ONLINE KEYNOTES – DOWNLOADS – BOOK JAMES – CALENDAR – TOPICS – BOOKS – VIDEOS – SOCIAL MEDIA


James Nottingham, FRSA
Teacher, Author, Consultant, Keynote Speaker
James Nottingham is the creator of The Learning Pit as well as a sought-after keynote speaker and author of 11 books about teaching, learning and leadership. He co-founded Challenging Learning in 2006 to share some of the best ways to strengthen learning in schools, preschools, and colleges. HIs company now employs 25 staff in six countries: the UK, the USA, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Australia.
James brings rare clarity and insight to research evidence; a breadth and depth of exemplar that connects with the reality of the classroom; and a sense of story and humour that ensures learning continues long into the future.
His experience and insights are particularly relevant to teachers, leaders, administrators, and support staff involved in 3-19 & adult education.
“James Nottingham will help you navigate the world of educational concepts and research with a wonderful blend of clarity and good humour.” PROFESSOR CAROL DWECK
“James Nottingham has developed a rare skill for blending arresting anecdotes, hard-edged research and practical advice into a truly compelling narrative.” PROFESSOR BARRY HYMER
Follow James
ONLINE CONSULTANCY
In addition to the keynotes, workshops and demonstration lessons James has been booked for (see calendar below), he also offers the following online consultancy:
Virtual Keynotes
James welcomes invitations to keynote virtual conferences and staff events. More details
Webinars and Coaching
James and his team offer webinars on all Challenging Learning topics as well as coaching for individuals and small teams. More details
Open Events
The Challenging Learning team host a wide range of events with James Nottingham, including the Pit Podcasts and our in-depth webinar series
Virtual delivery can be booked either as the preferred option or as a back-up plan in case of travel restrictions. This allows you to book with confidence, knowing that Professional Learning will take place on your chosen date(s).

ONLINE CONSULTANCY
In addition to the keynotes, workshops and demonstration lessons James has been booked for (see calendar below), he also offers the following online consultancy:
Virtual Keynotes
James welcomes invitations to keynote virtual conferences and staff events. More details
Webinars and Coaching
James and his team offer webinars on all Challenging Learning topics as well as coaching for individuals and small teams. More details
Open Events
The Challenging Learning team host a wide range of events with James Nottingham, including the Pit Podcasts and our in-depth webinar series
Virtual delivery can be booked either as the preferred option or as a back-up plan in case of travel restrictions. This allows you to book with confidence, knowing that Professional Learning will take place on your chosen date(s).


ONLINE CONSULTANCY
In addition to the keynotes, workshops and demonstration lessons James has been booked for (see calendar below), he also offers the following online consultancy:
Virtual Keynotes
James welcomes invitations to keynote virtual conferences and staff events. More details
Webinars and Coaching
James and his team offer webinars on all Challenging Learning topics as well as coaching for individuals and small teams. More details
Open Events
The Challenging Learning team host a wide range of events with James Nottingham, including the Pit Podcasts and our in-depth webinar series
Virtual delivery can be booked either as the preferred option or as a back-up plan in case of travel restrictions. This allows you to book with confidence, knowing that Professional Learning will take place on your chosen date(s).
Video Spotlight
There are 100+ videos of James Nottingham online – giving keynotes, teaching students, explaining theories. So, this is a very small selection. You can find others on the video section of this site as well as on YouTube and Vimeo.
Podcasts
Find out more about James Nottingham, his concepts, thoughts, and Challenging Learning through these free-to-listen to Podcasts.
Areas of Expertise
James Nottingham has keynoted many thousands of conferences and led professional learning days across six continents. Whatever the context, he challenges, inspires and gives regular opportunity for audience reflection and dialogue. So, book him for an hour or a whole day and he will keep your delegates engaged throughout.
His most popular presentations are:
- Keynote Speeches (60-120 mins)
- Professional Learning Days (full- or half-day)
The topics he covers include:
Books by James Nottingham
See all the books James has written or alternatively use the quick links tabs below categories by language they were written in.
