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Education at the Crossroads:
Leading the change our world needs
In 2025, the world stands at a crossroads. We must take urgent action to halt runaway climate change, adapt as AI revolutionises our economies, promote peace in the face of destructive conflicts, and tackle the most enduring inequalities. A better world is possible, but only if leaders from across the planet, from governments to businesses, NGOs, academia and tech, recognise that at the heart of all these crucial questions lies education.
That is why the World Schools Summit 2025 brings these key decision-makers together with the leaders of the world’s best schools to learn from those at the coalface of education, to forge new ways of thinking, with a common understanding and ambition for all our futures.
Inside the Summit:
Shaping the future of education
A truly global gathering
Connecting diverse voices and driving collaboration in education
A new Global EdTech prize
Celebrating innovation that transforms learning
Ideas that drive impact
Debates, panels and workshops focused on change
Leading for a better world
500 education leaders from across the world
Programme Overview:
Uniting visionary leaders to shape the future of education
Leaders from across all sectors with a stake in education and the future of our planet will come together to share ideas and learn from the principals of the world’s most innovative schools. Those that have triumphed in the World’s Best School Prizes and achieved certification in the Best School to Work programme.
Those that are truly rising to the challenge of building a better world. Stay tuned for the full programme and speakers!
Education Leadership
Social Impact
Innovation & Technology
Artificial Intelligence
Future of Higher Education
Education Leadership
Social Impact
Innovation & Technology
Artificial Intelligence
Future of Higher Education
our attendees:
Bringing together changemakers from every corner of education
School leaders and teachers who bring practical insights, share best practices, and provide real-world school experiences to highlight what truly works in education.
Government officials and decision-makers shaping and reforming educational systems, working to ensure equitable access to quality education for all.
Industry pioneers and entrepreneurs driving innovation with cutting-edge solutions and technologies that address the most pressing global educational challenges.
Organisations dedicated to improving access to education, promoting social development, and tackling educational inequalities on a global scale.
Aspiring change-makers who bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a passion for driving the evolution of education to meet the needs of future generations.
LEADERSHIP COUNCIL:
Shaping global education
Our expert Leadership Council will guide the programme of the World Schools Summit, drawing on their decades of knowledge and experience in education and in leading schools.
Paul West
Chief Executive Officer
Spencer Academies Trust
United Kingdom
Blake Spahn
Vice Chancellor
The Dwight & Franklin Schools
United States of America
Ng Yi-Xian
Group Chief Executive Officer
EtonHouse International Education Group
Singapore
Lil Bremermann-Richard
Chief Executive Officer
Oxford International Education Group
United Kingdom
Anna Pons
Project Leader
OECD Schools+ Network
France
Simon O'Connor
Director
Deira International School
United Arab Emirates
INTRODUCING:
New to the World Schools Summit 2025
GLOBAL Edtech prize:
We have launched the new Global EdTech Prize this year to recognise those trailblazing solutions that are driving change and grappling with the most crucial challenges in today’s classrooms.
Following a pitch by the finalists, the winners will be chosen by you, the delegates of the World Schools Summit, and they will be announced live on stage.
SO GOOD SUMMIT:
In a world changing beyond recognition, we urgently need a new vision for education. We are bringing together the social impact leaders who will make that happen at the So Good Summit.
This invitation-only event, taking place the day before the World Schools Summit, will convene up to 100 leaders across education, innovation, social impact, public policy, and business for a series of deep-dives on critical subjects to showcase best practices that spur innovation and progress.
VENUE & HOTELS:
Event location and accommodation details
Stay tuned for more information.
EXHIBITORS AND COLLABORATORS:
Our network of supporters and changemakers
We are grateful to the incredible partners and collaborators who help bring our mission to life. Their support powers our impact across the globe.
Press, Media & Government Officials Invitation:
Engage with global leaders at the World Schools Summit
Members of the press, media, and government officials are invited to join the World Schools Summit 2025. If you are interested in attending in an official capacity, please complete the application form to request access. Approved applicants will receive complimentary registration and event briefings.
