Events for Teachers and Advisers

Here at Birmingham City University, we work closely with teaching, careers and pastoral support staff from across the West Midlands (and beyond) to support students on their journey towards higher education.

Teacher guide clearing primary

Part of this commitment includes the provision of CPD and training opportunities for school and college staff, to increase awareness of higher education issues, share best practice and support the delivery of relevant and effective advice and guidance. Events include workshops, talks and on-campus visits as well as our annual teachers and advisers’ conference.

We also offer a range of CPD sessions that can be tailored to suit individual institutions’ needs or perhaps focus on specific subject areas – we are happy to create bespoke sessions that match staff needs and these can be delivered in a variety of formats.

Teacher and Advisers’ Conference

Thursday 11th June 2026

Our annual conference is designed to equip teaching, careers and pastoral staff with the latest updates and practical tools to support students with preparation for higher education.

Covering a range of topical issues from the education sector, we offer a range of current and key areas relevant to people working with young people. We aim to ensure that we keep you updated on the sector and host sessions that enable you to provide students with current advice about HE and support them with their progression to university.

09:30-10:00 

Welcome from the VC 

Professor David Mba, Vice-Chancellor of Birmingham City University, will give a warm welcome to the day and provide insights into the University’s long-term vision, current priorities and recent initiatives. 

10:00-10:30 

Admissions update – Tom Kidd (Associate Director of Admissions) and Sara Harker-Bettridge (Head of Home Admissions)

Hear from our Admissions Team about current trends, BCU updates and advice for students applying to university 

10:30-11:30 

Education development in the age of Artificial Intelligence Shivani Wilson-Rochford and Alice May 

Title and bio TBC 

Boosting Student Employability: Employer Expectations Every Teacher Should Know – Danny Pardoe (Apprenticeships Growth Manager – Degree Apprenticeships) 

An insight into the world of apprenticeships and early careers recruitment, with real guidance from real HR and Early Careers professionals. 

11:30-11:45 

Break 

11:45-12:30 

The Lifelong Learning Entitlement – Ahmar Ehsan (Student Funding Manager, Student Loans Company) 

This session covers the key parts of the LLE: funding eligibility, entitlement, and the essential information advisers need to support students. 

 UCAS Insights- Lynsey Hopkins

12:30-13:15  

Lunch 

13:15-14:15 

Keynote – Robin Launder 

Mindsets, Motivation and Merriment 
What gets young people to actually try, stick at things, and succeed? This session blends mindset and motivation into a simple, practical framework. When young people believe they can improve, see the point of what they’re doing, and don’t feel overwhelmed by the cost, effort and behaviour take care of themselves. Add a dose of warmth, humour, and human connection, and engagement rises further. This isn’t theory for theory’s sake. It’s a usable approach for anyone supporting young people to aim higher, do more, and enjoy the process. Adults benefit too. 

14:15-14:45

Q+A and closing remarks

Book here


English Teacher's CPD Event @ BCU

Wednesday 1st July, 10:00am–3:30pm

We would like to invite you to our FREE English Teachers' CPD event, taking place on Wednesday 1st July, 10:00am–3:30pm. We would love for you to join us, with guests being asked to arrive from 9.45am at our Curzon Building, City Centre Campus (B47BD). This hands-on day is designed to inspire and connect educators working in English.

You’ll have the chance to take part in a variety of engaging lectures and workshops, including choices ranging from:

  • Meeting our Head of Department
  • Rehearsal room approaches to Shakespeare (Othello) - provided by the Royal Shakespeare Company
  • Approaches to teaching literature: gender, sexuality and culture
  • Approaches to teaching language: grammar and writing skills
  • Approaches to teaching creative writing: poetry

It’s a fantastic opportunity to step away from the classroom, try something new, and network with fellow teachers in our fabulous facilities. We hope this event will also inspire you and your practice, whilst promoting the excitement of the sector we work in. 

To book your place, please complete the form. Forms are required to be completed by 15th June, with spaces being limited. Secure your space now by filling in the details below via the link.

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Empowering Computing Educators @ BCU

Wednesday 1st July, 09:00am–4:30pm

Birmingham City University warmly invites you to our Computing CPD Event "Empowering Computing Educators: Practical Strategies for Inspiring the Next Generation". This will be a free event held at our City Centre campus

By the end of the day, you will:

  • Understand current trends and opportunities in the computing and tech industries
  • Recognise why students lose interest in computing and how to reframe its relevance
  • Gain practical teaching ideas and resources that make computing engaging and relatable
  • Be able to confidently advise students on study options, career paths, and university routes
  • Build a sustained partnership with the university to support future outreach and student progression

To book your place, please complete the form below.

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EPQ support and research skills

Negotiable

The sessions support pupils in conducting research on their chosen subject for their Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and familiarise students with evaluating sources of information, referencing and research skills as well as how to access a range of different learning resources.

Fashion and Textiles

Spend a day with the Fashion and Textiles staff at BCU to gain an insight into the work produced from each department, explore the technology that is available and gain hands on experience of our specialist facilities.

Want to know more about any of our CPD events?

Reach out to us today for detailed information and answers to any questions!

Email us