Youth Sport Trust Conference yesterday brought together more than 600 delegates to explore the refreshed pillars of the Well Schools movement: Lead Well, Move Well, Live Well. The event focused on how collaboration between educators, parents, and communities can create a healthier generation of young learners, while promoting active, wellbeing-focused schools.

Delegates were treated to a dynamic and insightful programme, as speakers discussed the importance of prioritising wellbeing to drive whole school improvement. Attendees learned about the impact of the Well Schools framework, which aims to help schools nurture environments where children can thrive academically, physically, and emotionally.

Highlights of the conference were the inspiring keynote speeches from Baroness Sue Campbell and Dr. James Hewitt. Baroness Campbell shared valuable leadership lessons, stressing the importance of asking questions, empowering others, and sharing credit to lead well in the pursuit of success. Dr. Hewitt captivated the audience with fascinating insights into how physical activity can enhance cognitive performance – with effects that surpass even the benefits of homework.

The event also celebrated the achievements of the first five Beacon Well Schools, who shared their experiences of integrating wellbeing into their whole school approach. These schools have seen significant positive impacts on pupils’ engagement with learning, as well as improved academic performance, as a result of their approach.

In a recorded speech addressing attendees, Minister for School Standards Catherine McKinnell expressed her strong commitment to ensuring all children, in all education settings, have access to high-quality physical education and school sport. She emphasised the importance of the Youth Sport Trust’s work, noting the positive impact it has on the lives of children and young people. In particular, the Minister cited the successful delivery of the Inclusion 2024 programme, a consortium partnership led by the Youth Sport Trust, which seeks to provide more inclusive opportunities for young people with SEND. Minister McKinnell also highlighted her desire to work with experts, including from sport, to develop an Enrichment Framework, which will identify the range of different enrichment activities pupils should have access to and reflect best practice to encourage schools to deliver a broad and engaging enrichment offer.

In addition to the keynote sessions, the conference featured an exciting exhibition space, buzzing with energy and innovation. Exhibitors showcased the latest in educational resources, health, and wellbeing tools, reinforcing the event’s focus on creating healthier and more active school environments.

The conference was preceded by the Youth Sport Trust Conference 2025 Awards, which recognised the dedicated and innovative approaches from schools, trusts, and individuals to improve the lives of young people through the power of PE, sport and play. You can read more about the 2025 winners and highly commended nominees here.

Guest speaker on the night, Clare Balding, remarked of those in attendance of the event, "You all change lives for the better, every single day. The power of sport means so much to people and there is nowhere I would have rather been this evening than with the people who are actively changing the world for the better."

Looking ahead, the Youth Sport Trust is excited to announce the upcoming launch of the free Well Schools Well Check tool later this year. This tool will help schools assess their progress in creating a wellbeing-centred environment for students and staff alike. Schools can sign up to be among the first to access that here.

The Youth Sport Trust Conference 2026 will be taking place on Tuesday 3rd (awards) and Wednesday 4th March 2026. Download the calendar invite here.