within a whole-school literacy strategy supports consistency, engagement and impact for most-able learners.
- Consider how providing pupils with appropriately pitched challenge and targeted support builds confidence, resilience and independence, helping pupils achieve their potential
Nick Mills, Reading Development Consultant, Daisy Education – Provider of Reading Plus and DreamBox Maths
Questions and Answers
Comfort Break
Case Study: Achieving Potential Together: Partnering to Support Gifted Young People from All Backgrounds
- Illustrating how collaborative support across families, schools, charities and mentors unlocks opportunity for gifted young people
- Outlining key barriers faced by disadvantaged talent and emphasising the need for joint action to overcome them
- Demonstrating three proven partnership models that stretch potential, remove obstacles and sustain success
- Equipping schools and trusts with practical strategies to build ecosystems of shared responsibility and impact
Chris Guénault, Senior Relationship Manager, Future Talent
Case Study: Work Experience Placements as a Tool to Improve Social Mobility and Fulfil Potential
- Showing pupils workplaces to spark understanding of future pathways and support aspirations
- Building confidence and ambition through meaningful placements that connect learning with life beyond school
- Bridging social and opportunity gaps by ensuring access to quality work experience for all pupils
- Equipping young people with skills and insights that drive long-term achievement and social mobility
Isobel Waite, Senior Researcher, Futures for All
Questions and Answers
Lunch Break
Keynote: Maximising the Potential of Dual or Multi-Exceptional Learners
- Advocating for early identification of both high-ability and needs to prevent underachievement and ensure timely support for pupils
- Emphasising the importance of constructivist, student-centred learning approaches that support cognitive processing to support pupil wellbeing and development
- Encouraging strength-based teaching that integrate high-level thinking with targeted support for learning differences
- Prioritising emotional wellbeing and self-understanding through positive relationships and strategies to build confidence and resilience
Natalie Jensen, Advice Service Manager, Specialist in High Ability & Care, Potential Plus UK, Potential Plus UK
Case Study: Best Approaches for Supporting Most Able Pupils with ADHD
- Understand that pupils with asynchronous development show advanced ability in one domain while struggling in another which can lead to frustration and risk of low self-esteem without thoughtful support
- Creating emotionally safe environments by reducing sensory/social triggers
- Reframing “difficult” moments as communication when pupils are struggling or underachieving due to lack of appropriate challenge
Dr Abby Russell, Senior Lecturer in Child and Adolescent Mental Health, University of Exeter
Questions and Answers
Breakout Networking
This session will provide you with the opportunity to connect with fellow most able pupils and educators, sharing your experiences and ideas to build valuable networks and inspire collaboration.
Comfort Break
Keynote: Using the Opportunity Index to Target Support in Schools
- Understanding how location and disadvantage affect pupils’ outcomes, and what schools can realistically do to support
- Identifying pupils most likely to miss out on high-value opportunities using attainment and progression data
- Targeting tutoring and subject-specific intervention where evidence shows the biggest payoff
- Deciding which pupils need academic intervention, careers guidance or mentoring
Erica Holt-White, Research and Policy Manager, Sutton Trust
Case Study: Creating High-Potential Pathways for Disadvantaged Pupils
- Supporting disadvantaged pupils to navigate post-16 and post-18 pathways, with a focus on practical guidance around applications
- Sharing insights from research into experiences of further education, highlighting barriers to progression and what effective support looks like in practice
- Raising aspiration through early, exposure to future study and work, helping young people understand their options and build confidence in their potential
- Exploring how professionals can work together to create clearer, more joined-up progression routes for disadvantaged pupils
Katie Simpson, Head of Research and Learning, Bright Sparks CIC
Questions and Answers
Chair’s Closing Remarks
Jonathan Ferstenberg, School Improvement Partner and Leadership Coach, Bespoke School and Leadership Development
Conference Close
Pricing Options
OnDemand
Full access to the OnDemand conference – get instant access after purchase to expert insights and curated content, including recordings of the sessions and downloadable presentation decks for speakers who have given permission for their materials to be shared.
2026 Speakers
Rob Lightfoot
CEO
National Association for Able Children in Education
Jonathan Ferstenberg
School Improvement Partner and Leadership Coach
Bespoke School and Leadership Development
Chris Guénault
Senior Relationship Manager
Future Talent
Dr Abby Russell
Senior Lecturer in Child and Adolescent Mental Health
University of Exeter
Erica Holt-White
Research and Policy Manager
Sutton Trust
Jonathan Ferstenberg
School Improvement Partner and Leadership Coach
Bespoke School and Leadership Development
Nick Mills
Reading Development Consultant
Daisy Education – Provider of Reading Plus and DreamBox Maths
Isobel Waite
Senior Researcher
Futures for All
Natalie Jensen
Advice Service Manager, Specialist in High Ability & Care
Potential Plus UK
Katie Simpson
Head of Research and Learning
Bright Sparks CIC
Testimonials
An informative conference which has given me inspiration on ways to improve the progress and opportunities for the high attaining pupils in my school. It was a fantastic opportunity hear from experts and policy-makers, and to talk with fellow educators and more able coordinators to share strategies and event ideas.
A very informative and well structured conference that has genuinely provided some food for thought as to how we may move forward, in relation to the focus topic area, within my own school.
The speakers engaged well with the complex and subtle issues of multi-exceptional and ADHD learners as well as trauma-informed practice. A thought-provoking event backed by a great deal of research. Thank you!
Attending the most able learners conference has been invaluable for my school. The dissemination of information has enabled opportunities for all of our students to raise their achievements and aspirations.
An informative and thought-provoking conference which has inspired me to improve the progress and opportunities for High Achieving students in my school.
A fantastic opportunity to engage with experts, policy-makers, and fellow educators to share innovative strategies and gain insights into the latest developments in educating our most able.
Interesting course with knowledgeable speakers.
The Most Able Conference was an informative insight to how we can achieve excellence for all.
