Future-Ready Schools Forum

Navigating the DfE’s Technology Standards

A practical event for schools and trusts looking to achieve secure, future-ready digital foundations aligned to the DfE’s Technology Standards.

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Where and when?

Date: Wednesday 13th May 2026 
Time: 09:00 - 15:15 
Location: Converge Technology Solutions, Granite One Hundred, Acton Gate, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST18 9AA

Join us at Converge UK HQ for a hands-on event designed to help schools and trusts accelerate digital improvement and confidently align with the Department for Education’s Core Digital & Technology Standards.

With over 35 years of experience supporting UK education, Converge UK provides bespoke, cost-effective IT solutions that help schools build secure and reliable digital environments. 

Throughout the day, you’ll hear from a range of Converge UK education experts and our trusted partners who will share the latest developments and how together, we’re continually enhancing the way we support schools efficiently and sustainably.

Why attend?

Technology continues to reshape how schools operate, teach and safeguard. This event will give senior leaders and IT decision makers the clarity, confidence and practical tools needed to:

  • Build a long-term digital strategy aligned to the DfE’s Technology Standards
  • Strengthen cyber security across your organisation
  • Simplify payment solutions such as 1:1 devices and leasing
  • Understand what “good” looks like when building digital foundations at school and trust level
  • You’ll also get to enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of our award winning IT recycling facility

Who should attend?

Education leaders, headteachers, school and trust senior leadership teams, IT Directors, CIOs, Network Managers, and anyone responsible for digital strategy or improvement planning.

Agenda

9:00 am - 9:30 am

Registration & Refreshments
Ease into the day with coffee, pastries and an opportunity to connect with peers, leading technology brands and the Converge UK team

9:30 am - 9:40 am

Welcome & Intro, Converge UK Business Update
By Mark Whitfield, Director of Partnerships - Schools, Converge UK
Kick‑off overview of the day, including how Converge UK supports schools to meet and navigate the DfE’s digital and technology standards.

9:40 am - 10:00 am Using AI Safely & Effectively in Schools
By Phil Burney, Associate Director of Strategy and Transformation, Tablet Academy
A practical look at responsible AI adoption in education - what’s possible, what’s safe, and what schools need to prepare for.
10:00 am - 10:20 am Cyber risk & Compliance for Education Leaders
By Kieron Maughan, Managing Director, Nellcote
Insight into key cyber threats facing schools today and a roadmap for meeting compliance expectations.
10:20 am - 10:40 am Building a Robust, Secure Network for Modern Learning
By Ed Bullock, Networking Lead, Converge UK
Exploring how schools can design, secure and optimise their network infrastructure.
10:40 am - 11:00 am Transforming Schools Infrastructure: Aligning Networking Strategy with DfE Standards
By Dan Nunn, Account Executive – Schools and Colleges, Cisco
11:00 am - 11:15 am Break & Refreshments
Grab a drink, continue conversations and visit our technology partners for hands-on demos and expert advice
11:15 am - 11:40 am Broadband & Infrastructure Excellence
By Shayne Grove, CSO, Talk-Straight
11:40 am - 12:00 pm Live customer case study
By Lewis Oddie, Head of IT, Co-op Academies Trust
12:00 pm - 12:30 pm Delivering Digital and Technology Standards with ASUS, Converge UK, Microsoft 365 and Windows 11.
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm Lunch and Vendor Showcase
Speak directly with experts from leading education technology brands
1:30 pm - 2:00 pm NetSupport Classroom Management, IT Support, and Safeguarding Monitoring for KCSIE
2:00 pm - 2:20 pm Simplifying Payment Solutions - 1:1 & Leasing
By Amy Corfield, Leasing Specialist, Converge UK and Martyn Maskell, CHG-Meridian
Clear, practical guidance on payment solutions for schools.
2:20 pm - 3:10 pm Circular Approach to IT & IT Recycling Facility Tour
By Craig Campion, Chief Operating Officer - ITAD and Sheryl Moore, Director of Sustainability, Converge UK
Exploring how schools can reduce costs, reduce waste and boost sustainability including a walkthrough of the ITAD process in a behind the scenes tour.
3:10 pm - 3:15 pm Final Remarks & Event Close - Mark Whitfield



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Our Education Partners

Where we are

Converge Technology Solutions, Granite One Hundred, Acton Gate, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST18 9AA

Join us at the Future-Ready Schools Forum

Discover how Converge can transform your schools technology suites with sustainable IT solutions

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