Share Your Voice at the 9th China Festival of Education!
Are you passionate about transforming education? Do you have fresh perspectives, inspiring stories, or practical strategies to empower educators and learners? The 9th China Festival of Education, hosted by Wellington College Education (China), will take place at Wellington College International Shanghai on 18 April 2026, and we are excited to announce that speaker applications are now open!
We invite educators, leaders, researchers, coaches, students, activists and changemakers from both China and abroad to apply. This is your chance to contribute to one of the region’s most dynamic education gatherings and join a vibrant community of thinkers and doers.
Why Speak at EdFest?
Since its founding by Wellington College in the UK in 2010, the Festival of Education has grown from a modest gathering into a cornerstone event for educators.
The 15th Festival of Education at Wellington College in July 2025
Its first international edition in China was launched in 2015, and over the past eight years, the China Festival of Education has become a premier forum for professional learning, connection, and inspiration.
At the heart of the festival is a simple belief: learning should be engaging, inspiring and enjoyable. Each year, we bring together seasoned professionals and emerging voices for a rich programme that includes keynote sessions, practical workshops, project spotlights, professional meetups, networking opportunities and student performances.
As a speaker, you will:
-
Share your expertise and insights with a diverse, passionate audience
-
Connect with educators and thought leaders from around the world
-
Inspire—and be inspired by—new ideas and best practices
-
Join a network committed to advancing education for all
Our 2026 Strands
This year, we invite proposals aligned with one of our six key strands. Each strand explores a crucial area of contemporary education:
The Art of Bridge-Building: Fostering Connection in a Polarised World
What approaches might help foster meaningful dialogue, active listening and empathy across ideological and cultural divides? In a world where polarisation often hinders understanding, how can connection be built and sustained in our classrooms, staff rooms and wider communities?
Educating to Heal the Planet: Equipping Learners as Agents of Change
How can educators cultivate climate literacy, critical thinking and practical skills so that learners of all ages are empowered to respond to environmental challenges? What does it look like when learners become advocates for sustainability and leaders of restorative solutions in their own communities?
Thriving People and Communities: Wellbeing, Belonging and Collective Resilience
How might schools and organisations nurture wellbeing, foster a sense of belonging and build resilience among students and staff? What practices, environments or cultures help every member of a community to thrive, learn and grow together?
China in Transition: Global Trends, Local Impacts and Cross-Cultural Exchange
How is China’s evolving role in education, innovation and global collaboration shaping local practice and international perspectives? In what ways do global trends influence education in China, and how does local innovation contribute to the wider world?
The Science of Teaching: Evidence-Based Strategies for Empowered Learners
What approaches might help foster meaningful dialogue, active listening and empathy across ideological and cultural divides? In a world where polarisation often hinders understanding, how can connection be built and sustained in our classrooms, staff rooms and wider communities?
Leadership and Coaching: Essential Strategies for Impact
How are leadership and coaching skills being developed to inspire teams, enhance performance and create positive, lasting impact in educational settings? What tools, mindsets and approaches are proving most effective for today’s educational leaders?
Who Should Apply?
We encourage applications from:
Classroom teachers, subject leaders and school administrators
Researchers and scholars
Student leaders and youth activists
Education consultants, coaches and trainers
Business leaders
Policy makers and community organisers
Anyone with a compelling story or practical solution to share
Sessions may take the form of keynote talks, interactive workshops, panel discussions, project showcases or creative performances.
