Annual Conference for Heads 2027

Monday 26 April 2027 (optional)

17:00 – 18:00 Meet the BSA Team

An informal drop-in for heads arriving the evening before conference to meet the team, seek advice or simply pop by to say ‘hello’.

18:00 – 19:00 Twilight drinks and dinner: Heads in conversation

An informal evening of dinner, drinks, shared ideas and conversation with friends and colleagues, old and new.

Tuesday 27 April 2027

09:00 – 09:45 Registration, coffee and networking with exhibitors and agents

09:45 – 10:30 Chair’s address
Speaker: Chris Wheeler, BSA Chair and Headmaster, Canford School

Against a backdrop of change across the sector, Chris will explore how schools can build confidence, strengthen culture and work together to drive renewed growth, setting the scene for a conference focused on momentum, collaboration and the future of boarding.

10:30 – 11:30 Leadership lessons from history
Speakers: Tom Holland and James Holland, Broadcasters and Historians

What does history teach us about leading through pressure, uncertainty and change? Tom Holland and James Holland bring the past vividly to life, drawing out sharp, relevant lessons on courage, judgement and leadership for today’s boarding school heads.  

11:30 – 12:15 Growth: what works, what fails, what scales
Chaired by: Alastair Land, Headmaster, Harrow School
Speaker panel:

• • Emma McKendrick, Headmistress, Downe House
  • Shirley Mitchell, John F Kennedy International School, Switzerland
  • Mark Semmence, Headmaster, Repton

A candid, conversation on building demand, learning from failure and making bold strategic choices in a tougher market. 

12:15 – 13:00 Lunch and networking with exhibitors and agents

13:00 – 13:45 How to get things done: influence beyond the boarding gates
Speaker panel:

• • Lord (Guy) Black of Brentwood, Honorary President of BSA
  • Professor Dame Anna Dominiczak, Chief Scientist (Health) for the Scottish Government, Regius Professor of Medicine at the University of Glasgow and HIEDA Honorary President
  • Gaon Hart, Immigration Services Commissioner for the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) and Chair of BSA Group Legal Advisory Board

Hear from leading figures from public life will share the practical lessons of influence: how to get heard, build unlikely allies, navigate difficult issues and turn relationships into action. Expect quick-fire provocations, real scenarios and small-group conversations.

13:45 – 14:45 Breakout sessions

14:45 – 15:15 Refreshments and networking with exhibitors and agents

15:30 – 16:30 Culture: driving demand to make boarding sustainable
Chaired by: Chris Wheeler, BSA Chair and Headmaster of Canford School
Speaker panel:

• • Dominic Oliver, Head, Oundle
  • Emma Goldsmith, Head, Dragon School
  • Arun Kanwar, Managing Partner, Cairneagle 

This practical session explores how members can build advocacy, trust and demand through the networks around them: parents, alumni, prep schools, agents, governors, local communities and sector partners.

16:30 – 17:00 Shaping the story of boarding

Help shape the next chapter of boarding. This interactive session gives Heads the opportunity to influence BSA’s forthcoming sector-wide PR campaign, sharing the stories, messages and proof points that can strengthen the case for boarding. Together, we’ll explore how we build a more compelling, contemporary narrative that challenges outdated perceptions, reflects today’s boarding experience and helps more families reconsider what boarding has to offer. 

19:00 – 19:30 Boarding together: drinks reception
Live music kindly provided by Brighton College students.

19:30 Stories worth sharing: The BSA Celebrations Dinner and awards
Special guest: Miranda Hart, TV Personality

Wednesday 28 April 2027

07:00 Sunrise reset on Brighton seafront

Start the final day with an informal reflection session on the seafront led by Reverend Anthony Bewes, followed by an optional sea swim led by Chris Wheeler, BSA Chair and Headmaster, Canford School or 5k run along the promenade led by Dr Chris Pyle, Head, Lancaster Royal Grammar School.  An energising opportunity to reset, reconnect and enjoy Brighton before the conference resumes. 

09:30 – 10:30 The power of culture
Speaker: Johann Van Graan, Head of Bath Rugby

Every head knows that culture can make or break an organisation. Johann van Graan offers a fascinating perspective from elite sport on how to create clarity, build trust, unite people behind a common purpose and establish the conditions in which individuals and teams can thrive.

