A-Fest
We are extremely proud of A-Fest, our flagship CPD event. Our desire to share and celebrate effective autism practice led to our inaugural A-Fest, a Festival Celebrating Autism and Autistic Individuals, in 2019. In 2021, due to Covid, we moved online and A-Fest Online was born. A-Fest is now comprised of 2 face to face days and a range of online sessions.
A-Fest 2026 takes place on Tuesday 24th February 2026. Hosting the event on our school site ensures that autistic young people are at the forefront of our minds throughout the day. Tickets are priced for participation, not profit- we aim to ensure that as many people as possible can join us. Our philosophy is and always will be, collaboration not competition. The majority of sessions are run by our staff who work with autistic individuals every day.
Each programme contains a blend of autistic voices sharing their lived experience, practitioners sharing strategies and effective practice and researchers sharing findings from the field and how academic thinking is developing.
A-Fest enables participants to design their own professional learning programme, selecting the sessions that best reflect their personal interests and/or professional role.
A-Fest 2026 – Celebrating Autism, Autistic Voices and Inclusive Practice
We are delighted to announce A-Fest 2026, taking place on Tuesday 24 February 2026 at The Springfields Academy, Calne — a day dedicated to celebrating autism, amplifying autistic voices, and sharing the very best inclusive and neuro-affirming practice.
At Springfields, our mission is simple: to champion autistic individuals, recognise their strengths, and create communities where everyone feels they belong. A-Fest brings that commitment to life — bringing together autistic advocates, families, educators and professionals to learn from one another, reflect and grow together.
The day will begin with a keynote from Dr Angela King, late-discovered autistic advocate, who will explore “Autistic Belonging: One Culture, Many Lives” — an inspiring start to a day focused on identity, voice and authentic inclusion.
Delegates will then be able to choose four workshops from a programme of 20+ sessions, covering themes such as supporting autistic wellbeing, sensory needs, intersectionality and identity, bereavement and grief, and practical strategies that help autistic young people thrive in school and beyond. Sessions will be led by autistic speakers, experienced educators and specialists.
Date: Tuesday 24 February 2026
Time: 9:00am – 3:00pm
Location: The Springfields Academy, Calne, Wiltshire, SN11 0DS
Ticket price: £80 per person
Includes: Keynote, four workshop sessions, refreshments at break and lunch
Places are limited, so early booking is encouraged.
For an invoice email:
autismsupport@springfieldsacademy.org
Or book via our Goodhub page.
We look forward to welcoming delegates to Springfields for a day of inspiration, learning and celebration as we continue working together to champion autistic individuals and build inclusive futures.
