London’s reputation as a global learning hub isn’t confined to its universities. In January 2026 the city hosted conferences, fairs and cultural programmes that offer rich opportunities for professional development, inspiration and discovery.
Whether you’re a teacher seeking new tools, a scientist exploring cutting‑edge research or a lifelong learner hungry for art and film, these events will expand your horizons.
Flagship Education Events
1. Bett UK 2026
From 21 to 23 January the ExCeL London exhibition centre became a playground for educators and technologists at Bett UK, the world’s leading education technology show. More than 30 000 teachers, school leaders, policymakers and EdTech pioneers from over 120 countries descend on the Docklands venue to explore innovations ranging from AI‑powered learning platforms to immersive classroom hardware.
The show’s free continuing‑professional‑
Networking takes centre stage at Connect @ Bett, a speed‑matching service that pairs educators with suppliers based on shared interests. Whether you are seeking inspiration for your classroom, researching procurement options or launching a new product, Bett is the place to be.
2. Festival of Genomics & Biodata
Science educators and researchers should bookmark 28–29 January for the Festival of Genomics & Biodata at ExCeL London. Billed as the UK’s largest life‑sciences congress, the festival brings together more than 8 000 delegates, 360 speakers and 180 exhibitors covering topics like genomics, precision medicine, artificial intelligence, proteomics and biomarker discovery.
Expect keynote addresses from international experts, panel discussions on the ethical implications of genomic data and practical workshops showcasing the latest sequencing technologies. The exhibition floor offers a chance to meet start‑ups and established companies pushing the boundaries of biomedical research. With its focus on collaboration and interdisciplinarity, the festival is an ideal learning opportunity for educators looking to connect classroom science with real‑world innovation.
3. Thinking Deeply about Primary Education Conference
On Saturday 17 January, Hawley Primary School in Camden hosted TDaPELondon26, an evidence‑informed conference organised by ALTA Education. Designed for primary teachers and leaders, the day raises funds for the Velindre Cancer Centre while providing six hours of professional development. Sessions are led by inspirational educators and cover themes such as curriculum design, pedagogy, assessment and teacher wellbeing.
The intimate setting encourages networking and reflection, and the programme is tailored to teachers working across all primary stages. It’s a chance to recharge your practice and contribute to a worthy cause.
Arts & Cultural Learning
4. London Art Fair
Art lovers and students should head to the Business Design Centre in Islington from 21 to 25 January for the 38th London Art Fair. The event gathers leading Modern and Contemporary galleries from the UK and around the world.
Highlights include a museum partnership with the National Trust, which this year brings surrealist and post‑war abstract works from Ernö Goldfinger’s modernist properties – 2 Willow Road and The Homewood.
The curated Platform section, titled “The Unexpected,” explores artists who push the boundaries of materiality, while the Encounters section introduces emerging galleries from Mexico, Turkey, Japan and France. Talks, tours and film screenings make the fair an immersive learning experience for artists, collectors and students seeking to deepen their understanding of modern art.
5. London Short Film Festival
Running 23 January – 1 February, the London Short Film Festival (LSFF) transforms cinemas across the city into laboratories of creative storytelling. As a BAFTA‑ and BIFA‑qualifying festival, LSFF champions diversity and emerging talent, screening hundreds of British and international shorts alongside live performances, panel discussions and workshops.
Filmmakers can attend industry sessions on funding, distribution and audience development, while cinema enthusiasts can discover bold new voices and genres. The festival’s commitment to under‑represented artists and experimentation makes it a valuable resource for educators in media studies, art and cultural education.
6. Wayne Thiebaud: American Still Life
For a quieter contemplative experience, head to the Courtauld Gallery where “Wayne Thiebaud: American Still Life” runs until 18 January. This is the first UK museum exhibition dedicated to the late American painter, whose vividly coloured depictions of pies, cakes and everyday objects transformed commercial imagery into fine art.
The show focuses on Thiebaud’s breakout works from the early 1960s and includes significant loans from U.S. museums. It’s a brilliant case study for art students examining how Pop Art challenged distinctions between high and low culture and how colour and composition can elevate commonplace subjects.
Specialist Trade Shows & Experiences
7. Adventure Travel Show
If your classroom extends beyond four walls, the Adventure Travel Show at the Business Design Centre on 10–11 January offers inspiration for geography teachers, gap‑year advisors and would‑be explorers.
Over 100 specialist tour operators present trips to remote corners of the globe, from mountain expeditions and polar cruises to cultural journeys off the beaten path. Speakers share first‑hand stories of cycling across continents, navigating deserts and climbing volcanoes, while seminars provide practical advice on planning, safety and responsible travel. New for 2026 is a Gravel & Adventure Bike Expo, highlighting the growing popularity of bike‑packing and sustainable travel.
8. London Textile Fair
Fashion and textiles educators should not miss The London Textile Fair on 13–14 January, also at the Business Design Centre. This trade‑only event showcases around 500 exhibitors presenting fabrics, trims, prints and accessories for the Autumn/Winter 2026 collections.
With mills and suppliers from across Europe, Asia and beyond, the fair offers a comprehensive overview of material innovation and sustainability trends. Seminars and trend forecasts complement the exhibition, making it an invaluable research trip for design students and lecturers.
January might seem like a time for hibernation, but London’s educational calendar proves otherwise.
From global EdTech summits and genomics congresses to art fairs and grassroots teacher conferences, the month offers rich learning opportunities for professionals, students and curious minds.
