NAPCE Belfast Symposium 2026 a Great Success
NAPCE Belfast Symposium 2026 a Great Success
Relationships at the Heart of Education: Building Respect and Wellbeing through Understanding
The National Association for Pastoral Care in Education (NAPCE), in partnership with Stranmillis University College, was delighted to welcome delegates from across Northern Ireland and beyond to the NAPCE Belfast Symposium 2026.
Held on Tuesday 23 June at the Stranmillis University College campus in Belfast, the Symposium once again proved to be a great success, bringing together educators, pastoral leaders, researchers and school staff to share ideas, celebrate excellence and explore the vital role that relationships play in education.
This year’s theme, “Relationships at the Heart of Education: Building Respect and Wellbeing through Understanding,” set the tone for a day of inspiring presentations, thoughtful discussion and professional collaboration.
Delegates were privileged to hear the keynote address from Dr Anne Emerson, who explored how educators can foster meaningful relationships that promote school belonging, pupil autonomy and positive wellbeing throughout every stage of a young person’s educational journey.
The Symposium also showcased examples of outstanding pastoral practice from finalists and winners of the National Awards for Pastoral Care in Education 2025, providing delegates with practical ideas and inspiration to take back to their own schools and settings.
Among the highlights was a presentation from St John the Baptist’s College, Portadown, winners of the 2025 Pastoral School of the Year Award, who shared their successful approach to creating a culture where every young person feels valued, supported and able to thrive.
The programme concluded with an interactive discussion session, giving delegates the opportunity to engage directly with the keynote speaker and presenters, exchange experiences and explore the challenges and opportunities facing pastoral care in education today.
Throughout the day there was a genuine spirit of collaboration, with valuable networking opportunities helping to strengthen connections across the pastoral care community.
NAPCE would like to thank everyone who attended, our excellent speakers and presenters, and our partners at Stranmillis University College for helping to make another Belfast Symposium such a memorable and successful event.
Photo Gallery
Please enjoy our photo gallery below, capturing some of the highlights from another inspiring day dedicated to supporting and celebrating excellence in pastoral care.
All photographs are courtesy of Greg McCready.
