Welcome.

To the UK’s leading Character Education Community for teachers, leaders and practitioners.

Information

8 July 2026 • Green Park Conference Centre • Reading

Fusing Theory
and Practice

Building a strong theoretical foundation to drive powerful implementation, shaped by best practice from accredited Schools of Character.

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A day that sharpens your practice

There are a number of critical success factors that determine how transformative a school’s character education is. These success factors relate to both the theoretical underpinning and the strategies for implementation. Both are equally important.

ACE’s annual conference will bring you;

  • Expert speakers who connect the theory behind character with the practical “why it matters”
  • Practical examples of best practice you can “steal with pride”
  • Opportunities to build connections and networks that support character provision in your setting
  • A choice of workshops so you can focus on the priorities that matter most for your school
Main Keynotes
Professor Sabena Jameel-Choudhury

Alex Danson MBE

Olympic Gold & Medalist England Hockey

Alex Danson MBE is a former Olympic gold medalist and one of Great Britain’s most respected hockey players. A vice-captain of the Rio 2016 team that made history by winning Olympic gold, Alex earned over 300 international caps across an 18-year career defined by resilience, leadership and relentless commitment. After retiring following a serious brain injury in 2020, she has become a powerful advocate for recovery, wellbeing and the strength of character required to overcome life’s toughest challenges.



Professor Sabena Jameel-Choudhury

Professor Sabena Jameel-Choudhury

University of Birmingham

Professor Sabena Jameel-Choudhury’s work focuses on enacting the virtue of practical wisdom (Phronesis) within medical practice. Drawing on her experience as a GP, her research explores the role of character in professional life and the workplace. She designed the Radial Holistic Professionalism Curriculum, which connects medical training with wisdom, character and professional values. In 2025, this work was recognised with the Joseph Chamberlain Award for Educational Advancement.

Workshop Leads

Kathryn Richards

Character Lead
The Regis School

Dominic Clatworthy

Director of Co-Curricular Education
Royal Grammar High Wycombe

Wayne Clarke

Deputy Head (Pastoral) and DSL
Quinton House

Jonathan Owen

Headteacher
Elvetham Heath Primary School

Emma Sargent

Character Lead
Elvetham Heath Primary School

Sam Ineson

Director of Personal Development
Paddington Academy

Lauren Harper Clements

Assistant Principal
Paddington Academy

Kerris Sterling

Assistant principal
Stockport Academy
Green Park Conference Centre Reading
Conference Venue

Green Park Conference Centre

Located in the heart of the award-winning Green Park business community in Reading, the Green Park Conference Centre provides a modern and welcoming environment for professional learning and collaboration.

With excellent transport links and purpose-built conference facilities, it offers the ideal setting for a day of focused discussion, practical insight and connection with colleagues committed to developing strong character education in their schools.

Green Park Conference Centre
100 Longwater Avenue
Green Park
Reading
RG2 6GP
United Kingdom

Secure Your Place

Join colleagues from across the region for a focused, high-quality professional learning experience.

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Association for Character Education Ltd.

Registered Charity Number: 1178166.

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