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The Future of Education: Driving social change and life chances

Panel discussion

Event date
Thursday 26 February 2026, 6.30pm to 8pm
Location
In-person only
Room RCH/037, Ron Cooke Hub, Campus East, University of York (Map)
Audience
Open to alumni, staff, students, the public
Admission
Free admission, booking required

Event details

How can education evolve to meet the demands of a shifting global economy while securing a fairer future?

Join us for an exploration of policy, philanthropy, and regional impact. Moving beyond the classroom, we examine how universities act as catalysts for social mobility. Chaired by Isabel Berwick (Financial Times) and featuring insights from Jonathan Simons (Public First), Nicholas Piachaud (Varkey Foundation), Anne-Marie Canning MBE (UKRI), and Kate Pickett (University of York), this session tackles how shifting labour markets and mission-led solutions can drive local growth.

Aligned with the University of Opportunity initiative and Child of the North, we will reframe the purpose of higher education to deliver more for local communities and care-experienced learners.

This event is in collaboration with the Social Change Catalyst, a new initiative from the University of York which brings together businesses and entrepreneurs, voluntary organisations, higher education, and the government. Its purpose is to better understand social change, what drives it and consider how higher education can empower our future changemakers, and then use that understanding to tackle societal challenges together.

Venue details

Wheelchair accessible

Hearing loop