Books by James Nottingham
See all the books James has written or alternatively use the quick links tabs below categories by language they were written in.
Where in the World
James is open to invitations from around the world.
The expandable list below shows where James is booked in 2021 and beyond. If your event can precede or follow another in the same region, then travel costs can be kept to a minimum.
Please note: James’s calendar is being updated as we are rescheduling previously booked events and scheduling new events. You may reach out to a member of our team in your area to check availability.
Social Media
You can connect with James through these social media platforms:
How can you possibly sum up all the magic from a full day of #learning with @JamesNottinghm in a single #blog post?
— • Thaddeus Bourassa ~ M. Ed • (@ThaddeusBTeach) February 2, 2019
Well take a moment to read this thoughtful post by @AnnickRauch.
It's about as close as you can get. @louis_riel_sd #SJASD #ChallengingLearning @ChallengeLearn https://t.co/0zcjf64WKr
Totally starstrucked by Mr @JamesNottinghm in Gothenburgh today. Very inspireing.
— Paul Holm (@PalleHo) November 21, 2014
. @JamesNottinghm Thank you for being a great inspiration in #Tårnby today. The speak will make a great difference in our schools #PUC
— Elzebeth Wøhlk (@Elze_beth) March 24, 2015
By far, the highlight of the #AVL2017 so far was @JamesNottinghm Both the keynote and break out were beyond inspiring!
— Sweet Lou (@bergy1910) July 12, 2017
Absolutely loved @JamesNottinghm and his session on Feedback during #AVL2019. The wheels are turning and digesting everything I just witnessed. Wondering about how to bring Parents in on this. What happens when Ps’ advice/criticisms create an undesirable outcome for Ss? pic.twitter.com/Mi1glPMtrq
— Yau-Jau Ku (@yaujauku) July 9, 2019
Every time I meet James he makes me think deeper about learning and teaching. What a great job he did yesterday evening in The Hague! @_bazalt @Bazaltgroep @JamesNottinghm @HCOactiviteiten https://t.co/CRAADbikSj
— Eveline Busch (@BuschEveline) October 4, 2019
Grateful to be a part of the West Aurora District 129 PD day on Friday! Thanks for allowing FIRST to provide 17 presenters to make this day a huge success. Closed out the day with an amazing keynote from @JamesNottinghm! #LearningFIRST #PD #leadership #education #iledchat pic.twitter.com/5c2TUfJ1b1
— FIRST Ed Resources (@1stEdResources) March 5, 2019
Every school needs a @JamesNottinghm in it at all times.. very inspiring.. can't wait to take VL to the next level with my class🤓💭 #ACLF2016
— Miss Higgins 🌸 (@MissHiggins6) November 29, 2016
Amazing lecture on the power of feedback from @jamesnottinghm #fireflylc pic.twitter.com/vhxUIO6Th0
— Computer Studies💻 (@StAugustinesCS) November 12, 2015
Great day with @JamesNottinghm here at St Chris, Bahrain! Engaging and full of humour. Love the "wobble"! I am going to be wobbling!
— Gillie V (Mrs V) (@gilliev_v) August 25, 2015
James Nottingham håller nästan Zlatanklass!!#skolriksdag #skolatrelleborg pic.twitter.com/TMOVfQBBw0
— Michel (@theldabh) April 28, 2015
@JamesNottinghm is brilliant as always. You have to focus on progress, not achievement. If you do that, the sky is the limit. #skolriksdag
— Patrik Landström (@PatrikLandstrom) April 28, 2015
Thank you @JamesNottinghm for your #ACLF2016 input or as one colleague called it; 'the glue that made it all stick together' @AngusCouncil
— Dr Pauline Stephen (@GTCSPauline) November 29, 2016
What is POWER? Such a great demonstration about how to create cognitive conflict!!! Thank you @JamesNottinghm SO GOOD! ❤️ Even better than “I said draw a HOUSE!” @CorwinPress #AVL2019 pic.twitter.com/T3GFQiELYH
— Joseph Prosapio (@ProsapioJ) July 9, 2019
Spot the cock #FirstEverSelfie pic.twitter.com/LbDIXla0hY
— James Nottingham (@JamesNottinghm) May 19, 2014
How can you possibly sum up all the magic from a full day of #learning with @JamesNottinghm in a single #blog post?