WORLD SCHOOLS SUMMIT 2024:
Uncovering the hidden curriculum shaping the future of education
At the 2024 World Schools Summit in Dubai, education leaders from 84 countries gathered to unpack the hidden curriculum—the unspoken lessons that shape values, mindsets, and the future of learning beyond the classroom.
Paul West
Chief Executive Officer, Spencer Academies Trust
Paul is the Chief Executive Officer of Spencer Academies Trust, an educational charity and one of the UK’s leading academy trusts, operating 26 primary and secondary academies and a designated Teaching School Hub.
Paul’s career includes extensive experience in school and system leadership, having served as a Principal, Executive Principal, and Director in various schools in the UK and internationally. He was registered as an Ofsted Inspector and, in 2011, was recognised as an outstanding system leader through his designation as a National Leader of Education.
In 2012, Paul was invited to participate in the National College for Teaching and Leadership’s flagship Fellowship Programme, working with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to explore curriculum-driven solutions aimed at enabling all children and young people to access learning and progression, thereby supporting social mobility.
Paul has spoken at national conferences on the impact of system leadership and the improvement of educational outcomes and standards through multi-school collaboration. He holds an Executive MBA in Educational Leadership, is a member of the DfE Advisory Board, and a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching.
Blake Spahn
Vice Chancellor, Dwight, Franklin Schools
As Vice Chancellor since 2014, Blake Spahn has oversight of all Dwight and Franklin School operations globally (New York, New Jersey, London, Dubai, Seoul, Shanghai, Hanoi, Dwight Global Online School). His strategic oversight ensures the efficient and effective management of all facilities, systems, and staff in support of Dwight and Franklin’s innovative world-class programs.
Dr. Spahn received his BA and MBA degrees from Columbia University, where he was Captain of their undefeated Men’s Tennis Ivy League championship team. He then went on to obtain Masters and Doctorate degrees in Comparative International Education from Oxford. Author of America and the International Baccalaureate, Dr. Spahn has taught English and philosophy in classrooms in the U.S., U.K., and Japan. In addition to founding Dwight’s Preschool & Kindergarten in New York in 2004, he has had oversight of the London campus for over 20 years.
In 2000, Dr. Spahn co-founded BOOST (Building Opportunities on Student Talent), a non-profit designed to advance prospects for university students in Southern Africa, enabling them to contribute to their own countries’ development. Dr. Spahn was also able to enhance his global vision as a Term Member at the Council on Foreign Relations, to which he was elected in 2005.
Ng Yi-Xian
Group Chief Executive Officer, EltonHouse International Education Group
Mr. Ng took over the reins as Group Chief Executive Officer of EtonHouse International Education Group in 2020, leading a team of over 5,000 staff and providing education to more than 25,000 students across over 100 schools in nine countries. Catering to both local and expatriate families, EtonHouse offers programmes from infant care to high school in both premium and affordable spaces. As a second-generation entrepreneur and son of founder Ng Gim Choo, he is dedicated to taking the group to greater heights. Under his leadership, the brand has expanded, with the creation of Middleton International School, providing affordable international education, and The Eton Academy, which offers high-quality academic enrichment for students from preschool to primary. He is also the driving force behind EtonHouse’s digital transformation, positioning it as a digital-first organisation with innovation at its core. Mr. Ng’s achievements have earned him recognition as one of the winners of The Next ICON Awards 2024 by ICON Singapore, celebrating his outstanding impact on the education landscape.
In his personal life, he enjoys outdoor activities, adventure sports, and is a strong advocate for mindfulness, a value he actively promotes within the organisation. As a father of twin boys and a daughter, Yi-Xian navigates the joys and challenges of parenthood while overseeing the education and well-being of over 25,000 students in EtonHouse schools worldwide.
Lil Bremermann-Richard
Chief Executive Officer of Oxford International Education Group
Lil Bremermann-Richard has been the Group Chief Executive Officer of Oxford International Education Group since 2019, following her role as Group Commercial Director from 2017. Under her leadership, the organization has achieved significant growth, both organically and through acquisitions, and has adeptly navigated substantial business transformations during and post the COVID-19 crisis.
