Hundreds of colleagues from across Fairfax Multi‑Academy Trust’s four schools came together at Villa Park for an inspirational day of learning, collaboration and celebration.
“It’s so important to have events like this, where teachers can hear directly about the impact that their dedication can have on students,” said keynote speaker Musharaf Asghar – known to millions as Mushy from Educating Yorkshire.
For Mushy, the encouragement of one teacher changed his life, giving him the confidence to overcome a prominent stammer. His powerful reflections on the life‑changing influence of educators set the tone for a day centred on enriching lives and transforming futures.
The FMAT Conference 2026 brought together staff from Bournville All‑Through School, Erdington Academy, Fairfax Academy and Smith’s Wood Academy at the historic home of Aston Villa Football Club on Friday 13 March.
The packed programme included engaging talks and workshops designed to support staff wellbeing, strengthen practice and ultimately improve outcomes for FMAT’s 4,000 plus students.
Staff took part in energising workshops on courageous conversations and wellbeing, alongside practical guidance on using AI to save time and enhance the quality of their work. There was also strong engagement with sessions focused on neurodiversity and inclusive practice, giving colleagues deeper insight into how to better support a wide range of student needs.
Safwan Hasan, a Science Teacher at Smith’s Wood Academy, said the day was “very inspirational.”
He added: “It did uplift me and it makes me want to try even more to give back to the kids and be an inspiration to them, just like Mushy’s teacher was to him.”
The day ended in spectacular style when Villa fan and Erdington Academy thrill‑seeker Julie Colvin abseiled from the Holte End, raising £350 for the Aston Villa Foundation – a charity whose mission to support young people resonates strongly with the Trust’s values.
FMAT CEO Simon Jones said he was proud to see staff collaborating and learning together.
“The day has really shown what can be achieved when a group of talented and passionate people work together. It was wonderful to see the buzz around the rooms and know that those energising conversations will lead to our students benefitting.”
