We are excited to announce the launch of the National Education Assembly (NEA), scheduled to commence in September 2025. The NEA, a pioneering initiative, will be a fully stakeholder-led to provide meaningful input into national education policy, practice, and strategy.
As FED celebrates its 5th anniversary, the introduction of the NEA marks a significant step in its mission to foster long-term strategic education planning. As the government continues to deliberate on long-term education reforms, with key initiatives like the curriculum review still ongoing, FED believes that many of the solutions to education’s challenges already exist within the system. By creating a dedicated platform, FED is ensuring that those with lived experience—teachers, school leaders, students, parents, and industry leaders—can contribute their insights to shape national policy in a way that is both informed and impactful.
The NEA will meet four times a year, with two in-person assemblies and two virtual sessions. The inaugural in-person assembly is scheduled for 11th November 2025, followed by the FED National Education Summit on 12th November 2025. These gatherings will foster open discussion, objective feedback, and solutions-oriented dialogue to inform government policy and broader educational strategies.
To further enhance engagement, FED will launch the NEA App in June 2025. This will enable wider participation and ensure that all stakeholders—regardless of sector or background—can contribute meaningfully to national education policymaking.
This initiative is part of FED’s comprehensive FED Futures program, launched earlier this year to address fundamental challenges in UK education. FED Futures combines data analysis with real-world insights to develop evidence-based solutions for key issues, including:
- Inclusion – With exclusions up 50% in five years and SEND underfunded by up to 70% in some areas, FED Futures is advocating for better inclusion policies, properly funded support, and a broader, fairer post-16 offer.
- Workforce – With 35% of teachers planning to quit in the next five years, FED Futures is working on policies to improve teacher retention, professionalise supply teaching, and build leadership pipelines that better reflect the diversity of society.
- Partnerships – By fostering collaboration across schools, Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs), and Local Authorities, FED Futures is promoting a more integrated and effective education system that prioritizes cooperation over competition.
In addition to the Assembly, FED will introduce three National Education Futures Projects in June 2025 to examine if approaches are fit for purpose, how these areas need to develop to ensure they serve learners better, and how they can serve the future needs. Thery are;
- Mathematics & Numeracy Education
- English & Literacy Education
- Skills & Careers Education
These projects reflect priority areas identified through comprehensive stakeholder engagement and will serve as critical drivers for long-term educational improvement in the UK.
“As we close the first phase of FED’s journey, we remain dedicated to fostering a confident, optimistic, and prosperous education system,” said Dr Carl Ward, Chair of FED. “The launch of the NEA, alongside the FED Futures initiative, ensures that education policy is developed collaboratively, with cross-sector buy-in, and with the long-term interests of learners at its heart. Those who live and breathe education every day must have a say in shaping its future.”
FED invites all partners and stakeholders to participate in these transformative initiatives. To learn more about the National Education Assembly and how to get involved, please contact us via the website or by email at [email protected].