Recently, Oxford International expanded its footprint beyond the UK, USA and Canada, into India and Australia. In India, it partnered with the University of Southampton to launch an international campus in Gurgaon. In Australia, the organization collaborated with the University of Notre Dame and acquired two providers, Universal Higher Education and Universal English, strengthening its regional presence. These initiatives reflect Lil Bremermann-Richard's commitment to broadening the company's global reach and providing diverse educational opportunities.
With over two decades of senior management and leadership experience across various educational sectors—including K12, higher education, apprenticeships, and further education— Lil’s previous roles include, Director of International Recruitment for Cavendish College, Head of International Operations for South Thames College, and most recently, International Director at BPP University and NED at Corndel. During her time at BPP, Lil set up overseas delivery centres in 6 countries, including Hong Kong, China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Trinidad and Tobago, and Mauritius. During her time at Corndel, Lil supported the management team through the development of their Higher Education strategy. Beyond her executive role at Oxford International, Lil also serves as Senior Advisor at Pictet Private Direct Investment and the Council of Indian Principals.
Lil's dedication to gender equality in the workplace is evident through her active mentorship of women in leadership and support for those returning to work post-maternity leave. Her contributions were recognized in 2021 when she received the 'Business Woman of the Year' award at the Education Investor Awards when she delivered her first Private Equity (Bowmark Capital) exit transaction and completed a Management Buy Out of Oxford International with the backing of THI Investments and in 2024, under her leadership, Oxford International Education Group was named one of the U.K.’s top 10 women-powered companies by JP Morgan.
Anna Pons
Project Leader, OECD Schools+ Network
Anna Pons leads the Schools+ Network at the OECD Directorate for Education and Skills. This initiative brings together schools and representatives of policy, evidence and practice to further our understanding of evidence-informed teaching approaches. Previously, Anna led a Video Study that examined how teaching varies across countries and co-ordinated in-depth reviews of the effectiveness and equity of nine education systems in Europe, Latin America and Asia. She also co-authored the report Equity and Quality in Education, which identified system and school-level policies and practices for supporting disadvantaged schools and students. Prior to joining the OECD in 2010, Anna gained work experience in the Catalan government, a local government, and the private sector. Anna holds a BA in Economics and a BA in Political Science from University Pompeu Fabra, and a Master in Economics and Public Policy from Sciences Po, ENSAE and École Polytechnique.
Simon O’Connor
Director of Deira International School, UAE
Simon O’Connor is the Director of Deira International School – an outstanding rated all through UK/IB curriculum school based in Festival City, Dubai. Simon is also Chief of Education for the Al Futtaim Education Foundation (AFEF), working across their portfolio of schools. In 2023 Simon founded the AFEF Centre for Education Action Research (CEAR), which supports practitioner research in schools. This year the centre has over 150 researchers across 15 different schools, looking at a wide range of different elements. Simon has over 25 years of experience in education and joined DIS in August of 2020. Prior to this he was Principal of Jumeirah College, an outstanding school in Dubai, since 2013.
Simon is passionate about learning and ensuring all students are challenged in lessons for them to achieve their full potential. He is also very interested in school leadership and is currently studying for Doctorate with the University of Buckingham, researching the impact of a focus on organisational culture in international schools.
Before moving to the UAE, Simon taught History and Politics for over 20 years in a variety of different school contexts. In his last role in the UK, Simon worked as a school leader in a very successful grammar school in Kent. His role there was curriculum lead and was also responsible for the management of a teaching school and working across an academy chain of schools which he helped to found.
As a student Simon studied for a BA in History and Philosophy at the University of Wales, College of Cardiff where he was a choral scholar at Llandaff Cathedral. He then studied for a PGCE at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he was also a choral scholar. Simon also holds a Master’s Degree in Education Leadership, and a National Professional Qualification for Headship.
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