Portsmouth’s education priorities top of agenda at conference

A conference for Portsmouth’s education professionals took place at the Marriott Hotel on Friday 6 June 2025.

The Portsmouth Education Partnership Conference brought together senior education leaders and council staff for a day of reflection, collaboration, and forward-thinking.

The event centred on the conclusion of the two-year Priority Education Investment Area (PEIA) programme, which wrapped up in March 2025 after a significant £2.2 million investment from the Department for Education.

The programme focused on five key priorities: literacy, maths, attendance, digital learning, and a targeted CPD initiative aimed at supporting underperforming cohorts of pupils.

Presentations throughout the day showcased the programme’s wide-reaching impact across 61 schools, early years settings, colleges, and the University of Portsmouth. Each presentation was delivered by a local specialist.

The conference was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through collaboration. Across the city, numerous initiatives are already making strides in improving school attendance, raising standards, transforming teaching and learning and reducing workload.

A notable moment during the conference was the announcement of a leadership transition. Frances Soul, the independent chair of the Portsmouth Education Partnership, will be stepping down from her role. Attendees warmly welcomed her successor, James Stuart, who will officially take over in September.