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Trust Talks
Rethinking School Estates for Inclusive Education
11 June | 9.30am – 1.30pm | Global Academy, London
Join a half-day inspiring event that brings together education leadership and estates professionals with an ambition to transform their estate – making it more resilient, financially sustainable and future-proof. Join us for a dynamic day of learning, idea‑sharing, and networking with likeminded professionals.
You'll hear from Jo Marchant MBE, who will share how trusts are adapting their estate strategies, including what's working in practice, and where schools are still struggling.
You’ll also get to hear from Lucy Bayliss on inclusive design considerations and pupil-led, evidence-based approaches to inclusion bases in mainstream schools.
Highlights:
- Keynotes from Jo Marchant MBE & Lucy Bayliss
- Workshop – building resilient school estates under SEND pressure
- Panel discussion and Q&A
- Global Academy tour
- Networking lunch
Key takeaways:
- Clearer options for responding to SEND and space pressures
- Insights into how other trusts arer planning for disruption and change
- A better understanding of how estates strategy supports resilience
Agenda for the day
9.30-9.55 Arrival
Arrive at the Global Academy – a unique building purpose‑designed for students specialising in media and broadcasting.
10:00-10:30 Keynote from Jo Marchant MBE
When a roof of a 2 storey 10 classroom school suddenly collapses, what is the estates team to do? This keynote will explore real life situations, discuss planning and preparedness, and explore how business continuity plans do work in practice, not just on paper.
10:35-10:55 Keynote from Lucy Bayliss
Designing for Difference presents pupil-led, evidence-based approaches to inclusion bases in mainstream schools, using pupil voice to shape flexible, zoned environments, integrating sensory-aware and biophilic design, and grounding practice in research to foster wellbeing, emotional safety, belonging and independence strongly.
11:00-11:35 Workshop – building resilient school estates under SEND pressure
As schools accept increasing numbers of SEND pupils with high and complex needs, critical incidents are becoming more frequent and more disruptive. Explore how your buildings and estate decisions can reduce risk, support de‑escalation and improve safety, resilience and readiness across your setting.
11:45-12:30 Panel discussion and Q&A
A panel discussion exploring how modular construction is reshaping the education sector. In collaboration with representatives from education estates and industry specialists, we will share real world examples of transforming spaces to better support students and staff to ensure greater outcomes and inclusion at the heart of schools.
12:40-13:00 Global Academy tour
Enjoy the tour of the building constructed in 2016 using a hybrid modular and traditional build system. It was designed by Surface to Air Architects and engineered by Portakabin, combining flexibility with durability and long‑term adaptability.
13:00-13:30 Networking lunch
End the day with a delicious lunch alongside fellow professionals. Take this time to network, share ideas and chat to the Portakabin team about your current challenges and projects and see how they can support you.
It was a real pleasure to discuss topics of estates strategy and business continuity plans at the Trust Talks event. It was beneficial to listen to the stories of a panel of people who have 'been there, done that'. When it comes to estate strategy it can be hard to relate to other people, it can feel quite lonely – so being around other people who can say 'that’s happened to me' was very valuable.
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Keynote Speaker: Jo Marchant MBE
Meet the bestselling author and education estates expert
Trust Talks will be headlined by a keynote speech from Jo Marchant MBE, bestselling author and expert in school business leadership and estate management.
With fifteen years of experience across local authority-maintained schools, SEND schools and a Multi-Academy Trust, Jo brings a wealth of knowledge and insight into creating sustainable, efficient learning environments.
Jo will be sharing her expertise in strategic leadership, estates, health and safety, finance, HR, IT, sustainability, procurement, business continuity plans, and risk management. As well as her practical strategies for managing diverse education estates and navigating the complex challenges of growth, refurbishment and SEND provision.
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Keynote Speaker: Lucy Bayliss
Lucy Bayliss has been designing education spaces at Solihull Council for 21 years, creating environments that support wellbeing, inclusion and performance. Her work blends interior design with therapeutic, biophilic and hybrid education principles to better meet the needs of diverse learners.
As a parent of children with special educational needs, Lucy brings personal insight to her design approach and is passionate about neurodiversity and sensory-informed spaces. Used to working with tight local authority budgets, Lucy focuses on practical, achievable solutions that make a real difference. She is keen to shares ideas and offer practical solutions that help schools respond effectively to the growing demand for SEND provision.
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Why Portakabin?
For decades, Portakabin has been at the forefront of delivering innovative and purpose-built solutions for the education sector. From modular classrooms and lecture theatres, to changing rooms, nurseries and sports halls, we have always supported schools and Multi-Academy Trusts across the UK in creating inspiring and adaptable learning environments.
Our modular classrooms and facilities have provided rapid responses to growing pupil numbers, temporary spaces during refurbishments or expansion and supported specialist SEND provisions.
At Portakabin, we understand that managing an evolving and diverse estate entails challenges, such as fluctuating capacity, site constraints and the need for flexible facilities.
Through close collaboration with schools and trusts, we have navigated these complex challenges by developing tailored, cost-effective solutions to meet their needs and long-term goals. Find out more about our education projects here.
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