Teacher and Adviser Conference 2026 – what’s on

Friday 3 July 2026, 8.45am – 4.30pm

Join us on campus for a full day of updates, insights and practical guidance designed to support you in advising students through the ever-evolving higher education landscape. Below you’ll find the full programme for the day.

8.45am to 9.10am — Welcome and refreshments

Arrive, register, and enjoy tea and coffee before the day begins.

9.15am to 9.30am — Vice-Chancellor’s welcome

Nishan Canagarajah, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester provides an introduction to the day and an update on the University’s vision, priorities and developments.

9.30am to 10.00am — General admissions Q&A panel

Put your questions to our panel of admissions specialists for the latest guidance and insights into the admissions process.

10.00am to 10.10am — Break

Breakout sessions

10.10am to 11.00am — Breakout 1

1.A – Medicine Admissions Panel

Dr Jane Goodfellow, Medicine Admissions Tutor

Join our Medicine Admissions Tutor for an open Q&A covering everything teachers and advisers need to know about applying to Medicine at Leicester — from selection criteria to preparing strong applications.

1.B – Campus tours

University of Leicester student ambassadors

Take a guided tour of our state-of-the-art campus and explore the facilities your students will experience when they join the University.

11.00am to 11.15am — Break

11.15am to 12.00pm — Breakout 2

2.A – From enquiry to enrolment: Supporting students every step of the way

Kylie Cracknell, Applicant Support and Enquiries Officer

Explore the most common questions students ask during their UCAS journey — and discover how to support them with clarity and confidence. Learn how our Applicant Support team guides students from their very first enquiry to their first day on campus.

2.B – Striking the balance between AI and human connection in the student enrolment journey

Amy Downes, Customer Success Director, Unibuddy

As AI becomes more embedded in university operations, how do we ensure it enhances — rather than replaces — meaningful human interactions? This session presents insights from over 1,000 students to help institutions get the balance right.

2.C – Foundation year courses: Everything you need to know

University of Leicester academics

Discover what our foundation year programmes involve, who they are designed for, and how they support students into successful degree-level study. Gain practical guidance to help you advise students who may benefit from this pathway.

12.05pm to 12.50pm — Breakout 3

3.A – Supporting students into mental health careers

Dr Rachel Winter

A practising psychiatrist shares her journey from aspiring psychologist to consultant psychiatrist. This session explores routes into psychology, psychiatry and mental health nursing, key differences between pathways and training, and practical ways to help students make informed choices.

3.B – Communications session

Details to follow.

3.C – Zero gravity

Details to follow.

3.D – Campus tours

University of Leicester student ambassadors

Another chance to explore the campus with one of our student ambassadors.

12.50pm to 1.30pm — Lunch

1.30pm to 2.15pm — Keynote: UCAS insights: Your essential update for results season and beyond

Dave Penney, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer, UCAS

A must-attend update packed with fresh data, emerging trends and practical guidance to help you support students ahead of results day and the 2027 admissions cycle.

2.20pm to 3.10pm — Breakout 4

4.A – Navigating Results Day: Clearing and Confirmation 2026

UK Student Recruitment Officer

An essential briefing on supporting students through Clearing and Confirmation. Learn what’s new for 2026, how the UCAS process works in practice, and how to guide students effectively on results day.

4.B – 5 must-knows to help your students master their university journey

Jon Cheek, UniTasterDays.com

Gain valuable insights into five critical points of the university application timeline — from why students choose university, to navigating student finance and selecting firm/insurance choices. Includes free resources to use with your students.

4.C – SEND students session

Details to follow.

3.10pm to 3.25pm — Break

3.30pm to 4.15pm — Keynote: Student finance

An essential update covering the latest information on student finance to help you advise students and parents with confidence.

4.15pm to 4.30pm — Thank you and goodbye!

A closing thank-you and final reflections on the day.