Reflections from BETT 2025: The Future of Education
Attending the BETT conference in January was an insightful and inspiring experience, offering a deep dive into the evolving landscape of education technology and publishing. As always, we were particularly focused on key trends shaping the market, including digital learning, the continuous evolution of English Language Teaching (ELT) and the increasing demand for accessibility and Special Educational Needs (SEN) resources. Here’s what we learnt and how we’re positioning ourselves to support you.
The Digital-First Revolution
BETT demonstrated the continued shift towards digital learning. While print remains relevant, it’s clear that interactive, engaging and personalised digital resources are becoming the norm. Many education providers are looking for content that seamlessly integrates into virtual learning environments (VLEs) and adaptive learning platforms. The demand for video, gamification and AI-driven personalisation is also growing.
At Westchester, we have always worked across multiple digital platforms to meet the needs of the client. We are investing in our capability to develop high-quality digital content, ensuring that our editorial processes align with the latest tech innovations. From interactive assessments to multimedia-rich courseware, we are committed to helping publishers and education providers create content that meets the expectations of modern learners.
ELT in a Changing World
The English Language Teaching (ELT) market remains a dynamic and evolving space, with digital innovation playing a central role. The demand for hybrid learning solutions, combining self-paced online study with live interaction, continues to rise. Additionally, AI-powered language learning tools are gaining traction, offering personalised feedback and adaptive learning paths.
At BETT, it was evident that learners and educators are looking for content that is flexible, engaging, and practical. This aligns with our approach as an editorial supplier – developing ELT content that not only supports language acquisition but also integrates cultural and real-world contexts to enhance learner engagement. Westchester’s Avallain certification helps us support ELT providers create pedagogically sound and engaging interactive resources.
Accessibility and SEN: Making Education Truly Inclusive
Accessibility was another major focus at BETT. With increasing global awareness of the importance of inclusive education, there is now a stronger push for learning materials that cater to diverse needs. Regulations such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and the European Accessibility Act (coming into effect this year) are shaping how content is designed and delivered.
At BETT, we saw groundbreaking assistive technologies, from AI-powered text-to-speech tools to adaptive learning platforms tailored for students with specific needs. This reinforces the importance of developing editorial content that is ‘born accessible’. Our expertise in producing content with alt-text, structured documents, and clear, dyslexia-friendly formatting enables us to support clients in creating inclusive learning materials.
The Road Ahead
BETT reinforced that the education market is moving towards a more inclusive, digital and personalised future. Meeting colleagues across the industry during this event only increased our excitement to support our clients to create high-quality content that makes a meaningful impact on learners worldwide.
If you’re looking for a trusted partner to help develop forward-thinking educational content, we’d love to hear from you.