Annual Boarding Conference 2027
🎧 Deputy Heads and Heads of Boarding
📍 DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole
🏠 Discounted accommodation available
⭐ Featuring the BSA Supporting Excellence Awards – Entries are now open (find out more here)
The 2027 Annual Boarding Conference awaits – join us!
Join boarding professionals from across the sector at the Hilton, Brighton for two inspiring days of learning, collaboration, and networking. Discover emerging developments and opportunities in boarding, engage with expert-led sessions, and exchange ideas with colleagues through interactive round tables and breakout discussions.
“A wonderful chance to speak to like-minded professionals and to hear from some outstanding guest speakers.”
“Very invigorating atmosphere and very friendly, inclusive attendees and speakers.”
Take this opportunity to build valuable connections, gain fresh perspectives, and return to your school with new ideas and renewed enthusiasm. And, of course, don’t miss the highlight of the event: the Annual Conference Dinner on Tuesday February 2 2027, following a sparkling drinks reception accompanied by live music. This year, the dinner will also feature an awards ceremony celebrating excellence.
Reserve your place today and join the conversation, strengthen your network, and be inspired!
Headline Sponsors:
This event will be held jointly with:
Conference Programme
Day 1
10:30 – 11:00 Registration & refreshments
Arrival, refreshments and an opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the boarding sector.
11:00 – 11.15 Welcome and Chair’s address
An introduction to the conference theme, The Future Starts Here: Leading Boarding with Courage, Care and Connection, setting the scene for two days of discussion, professional learning and collaboration.
Chair: Dr Clare Ives, Head, The Leys School
11:15 – 12:15 Keynote: Inclusive leadership
Explore how courageous, compassionate and inclusive leadership can shape the future of boarding. This opening keynote considers how leaders can create environments where staff and pupils feel valued, empowered and connected, building school communities in which everyone can thrive.
Speaker: Hannah Wilson, Founder and Director, The Belonging Effect
12:15 – 13:00 Teens turning to Social Media platforms to source Drugs and how dealers are adopting their tactics to capitalise on this
This session explores how teenagers are using social media to access drugs and how dealers are adapting their tactics to reach young people. It will highlight emerging substance trends and the drugs that could appear in schools, helping boarding staff better understand the changing risks and implications for safeguarding.
Speaker: Dave Parvin, MD and Training Specialist, Drug Sense UK
13:00 – 14:00 Lunch and Networking
14:00 – 14:30 Who’s looking after you?
Boarding leaders dedicate their time to caring for others, but who supports their own wellbeing? Explore the pressures of pastoral leadership and discover practical approaches to maintaining resilience, managing competing demands and creating a healthier, more sustainable working culture.
Speaker: Helen Keevil, Deputy Head (Pastoral) and Designated Safeguarding Lead, Abingdon School
14:30 – 15:30 Roundtable discussion: Live issues in boarding
An interactive opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities currently shaping boarding provision. Share experiences, explore emerging concerns and exchange practical solutions with colleagues from different school settings, drawing on the collective expertise of the boarding community.
Speakers:
- Sam Obeng-Asare, Assistant Head (Boarding), Haberdashers’ Adams
- Rachel Hart, Deputy Head (Pastoral), Roedean School
15:30 – 16:00 Refreshments and Networking
16:00 – 16:45 Legal update: What every boarding leader needs to know
Stay informed about key legal and regulatory developments affecting boarding schools. This session examines important considerations for school leaders, highlighting areas of risk, compliance responsibilities and practical steps to strengthen governance, safeguarding and everyday decision-making.
Speaker: Kate Hollyer, Executive Director (Legal), Abitas Group and Director, BSA Legal
16:45 – 17:30 Challenging sexual harassment and misogyny
Explore how boarding schools can challenge sexual harassment, misogyny and harmful attitudes among young people. This session considers the importance of education, respectful relationships and creating a culture where inappropriate behaviour is recognised, challenged and prevented.
Speaker: Our Streets Now
17:30 Close of Day One
19:00 – 19:30 Drinks Reception
An opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and make new connections ahead of the Annual Conference Dinner.
19:30 Annual Conference Dinner and Awards
Join colleagues for an evening of celebration, networking and recognition, including the Annual Conference Awards highlighting excellence and achievement across the boarding sector.
