John West-Burnham Annual Memorial Lecture: From the Inside Out

A Free Event at the University of Suffolk

Join us for the second annual John West-Burnham Memorial Lecture on Thursday, November 20, 2025, hosted by the University of Suffolk. This year, we're proud to feature acclaimed author and Director of Schools of Tomorrow, Malcolm Groves, as our distinguished speaker.

Drawing from his work with John West-Burnham, Malcolm will deliver a thought-provoking lecture titled, "From the Inside Out: Leading Schools to Build a Society That Cares." He'll explore how schools can go beyond traditional metrics to foster genuine community engagement, personal development, and social justice. This event marks an opportunity to reflect on John’s enduring legacy and his vision for schools as hubs of humanity and compassion.

Schedule of Events

We've designed a full day of events to honour John's legacy and explore his ideas in practice. All events are free to attend, but the main lecture requires a booking to secure your spot.

Afternoon Sessions 

• 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM: ASSET Education Schools Showcase at St Helen's Primary School. Discover how young people are empowered to make a difference in their communities.

• Time TBC: Observe an #iWill Community of Practice meeting at the University of Suffolk, led by young leaders exploring collaborative social action.

• 4:15 PM - 4:30 PM: A special philosophy session at the University, led by Marcelo Staricoff, in celebration of World Philosophy Week.

Evening Event (Main Lecture & Reception)

• 5:00 PM: Arrival & Refreshments. Settle in, grab a tea or coffee, and network with fellow attendees. Take some time to explore the exhibitor stalls from various organisations, including the Edge Foundation, ISMA, and more. A selection of food will also be available.

• 5:30 PM: Youth Voices. Hear from students of ASSET Education as they take the stage to share their important insights and perspectives.

• 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM: JWB Annual Memorial Lecture 🗣️. Join us for the main event featuring Malcolm Groves, with a welcome from the University of Suffolk.

• 7:30 PM - 8:00 PM: Networking Reception. Continue the conversation over the remaining refreshments. Afterwards, attendees can book a table at Isaacs for drinks and food at their own expense.

This event is not a promotional or sales event; our focus is on sharing ideas and celebrating John West-Burnham's legacy. Donations will be accepted on the day for the remaining JWB books.

About the Speaker: Malcolm Groves

Dr. Malcolm Groves has dedicated his career to pioneering innovative approaches in education and community development. As a co-author and close collaborator with Professor John West-Burnham for over two decades, Malcolm has helped shape the thinking behind schools as catalysts for social change. He co-founded and directs the Schools of Tomorrow network, a ground-breaking movement focused on empowering leaders to build a more compassionate and equitable society.

Practical Information

• Venue: University of Suffolk, Ipswich Waterfront Campus. The lecture will be held in Lecture Hall WLT1.

• Parking: The closest public parking is at Duke Street car park. From there, it's a short walk to the campus.

• Accommodation: The University of Suffolk has a special rate with the Salthouse Hotel. Alternatively, other nearby hotels include the Premier Inn and Novotel Ipswich Centre.

• Recordings & Photography: The lecture will be recorded for later circulation. A professional photographer will be present, and photos may be used for promotional purposes. Please let a member of staff know if you would prefer not to be included.

Book Your Free Ticket Now

This is a free event, but tickets are required to manage capacity. Please book your place for the main lecture via Eventbrite.

[Click here to book your ticket]

Limited tickets are being held back for our partner organisations. If you are part of a partner group and can't find a ticket, please contact your organisation's representative.

For any questions, please contact the University of Suffolk Events Team at: j.eghan@uos.ac.uk or kelly-marie.taylor@uos.ac.uk.