Downe House academic conference explores the bright side of education

Miranda Hart champions play, character and wellbeing as educators gather to discuss the future of learning

Leading independent school for girls, Downe House, welcomed 150 school leaders and teachers from across the country to its annual academic conference last week. With ‘The Bright Side of Education’ as its uplifting theme and prominent speakers from education, business and the arts, the day focused on all that schools do well to deliver opportunity, build character and prepare young people for a rapidly changing workplace.

The conference featured a keynote address from actor, writer, comedian and former Downe House pupil, Miranda Hart. In a 30-minute speech which she claimed was the first she had ever given, Hart urged  educators to embrace play, creativity and character development as essential ingredients for success and wellbeing. Reflecting on her own school experience, Hart credited the opportunities she was given to experiment, explore and participate beyond the classroom as the foundation of her future success.

'School, and indeed life, is about expressing, exploring and experimenting, not establishing,' she told delegates. 'Play doesn’t have standards. It is process-oriented, not goal-oriented, and removes burden and expectation.'

Drawing on her personal journey, Hart shared how she was not an academic high achiever and experienced numerous setbacks before finding success in her career. She encouraged young people not to define themselves by grades alone, arguing that character is ultimately more important than achievement.

'It’s more important to carry brilliant character than brilliant grades,' she said.



Hart also highlighted the importance of playfulness for creativity, resilience and mental health, encouraging teachers to model authenticity and joy in their own professional lives.

The conference also featured a panel discussion examining some of the most pressing issues facing education today, including changing parental expectations, employability, wellbeing and the evolving relationship between education and future success. Joining the panel were Emma McKendrick, Headmistress of Downe House; Alastair Land, Head Master of Harrow School; and Nicola Murphy, Founder and CEO of The River Group.

Discussing whether the traditional social contract linking education, hard work and career success remains intact, Alastair Land argued that while expectations may be changing, the value of education remains undiminished.

'Beyond qualifications, we seek to give young people the attitudes, dispositions and strength of character that will enable them to face whatever the future brings,' he said. 'That’s the best gift we can possibly give them.'

Nicola Murphy reinforced the continued importance of education in developing confidence, resilience and application, qualities she values highly when recruiting future employees.

Emma McKendrick reflected on how conversations with families have evolved in recent years. 'Alongside questions about university destinations, parents are increasingly asking about employability, apprenticeship pathways, wellbeing and happiness,' she said. 'Families want to know that their children will be prepared not only for academic success, but for fulfilling and meaningful lives.'

Other conference sessions focused on the value of Performing Arts in giving young people skills for life; the importance of political education in schools; ensuring that schools’ cultures maximise children’s happiness; and equipping students with leadership skills. The conference highlighted a growing consensus among educators that while academic achievement remains important, schools must also nurture creativity, adaptability, confidence and character if young people are to thrive in an uncertain future.

Matt Godfrey, Deputy Head at Downe House School and organiser of the conference, said: 'Education has the power to shape the lives of young people, and this year’s academic conference provided an opportunity for educators from schools of all kinds to reflect on and discuss the many ways in which they enrich the lives of their pupils. It was a day of learning, with interesting debate and thought-provoking views, which left delegates feeling inspired and energised.'

The annual Downe House Academic Conference forms part of the school’s ongoing commitment to leading conversations about the future of education and championing approaches that support both achievement and wellbeing.

June 2026