Conference Programme
Day 2
09:45 – 10:15 Boarding State of the Nation
An overview of the current boarding landscape, examining key developments, emerging challenges and opportunities for the sector. Reflect on the changing needs of boarding communities and consider how schools can prepare confidently for the future.
Speaker: Robin Fletcher, CEO, Abitas Group, BSA and TIOB
10:15 – 11.00 A Conversation on Leadership
Join experienced school leaders for an engaging discussion about the realities of leading boarding schools today. Explore leadership challenges, lessons learned and the qualities needed to navigate change, inspire colleagues and build thriving school communities.
Speakers:
- Mark Lauder, Headmaster, Strathallan School
- Dr Clare Ives, Head, The Leys School
- Chris Wheeler, Headmaster, Canford School
11:00 – 11:30 Refreshments and Networking
11:30 – 12:15 Research: Shaping the future of boarding
Discover how research can inform the future of boarding practice and strengthen outcomes for young people. This session explores the importance of evidence-informed approaches and considers how emerging findings can support innovation and continuous improvement across boarding communities.
Speaker: Katie Phillips, BSA Foundation Fellow
12:15 – 12:30 Conference Sponsor Session
An opportunity to hear from conference sponsor I-GTM and explore perspectives relevant to the boarding sector.
Speaker: David Williams, Managing Director, I-GTM
12:30 – 13:15 Breakout Sessions
Delegates can select from a range of practical workshops exploring key areas of boarding leadership and provision.
Breakout 1: Looking beyond the behaviour
Challenging behaviour often reflects an underlying need. Explore how understanding belonging, emotional safety and pupil agency can help boarding staff respond with empathy, maintain appropriate boundaries and support young people in developing independence and self-regulation.
Breakout 2: BSA PR campaign
Explore opportunities to strengthen the profile of boarding and communicate its value to families and wider audiences. Consider how clear messaging, authentic stories and collaborative promotion can help celebrate boarding communities and support future recruitment.
Speaker: Aileen Kane, Deputy CEO and Chief Operating Officer, BSA and Abitas Group
Breakout 3: Applying for SLT roles abroad
Considering the next step in your leadership career overseas? Explore the opportunities and challenges of applying for senior leadership positions in international schools, including how to demonstrate your experience, prepare for recruitment processes and navigate a move abroad.
Breakout 4: Taking on a New Boarding House
Taking responsibility for a new boarding house brings exciting opportunities and challenges. Explore the practical and pastoral priorities involved in establishing routines, building relationships, creating a positive house culture and ensuring a smooth transition for pupils and staff.
Breakout 5: Boarding and co-curricular: Creating opportunities beyond the classroom
Discover how a rich co-curricular programme can enhance boarding life, strengthen relationships and support pupils’ personal development. Explore the role of music, creativity and shared experiences in building confident, connected and inclusive boarding communities.
13:15 – 14:00 Lunch and Networking
14:00 – 15:00 Would You Spot It?
Put your safeguarding knowledge to the test through realistic scenarios reflecting the complexities of boarding life. Develop professional curiosity, consider effective responses to emerging concerns and strengthen your confidence in identifying and addressing potential risks.
15:00 Conference Close
Speakers
Conference Chair and Panellist: Dr Clare Ives, Head, The Leys School
Dr Clare Ives became Head of The Leys School in September 2025, having previously served as Senior Deputy Head at Sevenoaks School. Her earlier roles at Canford School included Boarding Housemistress, Head of History and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Lead. A graduate of the University of St Andrews, Clare holds a PhD examining Robert Kennedy’s record on civil rights. Before entering teaching, she spent eight years in the Civil Service. Her leadership experience reflects a strong commitment to academic excellence, pastoral care and inclusive school communities. She is also an enthusiastic musician and sportswoman.
Hannah Wilson, Founder and Director, The Belonging Effect
Hannah Wilson is a leadership development consultant, coach and trainer specialising in inclusive leadership, equity and belonging in education. She is the Founder and Director of The Belonging Effect and Co-Founder of #WomenEd and #DiverseEd. Hannah has over 20 years’ experience in education, holding leadership positions including Deputy and Executive Headteacher. She is Co-Editor of Diverse Educators: A Manifesto and author of Cultivating Belonging in Schools (2026). Through her consultancy, writing and speaking, Hannah supports education leaders in creating inclusive cultures, developing confident leadership and ensuring that every member of a school community feels valued.
