Solent Languages Network Conference 2026 – Bringing the Joy Back to Language Learning

Solent Languages Network Conference 2026 – Bringing the Joy Back to Language Learning
What an incredible day for languages!

The Solent Languages Network, in partnership with Portsmouth City of Languages, proudly welcomed language teachers from across the South Coast and beyond to Admiral Lord Nelson School for a truly inspiring day of professional learning, collaboration and celebration.

With the theme “Let’s Get Creative and Bring the Joy Back into Languages Learning”, the conference brought together an exceptional programme of nationally recognised speakers, expert practitioners and passionate educators. We were privileged to welcome teachers and leaders who travelled from far and wide to share their expertise, inspiring every delegate in attendance.

A huge thank you to our outstanding speakers:

• Steven Fawkes for setting the tone with a truly inspirational opening keynote.
• Jonathan Mumford for sharing practical, engaging ideas that resonated with both primary and secondary colleagues.
• Kathryn Broom for her insightful and thought-provoking workshop.
• Sandra Ober for her creativity, passion and wealth of classroom experience.
• Juliette Claro for delivering an engaging and memorable session that left delegates full of ideas.
• Marie Massé for inspiring us with her expertise, passion and enthusiasm.
• Michael Vidon for a fantastic closing session that rounded off the day perfectly.
• Julio Carillo, Rebecca Britti and Aamir Kohli for delivering practical strategies and demonstrating how collaboration, creativity and innovation can transform language learning in our classrooms.
• Gina Wada, Ellie Brodin-Thornhill and Rachel Milne for the session "Primary Language Leads: Celebrating Creativity", sharing practical examples of innovative language teaching and demonstrating how creativity can inspire and motivate younger learners.

We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Nys Hardingham, CEO of Salterns Trust, for officially opening the conference, and to our incredible students, whose confidence in speaking their target languages and wonderful performances throughout the day reminded us all why language learning matters.

The overwhelmingly positive feedback from delegates reflects what makes the Solent Languages Network and Portsmouth City of Languages so special, a community of educators united by a shared passion for languages and a commitment to inspiring the next generation of linguists.

Finally, thank you to everyone who attended, our exhibitors, volunteers and the amazing team at Admiral Lord Nelson School, whose warm welcome and outstanding hospitality ensured the conference ran seamlessly from start to finish.

Together, we are building a thriving languages community where teachers inspire teachers, students inspire students, and the joy of language learning continues to grow.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this conference such a memorable success. We look forward to welcoming you back to our next Solent Languages Network event!