One of the biggest challenges education systems in Europe and worldwide are facing is how to improve outcomes for the lowest achieving children and young people in order to create a more equal society. While politicians and education professionals are clear about the strategic importance of the aim, there is a lack of understanding of how it can be best achieved. At a time when inequalities in society seem to be increasing, it is important to identify closely the causes of inequity and explore ways to ensure that all children can be supported to lead successful and fulfilling lives. The purpose of this symposium, organised by the European Forum for Freedom in Education (effe), is to bring together educators and policy makers from across Europe in order to facilitate an ongoing dialogue so that we can learn from each other and work towards a fairer and more inclusive Europe.