Making lifelong learning central to opportunity & growth

This is the closing event of a seminar series organised by Ruskin College, with whom Kellogg shares a deep commitment to inclusivity, excellence, and the transformative power of lifelong learning.

In 1976, Labour Prime Minister James Callaghan delivered a landmark speech at Ruskin College Oxford that sparked the national ‘Great Debate’ about the nature and purpose of public education. Fifty years on, the Ruskin Great Education Debate seminar series 2026 asks a simple question: What would the focus be if the Great Education Debate speech were delivered today?

Timings:

• from 3.30pm – Guest arrivals; tea, coffee and biscuits offered
• 4.00pm – Introductions and keynote speech by Helen Hayes MP, Chair of the House of Commons Education Select Committee
• 4.30pm – Q&A with the audience
• 5.15pm – Networking drinks reception for all guests
• 6.00pm – Event close

This event series is organised by the Ruskin Institute for Social Equity (RISE) in partnership with the Fabian Society to mark the 50th anniversary of James Callaghan’s speech. Ruskin College, Oxford became part of the University of West London group in 2021. The series will bring together leading voices in education, policy and public life to explore the most pressing challenges facing UK education today – from inequality and social mobility to teaching, skills, and lifelong learning – and discuss how they can be addressed.

Other speakers in this series include Baroness Estelle Morris (former Education Secretary), Phil Smith (Skills England), Alun Francis (Social Mobility Commission), Baroness Mary Bousted (Teaching Commission), and many more leading figures who are currently shaping national education policy and thinking.

For full details of the series and to register to attend, please see the Eventbrite listing or click “Book Now” below.

Open to: General Public,