FAQ

We encourage all of our attendees to register online ahead of the event.

Registering in advance means that you can take advantage of a reduced contact-registration system. Securing your ticket in advance will ensure our staff will be able to manage the crowd and plan effectively for number of attendees.

> Register Here

Please note that this is a live event at the NEC in Birmingham meaning our content will not be available in a virtual format.

We are highly committed to the health and safety of our visitors, exhibitors and the wider community. We have adopted the NHS COVID Pass for venues and events in England to ensure a safe event for everyone involved:

ENTRY: NHS COVID Pass, Vaccination Proof or Negative Lateral Flow Test
The NEC requires all attendees to bring with them (either on their phone or as a printed copy) proof of double vaccination, Covid-19 antibodies or negative lateral flow test (taken within 24 hours of entry) valid on the day of event entry. You may be asked to show your pass every time you enter the event space so please keep it to hand at all times during the event. You can find out more here.

How to get an NHS COVID Pass?
You can get an NHS COVID Pass, obtained most easily via the NHS App, if you have been double vaccinated 14 days prior to the event or you have a negative LTF or PCR test within 48 hours of creating the pass.

You can find more information on the NHS COVID Pass for events here.

The Schools & Academies Show primarily serves the public sector. If you are a private sector organisation wishing to take part, we recommend exhibiting or sponsoring. Alternatively, you can apply for a private sector place by filing out our enquiry form here and a member of our team will be in touch to let you know if your application has been successful.

This is a free to attend show for Schools, Multi-Academy Trusts, Colleges, Universities, Charities, Not-for-Profits, Local and Central Government and the wider public sector. There are a limited number of private sector places at the show available on a first come first served basis and you can apply for a private sector place by contacting [email protected]

Registering and visiting the show is completely free for Schools, Multi-Academy Trusts, Colleges, Universities, Charities, Not-for-Profits, Local and Central Government and the wider public sector. If you are a private sector organisation then you can apply to attend through the registration form, however, private sector tickets are limited and allocated two weeks out from the event.

We are highly committed to the health and safety of our visitors, exhibitors and the wider community. We have adopted the NHS COVID Pass for venues and events in England to ensure a safe event for everyone involved:

ENTRY: NHS COVID Pass, Vaccination Proof or Negative Lateral Flow Test
The NEC requires all attendees to bring with them (either on their phone or as a printed copy) proof of double vaccination, Covid-19 antibodies or negative lateral flow test (taken within 24 hours of entry) valid on the day of event entry. You may be asked to show your pass every time you enter the event space so please keep it to hand at all times during the event. You can find out more here.

How to get an NHS COVID Pass?
You can get an NHS COVID Pass, obtained most easily via the NHS App, if you have been double vaccinated 14 days prior to the event or you have a negative LTF or PCR test within 48 hours of creating the pass.

You can find more information on the NHS COVID Pass for events here.

We will be taking all sensible steps to ensure the conference proceeds safely and successfully and are closely monitoring the situation. In cooperation with our venues and in consultation with our supporters we currently have no plans to postpone or cancel the event.

Should we need to move our event to a hybrid or digital format, all attendees and supporters will be notified via email.

We will be providing masks as per government guidelines, but they will not be mandatory. We understand some will not be able to wear a mask for medical reasons. Face masks will be available at the entrance to the event for every attendee if you forget your own.

We will be providing extra space within the venue to give visitors the room for social distancing. This will include more spaced-out networking areas and theatres. As are organisers we are managing this event professionally to reduce crowding and monitor it throughout the day. We encourage you to minimise touchpoints, be aware of those around you and follow the signage at the event. When walking around the event, we ask you to please keep to the left of any gangway to minimise paths crossing. We are implementing a no handshake policy. Please refrain from this or sharing business cards with one another. Exhibitors are encouraged to used data capture devices, to ensure contact-free sharing of business details.

The venue is cleaned fully before and after every event including between shows on days where there are multiple performances. Certain high use areas and touchpoints will also be cleaned/sanitised during performance periods in addition to their usual live event cleaning schedule.

Yes, hand sanitising stations have been installed around the arena and we encourage all visitors to wash their hands frequently.

We ask that individuals take personal responsibility for their health and order free tests in advance from the NHS website/ pick them up from their local pharmacy. Tests will not be available at our venue.

We are passionate about ensuring the safety of our visitors and exhibitors. In order to keep everyone safe, please have the NHS Track and Trace app installed on your mobile device. Using the app will allow for the local authorities to contact you if there is any need to. Please ensure you give accurate information throughout the registration process.

Yes, you can still buy food and drink but to reduce contact points, the NEC are operating a cashless venue. This means that all food, drink and parking machines will accept contactless payments. The NEC have also just partnered with Zapaygo so you can pre-order food and drink before you arrive.

Please refer to the Venue Protect section on the NEC’s website for the most up to date information. Ahead of the event, you will receive email communications containing everything you need to know.

In total, we offer over 50 hours of CPD certified content split across multiple theatres during the 2-day event.

You will be scanned on entry to the sessions that you attend so that we can track the number of CPD points you have collected during your visit. Unless you can be in two theatres at once, we would estimate a maximum of 16 CPD points for attending the two-day event.

It can take up to 30 days to process the CPD information. We will do our best to get your certificates to you as quickly as possible and are grateful for your patience.

After the event, it can take up to 30 days for us to process the CPD information. We will do our best to get your certificates to you as quickly as possible and thank you in advance for your patience.

Yes, hand sanitising stations have been installed around the arena and we encourage all visitors to wash their hands frequently.

Yes, you can still buy food and drink but to reduce contact points, the NEC are operating a cashless venue. This means that all food, drink and parking machines will accept contactless payments. The NEC have also just partnered with Zapaygo so you can pre-order food and drink before you arrive.

We are delighted to confirm that we will be offering free parking for all visitors, speakers and exhibitors on both days of the show. To claim free parking, all you need to do is keep your physical entry badge and show it when leaving the car park.

Please refer to the Venue Protect section on the NEC’s website for the most up to date information. Ahead of the event, you will receive email communications containing everything you need to know.

At the NEC, Birmingham no cash will be taken at catering outlets and cloakrooms so all customers will need to have contactless payment methods available. Seating & meeting areas will be spaced out to maintain social distancing. The cloakrooms at the venue will still be open for use but please only bring what is required. As part of safety protocols cloakrooms are cashless, so please keep this in mind as you plan your visit. Please visit www.thenec.co.uk to view their specific COVID-19 measures.

We have partnered up with a range of venues local to NEC, Birmingham for accommodation. If you are a visitor or exhibitor attending the Schools & Academies Show, please click here to book.

Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack on the go, a posh sit down Italian or a burger, the NEC have got you covered. Visit their food and drink page for more tantalizing details.

We understand the need to stay connected during you visit, which is why the NEC provide free visitor wi-fi across the venue. No code required is required simply just search for their network and follow the steps on screen.

Day 1 – 17th November 2021 – 09:00 – 16:30

Day 2 – 18th November 2021 – 09:00 – 16:00

Venue – NEC, Birmingham, North Ave, Marston Green, Birmingham B40 1NT