— • Thaddeus Bourassa ~ M. Ed • (@ThaddeusBTeach) February 2, 2019
Well take a moment to read this thoughtful post by @AnnickRauch.
It's about as close as you can get. @louis_riel_sd #SJASD #ChallengingLearning @ChallengeLearn https://t.co/0zcjf64WKr
Totally starstrucked by Mr @JamesNottinghm in Gothenburgh today. Very inspireing.
— Paul Holm (@PalleHo) November 21, 2014
. @JamesNottinghm Thank you for being a great inspiration in #Tårnby today. The speak will make a great difference in our schools #PUC
— Elzebeth Wøhlk (@Elze_beth) March 24, 2015
By far, the highlight of the #AVL2017 so far was @JamesNottinghm Both the keynote and break out were beyond inspiring!
— Sweet Lou (@bergy1910) July 12, 2017
Absolutely loved @JamesNottinghm and his session on Feedback during #AVL2019. The wheels are turning and digesting everything I just witnessed. Wondering about how to bring Parents in on this. What happens when Ps’ advice/criticisms create an undesirable outcome for Ss? pic.twitter.com/Mi1glPMtrq
— Yau-Jau Ku (@yaujauku) July 9, 2019
James Nottingham håller nästan Zlatanklass!!#skolriksdag #skolatrelleborg pic.twitter.com/TMOVfQBBw0
— Michel (@theldabh) April 28, 2015
Thank you @JamesNottinghm for your #ACLF2016 input or as one colleague called it; 'the glue that made it all stick together' @AngusCouncil
— Dr Pauline Stephen (@GTCSPauline) November 29, 2016
Spot the cock #FirstEverSelfie pic.twitter.com/LbDIXla0hY
— James Nottingham (@JamesNottinghm) May 19, 2014
Every time I meet James he makes me think deeper about learning and teaching. What a great job he did yesterday evening in The Hague! @_bazalt @Bazaltgroep @JamesNottinghm @HCOactiviteiten https://t.co/CRAADbikSj
— Eveline Busch (@BuschEveline) October 4, 2019
Grateful to be a part of the West Aurora District 129 PD day on Friday! Thanks for allowing FIRST to provide 17 presenters to make this day a huge success. Closed out the day with an amazing keynote from @JamesNottinghm! #LearningFIRST #PD #leadership #education #iledchat pic.twitter.com/5c2TUfJ1b1
— FIRST Ed Resources (@1stEdResources) March 5, 2019
Every school needs a @JamesNottinghm in it at all times.. very inspiring.. can't wait to take VL to the next level with my class🤓💭 #ACLF2016
— Miss Higgins 🌸 (@MissHiggins6) November 29, 2016
Amazing lecture on the power of feedback from @jamesnottinghm #fireflylc pic.twitter.com/vhxUIO6Th0
— Computer Studies💻 (@StAugustinesCS) November 12, 2015
Great day with @JamesNottinghm here at St Chris, Bahrain! Engaging and full of humour. Love the "wobble"! I am going to be wobbling!
— Gillie V (Mrs V) (@gilliev_v) August 25, 2015
@JamesNottinghm is brilliant as always. You have to focus on progress, not achievement. If you do that, the sky is the limit. #skolriksdag
— Patrik Landström (@PatrikLandstrom) April 28, 2015
What is POWER? Such a great demonstration about how to create cognitive conflict!!! Thank you @JamesNottinghm SO GOOD! ❤️ Even better than “I said draw a HOUSE!” @CorwinPress #AVL2019 pic.twitter.com/T3GFQiELYH
— Joseph Prosapio (@ProsapioJ) July 9, 2019