The 2026 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 can pre-register for each session.

LEADERSHIP

ISBL looks at the challenge of improving school business leadership capability slightly differently. For an organisation to be successful, it must have certain ingredients that will ensure operational effectiveness – these include good people, strong leadership, clear processes and a way to monitor productivity. So how can schools understand the mix of people and roles that will help secure those ingredients? Includes Q&A session chaired by Stephen Morales.

INITIAL TEACHER TRAINING

NASBTT Head of Operations James Coleman leads discussions on its renewed calls for changes to ITT recruitment policy. James is joined by guests including Professor Samantha Twiselton OBE for a Q&A session chaired by leading Education Consultant Phil Smith.

SEND

With significant changes to the way schools must now approach supporting children with SEND, author and Chair of the Association for Learning Environments Terry White fields a thought-provoking session with discussions focusing on strategy, implementation in the classroom and how schools will need to work differently.

Strategy
Implementation in the classroom
Adapting the learning and teaching agenda
Changes to the classroom space

Distinguished guests from across the SEND sector include one of the most knowledgeable people in delivering and implementing SEND policy, Ali Durban MBE. Ali works directly supporting SEND headteachers and chairs a SEND educational group .She was awarded an MBE for her extensive work in this field and brings a fresh and informed perspective to the panel debate. 

SHINE Trustee and Education Policy Government Advisor Samantha Twiselton OBE also joins the panel. Prepare to hear a fresh approach in this lively discussion.

OFSTED CONFERENCE

The future of school leadership and how to navigate the changes.

EDUCATION BUSINESS AWARDS

16:30 - Close

BURSARS & BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

The reality of rising costs is leaving schools and academies extremely concerned about budgets, despite the government allocation of £1.3 billion in extra mainstream funding for 2025-26. Leaders of Trusts chart their financial journeys and procurement experts discuss the changing role of school business management. Crescent Purchasing Consortium joins the Q&A.

SCHOOL ESTATES MANAGEMENT

NASPM’s own Stuart McGregor, Director of Operations, will lead conversations on school compliance, including legal duties, safe systems of work, and the challenges of being a duty holder. 

AI & EDTECH - in partnership with TechUK

Chaired by Austin Earl - Education & Edtech at techUK

Part 1: AI in the Classroom - Can we trust the technology?
AI is transforming classrooms, but schools need confidence in the tools they adopt. This session explores how research-led certification can ensure AI tools are safe, effective, and ethically grounded.

Part 2: Digital Maturity - From Fragmentation to Coherence 
Explore the ways education leaders, government representatives, and industry partners can drive coherent progress in your schools digital maturity.

EDUCATION BUSINESS AWARDS

16:30 - Close