This summer, Merrick-Ed is joining forces with E-ACT to host our next conference for data and assessment professionals. After the unrivalled success of our last event, we’ve taken the plunge to go again…
Uniting Expertise: The Power of Collective Intelligence
A significant opportunity awaits school data professionals and leaders across the United Kingdom. This free one-day conference is set to empower attendees to maximise the impact of their data and assessment strategies through shared knowledge and collaborative practice.
The conference, designed for Data, Assessment, and School Improvement Leaders from schools, multi-academy trusts and colleges, underscores the fundamental belief that collective intelligence is paramount in driving educational advancement.
“Participation in this conference represents an entitlement for those dedicated to leveraging assessment data for school improvement, offering invaluable professional development and crucial opportunities for peer networking.”
Victoria Merrick, CEO and Founder, Merrick-Ed Limited
Delegates can anticipate a day designed to spark curiosity and foster engagement with cutting-edge themes shaping the future of education.
We are delighted to welcome Lord Jim Knight to open the conference, casting his perspectives on key themes and challenges in today’s education landscape, setting the tone for a distinguished list of education professionals.
The program features prominent voices, including Laura Knight (Sapio/EDT & Partners) who will deliver a keynote address exploring the synergistic relationship between human expertise and artificial intelligence in assessment and school improvement. The conference will also showcase practical, practitioner-led insights. Laura Mellis (Advanced Learning Partnership/NESAF) will present a spotlight on the collaborative spirit within the North East of England, demonstrating how schools are effectively working together on data leadership matters. Rob Wall and Tina Manning (Data Leaders Collective) will facilitate an interactive discussion, prompting reflection on the current and future landscape of data leadership maturity.
The afternoon will see Josh Perry (Smartgrade) deliver a keynote emphasising the critical link between data-informed decision-making and the alignment of curriculum and assessment. Delegates will gain actionable strategies for cultivating a culture of shared data analysis to inform curriculum development.
A key highlight of the conference agenda is a Panel Discussion on “Assessment as a Collective Endeavour,” chaired by Victoria Merrick (Merrick-Ed Limited). The panel will feature representatives from leading educational organisations such as E-ACT, GLF Schools, Baltic Apprenticeships, BDMAT and Cygnus Academies Trust, offering a diverse range of perspectives on topics such as collaborative assessment design, professional pathways and PD for data professionals and transformative change at scale. Attendees will gain practical advice on fostering shared ownership and distributed leadership in these areas.
Most importantly, there will be ample opportunities for networking and informal discussion throughout the day, including registration, lunch, and a post-conference reception, kindly supported by colleagues at AWS.
Those interested are encouraged to register promptly to secure their place at this pivotal event.
Uniting Expertise: The Power of Collective Intelligence
- Date: Tuesday 1st July 2025
- Time: 10:00-16:00 (with drinks reception 16:00-18:00)
- Venue: AWS HQ, 1 Principal Place, Shoreditch, London, EC2 2FA
Sign up now to secure your free place.
