Fullhurst Community College to Host ‘I Belong HERE’ Conference on School Belonging

Fullhurst Community College is proud to announce that it will be hosting the ‘I Belong HERE’ Conference on Friday 16th October 2026 – a significant event focused on strengthening school belonging for students, staff, families and wider communities.

The conference, which is free to attend, will bring together educators, researchers, school leaders and young people to explore how schools can create environments where every individual feels safe, connected and valued.

Guests will be welcomed from 9:30am with refreshments, before the conference begins at 10:00am and runs through to 4:00pm. Attendees will also have the opportunity to enjoy a traditional school dinner as part of the day.

To find out more about the day, please watch here.  

Please find your invite attached. You can RSVP by completing the form below:

I Belong HERE Conference - October 16th 2026 

Executive Headteacher Christina Bailey shared her enthusiasm for the event:

“Fullhurst serves a richly diverse community of students aged 11–16, and we are incredibly proud of the work we are doing to build a culture of belonging within our school. Led by Deputy Headteacher Rich Parker-Monks, this work is helping us move forward in our aspiration to ensure every young person feels safe, connected, and that they truly belong. We are delighted to welcome colleagues and partners to share in this journey.”

The conference has been developed in partnership with UCL Emeritus Professor Kathryn Riley, a leading voice in the field of school belonging. Reflecting on the collaboration, she said:

“Our partnership with Fullhurst has been one of shared learning – exploring how belonging is created through leadership, policy and practice. What began as an opportunity to share our insights has grown into something much bigger: a chance to bring together people and organisations committed to making a difference. In today’s complex and uncertain world, fostering a sense of belonging in schools has never been more important.”

The day will be structured to encourage collaboration, dialogue and the sharing of effective practice. Alongside keynote contributions from Kathryn Riley and the Fullhurst team, attendees will hear from a range of inspiring speakers, including:

• School leaders such as Dave McPartlin (Headteacher, Flakefleet Primary School) and Claudet Hedman (Principal, Christ Church CofE Primary School)
• Young people from Fullhurst and Corley Academy, Coventry (Thrive Trust)
• International researchers and policy experts, including Dr Kelly-Ann Allen and Dr Mohamed Elmeski
• Department for Education-supported researchers sharing the latest findings on school belonging

A key feature of the conference is the powerful contribution of young people, whose voices and experiences are central to the conversation. Both adult contributors and students share a strong belief in possibility, agency, and the ability to create meaningful change.

‘I Belong HERE’ promises to be a day of learning, reflection and connection – bringing together a community committed to ensuring that every child feels they belong.

Further details, including travel and accommodation information, will be shared with participants in the coming months.

We look forward to welcoming attendees to Fullhurst Community College for what promises to be an inspiring and impactful event.