Back

Why you should attend the Festival of Computing 2025

The UK’s biggest CPD event for computing teachers just got even better

29 May 2025

If you’re a computing teacher passionate about your subject and always looking to improve your classroom impact, the Festival of Computing 2025, sponsored by Craig’n’Dave and OCR, at Bromsgrove School on 2nd July, is unmissable.

Evolved from the successful Craig’n’Dave & Friends conference, this event is your one-stop shop for fresh ideas, practical CPD, brilliant networking and real-world insight from leading voices in computing education — all wrapped up in one inspirational day.

 

A power-packed agenda awaits

The day kicks off with breakfast and early networking before the official welcome in the spectacular Routh Concert Hall. 

The keynotes are where it gets really exciting:

  • Jill Duffy, Chief Executive of OCR, takes the stage in the afternoon with a keynote focused on the future of computing qualifications and curriculum development — a must-hear for every teacher navigating changes in assessment and pedagogy.
  • Alan O’Donohoe returns with “Relight My Fire” — an inspiring and energising talk about the power of computing education.
  • Craig and Dave share the latest from their world and what’s next for classroom computing.

Get hands-on demos during the Fringe event, and don’t miss CPD sessions from a wide range of guest speakers, updates from Raspberry Pi Foundation, CAS, Pearson, West Midlands Regional Cyber Crime Unit and AQA, to name a few.

To see the full list of who’s speaking and what their talks will focus on HERE.

 

So, what makes this year different?

We’ve taken your feedback and upgraded everything:

  • More CPD sessions – You asked, we listened. Now enjoy three 45-minute sessions, packed with classroom-ready ideas.
  • Bigger marketplace – A dedicated marquee space for you to browse the latest in computing education tools and resources.
  • More coffee stations – Because teachers run on caffeine!
  • A new Fringe stage – Hear punchy, engaging ideas from exhibitors and guest speakers in short bursts.
  • On-site accommodation – Stay the night before with limited rooms available.
  • Pre-event socialCurry Supper & Social on 1st July, If you live locally or are staying overnight at Bromsgrove School or a nearby hotel, join us for a curry and a drink! The pre-event social is a ticketed event. Get your spot at the table here

 

Why it matters

This isn’t just another CPD day. It’s a genuine celebration of computing education — and a chance to feel part of a bigger, supportive, and forward-thinking community. 

Held at the historic Bromsgrove School, with its stunning grounds and modern facilities, the Festival of Computing 2025 offers the perfect mix of substance, setting, and shared passion.

We hope to see you there!

 

🎟️ Ready to book your ticket?
Secure your place now (fully refundable if you attend or cancel in good time)

🌐 Want to see more from Craig’n’Dave?
Visit craigndave.org for free teaching resources, classroom videos and community updates.

Related posts

How does optical disc burning work?

Discover what really happens when you “burn” a CD or DVD—it’s not fire, it’s a laser precisely encoding your data onto the disc. From pits and lands to rewritable mood-ring discs, here’s how your files get stored.

14 August 2026

What is a VPN?

Ever wondered how a VPN really works? Think of it as a clever middleman that keeps your online activity private and your data safe.

12 August 2026

Should parents be sharing your life on social media?

“Sharenting”—where parents share their children’s lives online—might seem harmless, but it comes with risks like identity theft, cyberbullying, and impacts on self-esteem. Learn how families can share responsibly while keeping kids’ privacy safe.

10 August 2026

What Is Concurrency in Computing?

Concurrency is the clever trick your computer uses to juggle multiple tasks at once—without actually doing them simultaneously.
From web pages to deadlocks, discover how this behind-the-scenes magic keeps your digital world running (mostly) smoothly.

7 August 2026

Why are silicon wafers round when chips are square?

Ever wondered why silicon wafers are round when everything they power is square? It’s all down to the way we grow and slice silicon — a fascinating mix of physics, efficiency, and a touch of irony.

5 August 2026

What Is the Best Material for a Smartphone?

Your smartphone isn’t made from one perfect material — it’s a carefully engineered compromise of plastic, metal, glass, and ceramic. Each choice solves a problem… and creates another.

3 August 2026

AI torrenting may not be so legal after all

AI training is facing a legal reality check as courts draw the line between fair use and copyright infringement. We look at why data provenance and licensing are now critical in modern AI development.

31 July 2026

Why are LEDs so efficient?

Ever wondered why LEDs use so little energy? Discover how semiconductors create light directly, using far less energy and heat than traditional light bulbs.

29 July 2026

Why Pixar still chooses CPUs over GPUs

Pixar still relies on CPUs for their final film renders — not because they’re faster, but because accuracy beats speed when every photon counts. Discover why GPUs, despite their power, aren’t perfect for cinematic-quality frames.