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He’s an Associate Lecturer at Oxford Brookes University and Deputy Chair of the Well Schools strategic board. Adrian picked up a ‘Happy Hero’ medal at the House of Lords for boosting wellbeing in schools and later found himself speaking on stage with the Dalai Lama — as you do.
He’s the author of the award‑winning Wellbeing in the Primary Classroom, co-author of A Little Guide to Teacher Wellbeing and Self-care, and lead author of the Oxford International Curriculum for Wellbeing.
In 2024, he contributed a paper on teacher wellbeing to the OECD’s Global Forum on the Future of Education and Skills 2030 and he’s the joint editor of Questions on Teacher Wellbeing for ECTs (Routledge, 2026).
Adrian’s work is grounded in the belief that happier teachers teach better and happier children learn better. All of his work centres around developing the happiness and wellbeing of children and teachers.
Adrian Bethune will discuss that the purpose of education should be to improve the happiness and wellbeing of pupils now and in the future. Adrian will share insights from the science of wellbeing and show how schools can be at the epicentre of societal change, creating a healthier, happier, more caring and sustainable society.
In today’s education landscape, the mental health of both pupils and staff has never been more important or more challenged.
In this insightful and practical keynote, Adrian Bethune explores the interconnected wellbeing of children and teachers, highlighting why supporting one without the other simply does not work. Drawing on research, classroom experience and proven strategies, he shares how schools can create environments where both staff and pupils feel supported, valued and able to thrive.
Delegates will leave with a deeper understanding of the drivers behind poor mental health, along with realistic, evidence based approaches to improving wellbeing across the whole school community.
With growing numbers of educators experiencing stress and burnout, it is clear that something needs to change.
In this empowering keynote, Adrian Bethune shares practical, evidence based strategies to help educators manage stress more effectively and rediscover enjoyment in their work. Grounded in both research and real classroom experience, this session challenges the idea that stress is simply part of the job.
Adrian provides simple, sustainable tools that can be implemented immediately, helping educators feel more in control, energised and balanced in their professional and personal lives.
This is a powerful and reassuring session that reminds educators they deserve to feel supported, fulfilled and able to thrive in their role.
What does it really mean to be happy, and can it actually be taught?
In this engaging and evidence based keynote, Adrian Bethune explores the science behind wellbeing, drawing on the latest research from positive psychology and education. He breaks down what truly supports happiness and resilience, and why these factors are essential not only for mental health but also for learning and performance.
Combining research with real classroom insight, Adrian translates theory into practical strategies that can be applied immediately in schools and organisations. He demonstrates how small, intentional changes can have a significant impact on wellbeing, culture and outcomes.
Delegates will leave with a clear understanding of what drives wellbeing, along with simple, effective tools to help themselves and those around them flourish.
I laughed a lot and, at times, I cried……as some of the points that were raised certainly hit more than one raw nerve! This workshop has taught me how to start looking at things in a different way and I am hopeful that I will be able to incorporate some of the techniques learnt into my daily routine. A truly thought-provoking and uplifting experience!
Adrian delivered a highly engaging talk which gave our staff an understanding of the reasons why students can suffer from anxiety as well as plenty of practical ideas we can now use straight away with our students. Importantly, all of this discussion was well grounded in scientific research which Adrian made accessible to all.
