From Early Years to Adulthood: Building Belonging for Working-Class Boys
Boys’ Impact Conference 2026
Bournemouth University
9-10 September
9am-4pm
Working‑class boys across the UK continue to face entrenched inequalities in education, well-being, and life chances. These challenges are systemic, intersectional, and deeply shaped by the environments in which boys grow, learn and form their identities. The Boys’ Impact Conference 2026 brings together researchers, practitioners, policymakers, youth workers and community leaders to explore how we can build belonging, agency and opportunity from the earliest years through to adulthood. Best of all, it’s completely free to attend.
This two‑day national conference showcases cutting‑edge research, practical school- and community‑based approaches, and lived-experience accounts from young people themselves.
It is designed for everyone working to improve outcomes for boys growing up in poverty, from early years settings and schools, to youth organisations, local authorities, health partners and national policymakers.
Whether you are a school leader, practitioner, researcher or policymaker, this conference offers a rare opportunity to connect with colleagues across sectors, deepen your understanding of the challenges facing working‑class boys, and contribute to a national movement for change.
Confirmed Speakers
Our line up of speakers for the 2026 Conference includes:
Dr Alex Blower, Founder of Boys’ Impact
Dr Andy Hamilton, Senior Lecturer and Taking Boys Seriously Researcher, Ulster University
Dr Sophie King-Hill, Associate Professor, University of Birmingham and author of Reframing Masculinity for Young Men and Boys: We're in This Together
Peter Hyman, Senior Political Advisor and Chair of the national Boys’ Education Commission
Nick Isles, Director, Centre for Policy Research on Men and Boys
Dr Dane Morace-Court, Senior Lecturer, Southampton Solent University and author of Neoliberal Boys: Class, Masculinity and the Crisis in Education
Jose Campi Portaluppi, Director of Communications and Advocacy, Equimundo
Sarah Sternberg, Global Director, Reimagining Masculinities, Movember
Shaina Sangha, Researcher, the Institute for Government
Joel Tennant, Director, Against the Odds Movement
Richard Pomfrett, Director and Founder, Boyz-2-Men
Dr Sharon Coyne, Founder of Vita Nova and author of Theatre of the Lost and Found
Mike Nicholson, Director, Progressive Masculinity
Plus many more to be announced soon!
