HA Conference 2026 access bursaries
This year, we were pleased to offer three new bursaries to fund travel and accommodation expenses for first-time attendees at HA Conference, thanks to a generous donation from an anonymous benefactor.
We know that budgets for professional development are tight and, with travel and accommodation prices increasingly high, it can be difficult for schools to fund the extras that come with conference attendance. These bursaries will cover travel and accommodation expenses of up to £300 for successful applicants, while also guaranteeing attendance at the discounted concessionary Early Bird rate.
Applications for these bursaries are now closed. Successful applicants will be informed by the end of April.
Thank you to our anonymous donor for giving early career teachers this valuable opportunity to access subject-specific professional development.
The Jim Shields and Bob Unwin Bursaries
This year, we were excited to introduce the ‘Jim and Bob’ Bursaries for Early Career and trainee teachers, generously funded by Ian and Pat Dawson. These bursaries commemorate the contributions of two contrasting but equally inspirational history educators. Jim Shields was an outstanding classroom teacher throughout his career in Liverpool where Ian had the good fortune to have him as his teacher for O-level and A-level history. Bob Unwin was a leading figure nationally in history teaching, a much-respected author, workshop leader, historian and innovator for over 30 years and Ian’s history PGCE tutor at Leeds University.
The bursaries will cover a two-day ticket for HA Conference 2026, plus a contribution towards accommodation and travel to support two early career or beginning teachers based in the historic counties of Lancashire and Yorkshire to attend the conference.
Applications for these bursaries are now closed.
Our thanks to Ian and Pat Dawson for giving new teachers this valuable opportunity. Read Ian Dawson's tribute piece to Jim and Bob on ThinkingHistory
Jim Shields
