Welcome to nEdEx

nEdEx is a national, free to join, network association for School and Trust leaders; championing collaboration and innovation in the education sector.

Powered by EPM, with the support of our Advisory Board, we have created a platform where education leaders' voices are amplified.

Through nEdEx - Best practice is shared, Challenges are openly discussed, Success is celebrated.
Become a Member
nEdEx
26/27 NATIONAL CERTIFICATION

Education Places to Work

'Education Places to Work' is our exclusive-to-education certification for Schools and Trusts aiming to be identified as a top education employer across two award levels.
26/27 Certified Education Places to Work Trophy
26/27 Certified Education Places to Work
Certified Education Employer
26/27 Leading Education Places to Work Trophy
26/27 Leading Education Places to Work
Leading Education Employer
SECTOR VOICES

Hear from the nEdEx Community

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"Opportunities like this where people come together, that discuss ideas, think about ways of improving, reflect on what's currently going on. It's invaluable to organizations to network and to be part of that discussion. So for us, you know, it is really important that we're able to share those experiences, and that's why we really do pride ourselves on being part of the nEdEx community at Engaging Education."
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Ross Bennett
Commercial Director - Engaging Education
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"The main thing that stood out from the other conferences that we've done is every conversation so far has been education first. It's been about a topic that's already been spoken about on stage, about the white paper. We're really lucky in terms of the timing of this event, and having someone like Tim Coulson opening the show, and the MATs that we've got here. So every conversation so far has been education first, which is exactly what an education event should be about."
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Tom Webb
Skolon
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"One of the key features of nEdEx, this is a free conference day for everyone. What this genuinely is about is bringing people together, providing you with a range of speakers, opportunities to learn, to listen, to find out more, without any obligation to do anything from it, you know, it's just an opportunity to get together."
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Sash Hamidi
CEO - Pegasus Partnership Trust
FAQs

Membership, Partnerships & Events

Have a question about joining nEdEx as a free member or becoming a 2026/27 Supporting Partner?
Contact the Team
Who can join nEdEx as a Member, and is it really free?
Yes - membership is 100% free and is open to education leaders from across Multi-Academy Trusts, Schools, and Local Authorities. Our network already includes over 180 Trusts and 1,700 Schools across the UK.
What benefits do nEdEx Members receive?
Members receive free attendance at all nEdEx national conferences through 2026/27, priority invites to private House of Commons roundtables and dinners, live webinars and recordings via the nEdEx Hub, Advisory Board guides and checklists, and special member-only rates from trusted nEdEx Supporting Partners.
How can our organisation become a Supporting Partner?
nEdEx works with trusted suppliers in the education sector across four partnership levels for the 26/27 academic year. Supporting Partners participate in national conferences, host executive roundtables, and connect directly with decision-makers across 180+ Trusts. Contact matt.mcdermott@nedex.co.uk or sign up via our Partner option.
Where do nEdEx Conferences and Roundtables take place?
Our flagship National Education Leaders Conference and The School & Trust Leadership Awards take place in Milton Keynes (including DoubleTree Hilton, Stadium MK), alongside exclusive Trust Leader Roundtables hosted in Terrace Dining Rooms B & C at the House of Commons in Westminster and regional hubs.
What is the 'Education Places to Work' certification?
'Education Places to Work' is our exclusive-to-education employer certification for Schools and Trusts aiming to be recognised as an employer of choice. Following an employer questionnaire and employee engagement survey, certification is awarded across two levels with transparent headcount-based fees.
How can I join or contact the nEdEx Advisory Board?
The nEdEx Advisory Board is chaired by Jen Elliott (CEO of EPM) and comprises serving MAT CEOs, CFOOs, and Executive Heads. To enquire about joining or contributing to the Advisory Board, contact jen.elliott@epm.co.uk or matt.mcdermott@nedex.co.uk.
THE NEDEX HUB

Advisory Board Insights, Guides & Event Recaps

Advisory Board Article: Navigating 2026
Advisory Board Article: Navigating 2026
Navigating Financial Sustainability, Workforce Pressures and Opportunity in 2026
Leading with clarity, collaboration and moral purpose in a year of system pressure. Contributions from Carla Whelan (Empower MAT), Sash Hamidi (Pegasus Partnership Trust), Colette Firth (Spirit Federation), Howard Nelson (Keys Academies Trust), and Nick Osborne (Maritime Academy Trust).
Read Article
Ofsted Framework & HR Readiness
Ofsted Framework & HR Readiness
nEdEx Advisory Board Response to Ofsted's New Education Inspection Framework
Executive summary and HR & People Readiness Checklist from Jen Elliott (Chair of nEdEx & CEO of EPM) on Ofsted's shift from single-word judgments to a multi-area scorecard elevating staff wellbeing, inclusion, and leadership culture.
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The Education Leaders Conference
The Education Leaders Conference
Vision, Culture, Courage & Collaboration Over Competition
More than 100 education leaders came together in Milton Keynes for the debut nEdEx conference chaired by Jen Elliott, featuring keynotes from Sash Hamidi (Pegasus Partnership Trust), Rowena Hackwood (Astrea Academy Trust), and Adrian Rogers.
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