LEAPS Teachers' Conference

Date: Thursday 14th May 2026

Time: 9:00 – 14:00

Location: Queen Margaret University, Musselburgh, EH21 6UU 

This event is for LEAPS link teachers and school guidance colleagues, in particular those who support students with researching and applying to higher education.

We would ask for each school LEAPS works with to be represented at the conference, so if you can't make it, please share with a colleague who can. 

In the first instance, we will be offering one place per school, but would welcome schools to register interest in sending more than one teacher. This can be done via the booking form below.

The focus of the LEAPS Teachers' Conference will be on how we can support LEAPS-eligible students who are considering higher education as a post-school option, and how we can support those of you who are supporting them!

The programme can be seen below. Sessions will include information on university admissions as well as updates on LEAPS activities.

There will be an opportunity to network via an optional workshop and also over coffee and lunch.  

9:00 – 9:25 | Registration 

9:30 – 9:40 | Conference welcome

9:40 – 10:25 | Keynote speaker - Ellie Rowley, Policy and Strategy Manager - Widening Access and Participation, UCAS

10:25 – 10:55 | LEAPS’ 30th Birthday  

11:00 – 11:20 | Coffee break

11:25 – 12:15 | First workshop 

12:20 – 13:10 | Second workshop 

13:15 – 14:00 | Lunch & information stands 

Keynote

Ellie Rowley, Policy and Strategy Manager - Widening Access and Participation, UCAS

Back by popular demand, we are delighted to have UCAS joining us again for the 2026 LEAPS Teachers’ Conference. This keynote will cover data from the last application cycle as well as a deep dive into applicant behaviour and insights into key discussions like how cost of living is impacting student decisions and the use of decline my place. The session will cover key changes for the 2027 cycle including the new care leaver fee waiver, updates to the 'more about you' section in the application and new tools in the adviser portal dashboard, supporting you to tailor your guidance and recommend personalised next steps for students. 

Workshops 

We are offering a choice of workshops (details below). 

You can attend one workshop from 11:25 – 12:15 and another workshop from 12:20 – 13:10.

Please select from the workshops when completing the registration form at the bottom of this web page. 

We will make every effort to place you in your preferred workshops. 

1. Course Choice Clinic

   (Alison Train and Sarah Macpherson - LEAPS, Admissions Colleagues - LEAPS Partner Universities)

   With many qualifications offered in schools not being considered by universities for entry, we often meet young people whose senior phase course choices have limited their university options. In this discussion group session with university representatives, you will have the opportunity to hear directly from universities themselves about which qualifications will set your pupils up for admissions success, and also feed back about the course choicing pressures you are under. 

    

2. Graduate Apprenticeships

   (Lucy Hughes - Edinburgh Napier University, Matthew Morton - LEAPS)

   What is a Graduate Apprenticeship? How do your pupils apply? Why pick a Graduate Apprenticeship over the traditional university route? In this workshop, Lucy Hughes (Edinburgh Napier University) draws on her personal experience as a Graduate Apprentice and current role as a facilitator of Graduate Apprenticeships to equip you with the knowledge and resources you need to promote this pathway to your pupils and support them as they pursue it.

    

3. Supporting Student Transitions

   (Alice Smith, Juliet Conway, Hayley Jones - LEAPS Transitions Course Team)

   The focus will be on key messages on how to support your students throughout their final year to prepare for a successful transition to higher education, and the academic, social and pastoral support available for students once in university. There will also be the chance to hear more about the LEAPS Transitions Course, in this session and throughout the day. 

    

4. LEAPS Link Teacher Networking

   (Keith Barbour and Megan McCulloch - LEAPS)

   Join fellow LEAPS Link Teachers to share best practice, seek advice, and talk through emerging trends in your school. This networking session will have different tables that focus on core themes such as LEAPS logistics, UCAS administration, and college pathways. Leave with fresh ideas, practical tools, and new contacts; all of which can help you support your students.

Information stands 

Over lunch we will have information stands with representatives from a range of higher education institutions and organisations for you to speak with. LEAPS staff involved in different parts of our programme, including the LEAPS Transitions Course and Workshop in a Box, will also be on hand and happy to take queries or questions. Confirmed exhibitors include Edinburgh Napier University, Heriot-Watt University, Queen Margaret University, SRUC, University of Edinburgh and University of Stirling.

The LEAPS Teachers' Conference is taking place at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh.  

You can find directions to the university, along with public transport option and advice, on the Queen Margaret University website.

Queen Margaret University - Location and Getting Here.

If you would like to drive to the event, parking will be freely available at the university. Please let us know your car registration via the booking form so we can arrange this for you in advance with Queen Margaret University. We are required to do this no later than 48 hours before the event.

Please complete our booking form via the link below to request a place at the Conference.

Bookings will close at midday on Thursday 7th May 2026.

If you have any questions about this event, please contact us.