Bursaries to support teachers attending HA Conference 2026

We are delighted to announce three new bursaries to fund travel and accommodation expenses for first-time attendees at HA Conference, thanks to a generous donation from an anonymous benefactor. 

We know that budgets for professional development are tight and, with travel and accommodation prices increasingly high, it can be difficult for schools to fund the extras that come with conference attendance. These bursaries will cover travel and accommodation expenses of up to £300 for successful applicants, while also ensuring that you can attend at the discounted concessionary Early Bird attendance rate.

The conference will take place from Friday 15–Saturday 16 May 2026 at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead.

Applications are invited from UK history teachers who are:

1. currently in their first five years of teaching
2. who have not previously attended an HA Conference
3. in either secondary or primary state-funded schools of any type/designation

Priority will be given to teachers based in Lincolnshire, though the bursaries are open to teachers across the UK.

Apply for a bursary

To apply, please first ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria above.  

Applicants should supply up to 300 words explaining how they hope attendance will contribute to the development of their teaching and to the benefit of their students – and how the conference provides opportunities otherwise unavailable to them.

Applications must be made by 20 April 2026 and will be considered by a panel whose decision is final. Successful applicants will be informed by the end of April.

The successful bursary holders would be expected to:

1. attend both days of the conference
2. book their own travel and accommodation, and submit an expenses form for their expenses to be reimbursed
3. write a short article or report of up to 300 words on what they have found the most valuable aspects of the conference and what they hope to build on to benefit their students. This must be submitted within one month of attendance at the conference.

Applications can be submitted here: HA Conference 2026: Access bursary applications – Fill out form

Thank you to our anonymous donor for giving early career teachers this valuable opportunity to access subject-specific professional development.