ACT Annual Teaching Citizenship Conference and Awards 2025
Educators and policymakers join together at ACT’s Annual Conference to strengthen Citizenship and celebrate excellence in teaching democracy.
Strengthening Democracy Through Citizenship Education
Today, educators, parliamentarians, and thought leaders are gathering at Portcullis House in Westminster for the Association for Citizenship Teaching’s (ACT) Annual Teaching Citizenship Conference and Awards.
This year’s theme, “The Classroom and The Commons: Strengthening Democracy Through Active Citizenship,” highlights the vital role schools play in fostering democratic knowledge, participation, and resilience at a time of significant societal change and the importance of experiential learning for democracy.
As debates continue over lowering the voting age, rising political disengagement, and the role of education in building community and cohesion, today’s conference aims to explore how Citizenship education can lead the way in democratic renewal. Timed just ahead of Magna Carta Day (15 June)—a symbol of rights and liberty—the event places emphasis on strengthening democratic foundations for a generation of young people.
Exploring the Future of Democracy
A central feature of the day is the expert panel discussion led by Helen Blachford (ACT’s Chair of Teaching Council), asking:
“How can democracy evolve to be more modern, inclusive, and engaging for young citizens?”
Panellists include Helen Hayes MP, Rachel Gilmour MP, Professor James Sloam, and Billie Dunne (The Electoral Commission), reflect a powerful coalition of voices committed to reimagining Citizenship and democracy education.
Practical and discursive sessions and a mini TeachMeet will equip teachers with practical tools and classroom ideas —for teaching democracy, engaging with parliamentary committees, and teaching elections and voting systems (with chocolate!) as well as fostering a whole-school democratic culture.
The Deliberative Classroom
As part of the conference, ACT is also launching The Deliberative Classroom: Teaching Deliberation – Guidance for Teachers. This updated resource supports teachers to lead structured, knowledge-rich discussions and debates on contemporary and often controversial issues. Grounded in democratic values and oracy, it helps students build critical thinking skills and resilience to mis- and disinformation. Developed with input from expert educators and partners, the guidance offers practical tools for embedding deliberation into Citizenship and across the wider curriculum. Access the guidance here.
A Moment to Celebrate Excellence
This evening, the ACT Citizenship Teaching Awards will be held at the Churchill Room in the Houses of Parliament hosted by Lord Blunkett of Brightside, celebrating outstanding teachers and schools that exemplify what high-quality Citizenship education looks like in practice. The awards honour innovative teaching, inclusive practice, and a commitment to empowering students as active, informed citizens.
Our Call to Action
This conference comes at a pivotal moment when we can take positive action to ensure no child misses out on vital Citizenship and democracy education. With the DfE Curriculum and Assessment Review underway, ACT continues to make the case for a stronger, clearer curriculum for Citizenship—one that is inclusive, challenging, and prepares all young people to thrive in a democratic society.
Citizenship education is not a luxury—it’s the foundation of a healthy democracy. Today we gather not only to share ideas and celebrate great teaching, but to shape the future of our curriculum, our profession, and our society.
Liz Moorse
Chief Executive, ACT
Follow the day’s highlights on social media using #ACTCON25, and stay tuned for updates from today’s powerful discussions and award recipients.
