It’s that time again – time to turn those CPD new year resolutions from vague ideas into real plans and make a commitment to stick with them!
With only a few short weeks until the 2026 EdExec LIVE programme bursts back into action, this is the ideal moment to set clear intentions for the months ahead.
EdExec LIVE opens in Manchester this year, returning to the Radisson Blu at Manchester Airport on 25th February. If you’ve not secured your spot yet, there’s still plenty of time to do so. If you’re new to our events and are wondering what you can expect, you can read our special feature on last year’s expanded programme in the November/December 2025 issue of Education Executive.
When it comes to CPD, some of us have a firm target in mind – a qualification, a specific skill, a topic we want to understand more fully. But sometimes, we just want to feel like we’re moving forward! If you’re still mulling over what your CPD focus should look like this year, here are some ideas to help shape a plan that feels structured, purposeful and completely doable.
Get Ahead of the Technology
Keep an eye on education news, sector events and online discussions to spot the emerging tech that’s gaining ground. Spending time exploring what’s coming next before it lands in your school can give you a real advantage.
Refresh an Old Skill
Think back over the training you’ve done in previous roles, earlier in your career or even during qualifications you completed years ago. There’s usually something valuable tucked away that you haven’t touched for a long time. Choose one skill and give it a quick refresher.
Commit to 15 Minutes of Micro-Learning a Day
Fifteen minutes a day is enough for a short article, a quick tutorial, a podcast clip or a chapter of a book. These small, regular bursts of learning keep your brain ticking over, help you build knowledge gradually. Consistency beats intensity and by the end of the term, you’ll be surprised by how much ground you’ve covered.
Revisit Sector Policy Changes
Set a recurring monthly reminder to sit down with the latest guidance and sector updates. Focus on what actually affects your school: staffing, curriculum, estates, finance or procurement. By keeping this habit going, you build a clearer view of what’s coming.
Train Yourself to Train Others
Choose something you’re already good at and turn that knowledge into a short session you can share with colleagues. Keep it practical: a how-to guide, a 20-minute walkthrough or a mini FAQ. CPD isn’t just a solo activity. When you teach others, you reinforce your own understanding spark new ideas and create a ripple effect.
With EdExec LIVE 2026 right around the corner, there’s no better moment to start shaping the professional journey you want this year to deliver. Whether you’re on the road to an accredited qualification or just getting started with your self-development plan, join us in Manchester and make CPD something you look forward to, not something you squeeze in.
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