Dave Parvin, MD and Training Specialist, Drug Sense UK
Dave Parvin is a former police Drug Squad Officer and experienced drug awareness educator. Drawing on his first-hand knowledge of substance misuse, Dave has delivered hundreds of awareness sessions to pupils, parents and school staff across the UK and internationally. His work focuses on helping young people understand the risks associated with drugs, alcohol and vaping, enabling them to make informed decisions. Known for his engaging, direct and non-judgemental approach, Dave works closely with schools and education organisations, including the BSA and Health in Education Association, to deliver practical training and guidance on emerging substance-related concerns.
Helen Keevil, Deputy Head (Pastoral) and Designated Safeguarding Lead, Abingdon School
Helen Keevil is Deputy Head (Pastoral) and Designated Safeguarding Lead at Abingdon School, where she oversees pupil welfare, pastoral systems, safeguarding and boarding provision. She also leads on diversity, equity and inclusion and works closely with pastoral colleagues to support pupil wellbeing and positive school culture. A graduate of the University of Exeter in Modern Foreign Languages, Helen combines her senior leadership responsibilities with teaching. She has written about mental health, pastoral care and the importance of embedding wellbeing throughout school life, bringing practical experience and a thoughtful perspective to the challenges facing pastoral leaders.
Sam Obeng-Asare, Assistant Head (Boarding), Haberdashers’ Adams
Sam Obeng-Asare is Assistant Head (Boarding) at Haberdashers’ Adams, a state boarding school in Newport, Shropshire. He plays a central role in leading the school’s boarding provision, supporting pupils across junior and senior boarding accommodation. His responsibilities include promoting a positive residential experience, supporting pupil wellbeing and helping young people develop independence and confidence. Sam is also part of the school’s safeguarding team, serving as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead. His experience provides a valuable perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing state boarding schools and the importance of creating supportive, inclusive communities for young people.
Rachel Hart, Deputy Head (Pastoral), Roedean School
Rachel Hart is Deputy Head (Pastoral) at Roedean School in Brighton, bringing extensive experience of pastoral care, safeguarding and pupil wellbeing in independent and boarding schools. She previously worked at Caterham School as a Head of Year and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead. Rachel has a particular interest in supporting young people experiencing eating disorders and mental health challenges and has contributed articles on these subjects to Tes. Her work focuses on helping staff develop consistent, informed approaches to pastoral care and creating school environments in which pupils feel supported, understood and safe.
Kate Hollyer, Director, BSA Legal
Kate advises independent day and boarding schools on the immigration law governing their international student recruitment. She leads the legal function across Abitas Group, heads its SRA-regulated practice BSA Legal, and has practised in UK immigration law for over 15 years. Her work covers Student sponsor licence compliance at senior leadership and governance level, and she acts for schools facing UKVI enforcement action. For schools sponsoring under-18s, immigration compliance is safeguarding, and much of her practice sits where sponsor duties and safeguarding frameworks meet. She has lived in boarding schools throughout her career. Kate represents the school sector on the Home Office’s Future Border and Immigration System (FBIS) Education Advisory Group and the UK Agent Quality Framework Steering Group, and the boarding sector at the All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Students. She is a qualified solicitor and a member of ILPA.
Our Streets Now
Our Streets Now is a UK organisation dedicated to ending public sexual harassment through education, advocacy and cultural change. Founded in 2019 by sisters Maya and Gemma Tutton, the organisation began as a youth-led campaign calling for public sexual harassment to become a criminal offence. It now works with schools, universities, communities and other organisations to challenge harmful attitudes and promote safer environments. Its educational work supports young people in understanding consent, respect, healthy relationships and the impact of harassment. Through awareness-raising and practical education, Our Streets Now seeks to prevent harassment and empower young people to challenge inappropriate behaviour.
Issy Warren – Our Streets Now
Issy Warren leads the development and delivery of all educational programmes at Our Streets Now. She has spent the past six years speaking to thousands of young people about their experiences of sexual harassment, gender stereotypes, misogyny and digital harms. Specialising in how sexual violence becomes normalised, Our Streets Now supports schools to deliver relationships and sex education that prevents sexual harassment and safeguards pupils.
