Meet your new conference host for 2026!

Laura McInerney is a former teacher, journalist and education commentator best known for explaining what is really happening in schools — clearly, calmly and with evidence.

She is the co-founder of Teacher Tapp, the daily survey app used by 10,000 teachers across England, and was previously editor ofSchools Week and the Guardian’s education columnist. She is also co-author of Leading Academy Trusts, written with Sir David Carter, drawing on extensive research and interviews with trust leaders across the system.

Laura works closely with school leaders, policymakers and the media, and is a regular contributor across national radio and television news.