The one-day event will feature an inspirational line-up of educationalists, central government policy-makers, session talks, Q&As and networking opportunities to explore practical solutions for managing and developing education in the UK.
The conference streams have been themed around the main issues affecting school management. Delegates will be able to pre-register for each session.
SESSION ONE: LEADERSHIP
This session explores the concept of school leadership and how we might develop expertise further.
| 1 | TBA Stephen Morales, Institute of School Business Leaders (ISBL) |
| 2 | TBA Rob Lightfoot, CEO, National Association for Able Children in Education (NACE) |
| 3 | Working with other leaders Hannah Stolton, Governors for Schools |
| Q&A | Panel discussion Using feedback to become a better leader - Chaired by Stephen Morales with guests Rob Lightfoot, Lee Herridge (ISBL), Hannah Stolton |
SESSION TWO: WHAT DRIVES SUCCESSFUL OFSTED OUTCOMES?
This session explores the overall process and successes.
| 1 | What Ofsted inspectors look for in 2025 TBA |
| 2 | School score cards: will they capture what parents tell us they want to see? Colin Diamond CBE, Professor of Educational Leadership, University of Birmingham |
| 3 | Follow the leader - a school’s improvement journey Rob Carpenter, Leadership Consultant & Trust Leader of the Inspire Partnership |
| Q&A | Panel discussion Ofsted attainment vs. children’s long-term learning chaired by Colin Diamond |
SESSION THREE: RECRUITMENT & RETENTION
This session discusses strategies to increase teacher recruitment and priorities for improving teacher retention
| 1 | The Future of Initial Teacher Training: how can we attract more people to the profession, and keep them? Emma Hollis, CEO, National Association of School-Based Teacher Trainers (NASBTT) |
| 2 | Funding temporary staff John Wilson, Category Lead, Crown Commercial Service |
3 | TBA
TBA |
| Q&A | Panel discussion The difference between induction and mentoring - chaired by Emma Hollis |
SESSION FOUR: SEND
This session explores the role of schools in SEND support, mainstream inclusion and leveraging collaboration.
| 1 | The role of schools in SEND support Annamarie Hassall, National Association for Special Educational Needs |
| 2 | TBA TBA |
3 | TBA TBA |
| Q&A | Panel discussion Stepping outside the box: An understanding of schools & SEND support - chaired by Annamarie Hassall |
SESSION FIVE: BURSARS & BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
This session explores schools resource management, professional development of a schools business/admin staff and approaches to financial management and effective spending.
| 1 | The current picture on school funding DfE Schools Commercial Team |
| 2 | A fresh approach to financial management Lana Stoyles, Head of Business Transformation, Nexus Multi Academy Trust |
| 3 | What MATs should consider when it comes to financial strategy Peter Melville, Chief Operating Officer, South West Essex Community Education Trust / Incensu |
| 4 | Self-assessment and professional development Lee Herridge, Director of Professional Development, Institute of School Business Leaders |
| Q&A | Panel discussion Does business have any business in education? - With guests from DfE, Lana Stoyles, Peter Melville, Hannah Stolton, Lee Herridge, John Wilson (CCS) |
SESSION SIX: CREATING A SUSTAINABLE SCHOOL
This session explores just a few of the estate management issues affecting schools now.
| 1 | The collaborative approach to sustainable schools Dave Smith, Director of Procurement and Trust-wide Projects, Osborne Cooperative Academy Trust |
| 2 | How to plant bright ideas into your school ethos Alex Green, Head of Let’s Go Zero |
3 | TBA |
| Q&A | Panel discussion Are current net zero targets in schools working? chaired by Dave Smith |