About this Event
In the Commonwealth Day Lecture 2026, Neil Leitch OBE will discuss what values are essential to a good education, how they are linked to living a good life, and how this aligns with the values of the Commonwealth.
He will touch on his personal experiences and the importance of social and emotional development as pillars of success for any child, regardless of circumstance.
The lecture will also explore the importance of those first five years of life when determining a child's future life chances and the transformative power educators and education can have.
Drawing upon extensive leadership within the sector, Neil will offer his experts reflections on how education systems across the Commonwealth can ensure that every child, irrespective of background, is afforded the strongest possible start in life.
About Neil Leitch OBE
Neil Leitch OBE is CEO of the Early Years Alliance, the largest early years membership organisation in England.
Following a career in the financial sector, he joined the Alliance as a volunteer and in 2008, was appointed as its CEO, overseeing its rebrand to the Early Years Alliance in 2019 – a change that reflected its ambition to give a united voice to all involved in caring and educating young children.
Neil was recognised in the 2022 New Year Honours list, when he was awarded an OBE for services to education and has received honorary doctorates in education from the University of East London and Bishop Grosseteste University, Lincoln in recognition of his tireless advocacy for the early years sector.
He remains a powerful voice for the sector and continues to ensure early years is recognised as an integral part of our national education system.
Early booking is essential as the number of places are limited. To avoid disappointment, please RESERVE your place now.
For more information on the Council for Education in the Commonwelath please visit our website.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Portcullis House, Grimond Room, London, United Kingdom
GBP 0.00