10:30 – 11:00 Refreshments and networking with exhibitors and agents

11:00 – 12:00 Boarding at the heart of education
Chair: Chris Wheeler, BSA Chair and Headmaster, Canford School
Speaker panel:

• • Alastair Chirnside, Head, St Edward’s School
  • Suzannah Cryer, Head, Highfield School
  • James Dahl, Master, Wellington College
  • Sally-Anne Huang, High Master, St Paul’s School 
  • Dr Chris Pyle, Head, Lancaster Royal Grammar School 

In this sector, we know boarding has the potential to add a powerful extra dimension to a young person’s education. In this session our panel will explores how a thriving boarding model can enhance the pupil experience, creating greater opportunities for personal development, independence, belonging, enrichment and learning beyond the classroom. How can heads ensure boarding is fully connected to their educational vision, and demonstrate the distinctive value it brings to pupils and families?

12:30 Conference close
Delegates are welcome to stay for an optional lunch in the restaurant before departure

Delegates will be in excellent company at this year’s Annual Conference for Heads…

Brighton is easily accessible by rail from London. The fastest direct trains are:

• Gatwick Airport – 30 minutes
• London Victoria – 52 minutes
• London Bridge – 58 minutes
• St Pancras (Eurostar) – 1 hour 16 minutes
• Luton Airport – 2 hours

There are also indirect trains from Heathrow and Stansted, as well as coaches and car hire from most major cities and airports. Trains can be booked in advance via thetrainline.com and coaches via nationalexpress.com.

Venue website: DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton
Venue location: Google Maps

On the evening of Tuesday April 27, following a drinks reception with live music and dinner for conference delegates, BSA will announce the winners of three Supporting Excellence award categories:

• The Stephen Winkley Award
• The Emma Pattison Award for Compassionate Leadership
• The International School of the Year Award

These awards will be a celebration of meaningful contribution, individual leadership and notable impact within the boarding sector and marks ten years since the awards were first introduced. Entries for the BSA Awards 2027 are open until Friday October 30, 2026. 

Additional categories are also available but winners of these will be announced at the Annual Boarding Conference in February 2027.

ENTER NOW

Venue

Location: Google Maps
Address: Kings Rd, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 2FU
Website: DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton

Checking in

Hotel guests may check in from 16:00.

WiFi

Wi-Fi is complimentary at the conference venue.
To access, delegates can select the Hilton Honors network, click ‘I have a promotional code’ and enter VIP as the code.

Breakfast

Served between 06:30 – 10:00.

Accommodation

Rooms are available to book at the venue directly via the hotel’s website (or room other booking platforms such as booking.com).
There are plenty of alternative hotels nearby, including:

• The Grand, Brighton
• Maldron Hotel, Brighton
• Harbour Hotel, Brighton
• Travelodge, Brighton Seafront
• Holiday Inn, Brighton Seafront

Dress code

The conference dress code is comfortable. For the conference dinner on Tuesday 27 April, the dress code is smart casual. We want everyone to feel comfortable and enjoy themselves (and we’ll be taking photographs).

Code of conduct

Click here to read the event code of conduct

Dietary requirements

Please let us know of any dietary arrangements or allergies well in advance of the conference via our online form, or directly via email to bsa@boarding.org.uk.

Parking

The discounted rate for the Metropole car park for residents will be £29 for 24 hours with code TTUKG.

Exhibitors and agents

The exhibition will be available during refreshment and comfort breaks. Agents will also be in attendance at this year’s conference. BSA is very grateful for the support of exhibitors and agents, and strongly encourages members to visit exhibition stands throughout the two days.

Fire safety information

Venue Health and Safety Information

Venue Evacuation Plan

Is attendance at the conference free of charge?

For UK full members of BSA, one delegate place is included as part of the 2026-27 membership subs. Booking costs apply if you are an international, affiliate or non-member. Click here for booking options.

Is accommodation included in my booking?

No, if overnight accommodation is required during the conference, please book this separately. Delegates are welcome to stay at the venue or there are plenty of nearby alternatives available a short walk or taxi journal away in Brighton to suit all budgets.

Can Deputy Heads attend on behalf of the Head? 

This conference is created for Heads only and is a valuable opportunity to forge connections each year with fellow school leaders. We would encourage Deputy Heads and Heads of Boarding to attend the Annual Boarding Conference taking place in the same venue (Hilton Brighton Metropole) on February 2-3, 2027.

List of exhibitors and agents coming soon…