Robin Fletcher, CEO, Abitas Group, BSA and TIOB
Robin Fletcher is Chief Executive of Abitas Group, the Boarding Schools’ Association and The Institute of Boarding. He joined the BSA as CEO in 2014 and has overseen its development as part of a wider group of associations and services dedicated to safeguarding, wellbeing and inclusion. Robin is also a director of BSA Legal and The Athena Programme. Before joining the boarding sector, he worked as a journalist, editor and communications director. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and an Honorary Fellow of Cardiff Metropolitan University. His work focuses on strengthening professional standards and supporting boarding communities.
Mark Lauder, Headmaster, Strathallan School
Mark Lauder has been Headmaster of Strathallan School since 2017 and brings extensive experience of teaching and leadership in boarding schools. His career includes appointments at Shiplake College, St Edward’s Oxford and Felsted School, where he served as Deputy Headmaster and Head of Boarding. Before joining Strathallan, he was Headmaster of Ashville College in Harrogate. Mark has also worked as a boarding Housemaster, sports coach and school governor, bringing a broad understanding of residential education. A former Chair of the Boarding Schools’ Association, he is committed to the transformative potential of boarding and the importance of inclusive, holistic education.
Chris Wheeler, Headmaster, Canford School
Chris Wheeler became Headmaster of Canford School in September 2025, bringing extensive experience of independent and international school leadership. Previously Principal of the Monkton Family of Schools, his career has also included leadership positions at Hillcrest International School, St Christopher’s and Brighton College. Chris has an MBA in Educational Leadership and Administration from UCL and has served in several sector leadership roles. He is Chair of The Institute of Boarding and is due to become Chair of the Boarding Schools’ Association in 2027. He is passionate about developing effective educational leadership and supporting pupils through a broad, enriching school experience.
Katie Philips, BSA Foundation Fellow, Child and Adolescent Psychotherapeutic Counsellor
Katie Phillips is a qualified and accredited Child and Adolescent Psychotherapeutic Counsellor with 15 years’ experience working in UK and international boarding schools. Her previous roles include teacher, boarding practitioner, Housemistress and Mental Health Lead. Katie holds a postgraduate qualification in Child and Adolescent Psychotherapeutic Counselling from the University of Cambridge and is an Accredited Boarding Practitioner. Her professional interests centre on integrating therapeutic approaches into pastoral care. Drawing on her research and practical experience, she has developed a reflective practice model supporting staff wellbeing and professional development within boarding communities.
Aileen Kane, Deputy CEO and Chief Operating Officer, BSA and Abitas Group
Aileen Kane is Deputy CEO and Chief Operating Officer of Abitas Group, bringing extensive experience in strategic marketing, communications, business development and organisational leadership. Her work includes developing brand positioning, building partnerships and supporting growth across the education sector. At Abitas Group, Aileen has led initiatives covering strategic marketing, organisational transformation and stakeholder engagement. She has also worked with government departments and sector partners to support best practice in safeguarding, international student recruitment and educational provision. Aileen brings valuable insight into the importance of effective communication, collaboration and promotion in strengthening the future of boarding.
David Williams, Co-Founder and CEO, I-GTM
David Williams is a Co-Founder and CEO of I-GTM, the leading travel record-keeping and management platform for UK boarding schools. Before launching I-GTM, David built and led a talent acquisition firm operating in emerging markets, gaining first-hand experience of the global networks that underpin the boarding school ecosystem. He now applies that insight to joining up the requirement for travel whereabouts recording with operational excellence. As the shift toward more international boarders gathers pace, this approach helps ensure schools remain truly “open to the world,” supporting enrolment and giving agents and families clear, confident messages about access to these world-class institutions.
Getting Here
By Car
The hotel is located on Brighton’s seafront and can be accessed via the A23 from London or the A27 from the east and west.
On-site underground parking is available at:
- Car park address: St Margaret’s Place, Brighton, BN1 2FD
- Parking charge: Currently advertised at £29 per day
- Height restriction: 1.8 metres
- Availability: Subject to spaces being available
Please note that taller vehicles, including some vans, will need alternative parking arrangements.
By Train
Brighton Railway Station is approximately a 15–20-minute walk from the hotel. Alternatively, taxis are available outside the station for a short journey to the venue.
Brighton is served by Southern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express services.
By Air
London Gatwick Airport is the nearest major airport, approximately 23 miles from the hotel. Regular train services connect Gatwick Airport with Brighton Railway Station.
