Learning & Teaching Conference 2026: Supporting Student Success in a Time of Challenge and Change

City of Glasgow College Learning & Teaching Conference 2026 brought together educators, practitioners, partners and students from across Scotland’s tertiary sector for a day of reflection, challenge and inspiration focused on one central question: how do we best support student success in an era of profound change.

Set against a backdrop of financial pressures, widening inequality, rapid technological development and evolving learner needs, the conference theme “Supporting Student Success in a Time of Challenge and Change” resonated strongly throughout the day. From keynote contributions to workshops, papers and panel discussions, the event showcased the powerful role of inclusive, learner centred learning and teaching in enabling belonging, progression and achievement.

Opening the conference, Professor Paul Little, CBE DL, Principal and Chief Executive of City of Glasgow College, reflected on the College’s strategic commitment to student experience and the vital role staff play in creating supportive, innovative and high-quality learning environments. His address set the tone for a day rooted in collaboration, evidence informed practice and a shared belief in education as a force for social mobility and opportunity.

The keynote address from Darren McGarvey, author, broadcaster and social commentator, was a defining moment of the conference. Drawing candidly on his own experience as an adult learner studying Journalism during a period of college mergers, Darren spoke powerfully about vulnerability, resilience and the transformative impact of further education:

“College was about saying I was going to do something and actually doing it. And when it got hard, actually facing it. If it wasn’t for my experience at college, I don’t know what would have happened. It battered my ego into a manageable size and stress tested me for a world that doesn’t sugar coat things. It’s an experience I’ll always be grateful for.”

His reflections underscored the importance of compassionate, inclusive practice and reminded delegates that colleges are often fertile ground not only for learning, but for personal growth, confidence and change.

Across the programme, delegates engaged with a rich range of sessions exploring assessment innovation, digital learning, meta skills, student partnership, transitions, wellbeing and inclusive curriculum design. Parallel papers and lightning talks highlighted practical approaches, from virtual reality in CPR training to compassionate assessment, Universal Design for Learning and creative cross faculty collaboration, while workshops offered space to challenge assumptions and share strategies.

A panel discussion featuring Darren McGarvey, Vikki Hill - Director of Learning Enhancement and Academic Development, Queen Margaret University, Eve Lewis  - Director, sparqs and chaired by Siobhan Wilson Vice Principal of Student Experience at City of Glasgow College brought diverse perspectives together, reinforcing the value of partnership between students, staff and sector bodies in shaping meaningful educational experiences.

Throughout the day, a consistent message emerged: supporting student success requires more than technical solutions. It demands empathy, flexibility, collaboration and a willingness to rethink traditional practices in response to lived experience and changing realities.

The College would like to extend its sincere thanks to BaxterStorey, conference sponsor for the day, for their generous support and for providing food and refreshments throughout the day. Their contribution helped create a welcoming and enjoyable environment for delegates to connect, reflect and share ideas.