East England forum
🏷️ Free of charge
🎧 Heads, deputy heads, boarding staff
đź“Ť Online
Forum outline:
BSA regional forums are FREE for all staff at BSA member schools, and are a valuable opportunity to come together once a term to share experiences, exchange ideas, and discuss current issues affecting boarding.
Designed to foster regional collaboration, these forums offer a supportive and informal space for staff to raise questions, explore best practice, and benefit from peer insight. Whether you’re a Head of Boarding, Houseparent, Matron, or part of the wider pastoral team, the sessions are an excellent way to stay informed, connected, and inspired.
While many of our forums are held online for accessibility, some meetings take place in person to offer more opportunities for networking and relationship-building.
Why attend?
- Stay up to date with developments in the sector
- Discuss local challenges and share region-specific insights
- Contribute to a community of practice focused on continuous improvement
- Ask questions, seek advice, and offer support to peers
- Hear updates from BSA and guest contributors.
Speakers:
Dale Wilkins FTIOB, Executive Director, Scotland/Wales and Accredited/Compliance
Dale joined the BSA in 2017 to lead safeguarding, inspection, and compliance across the UK, building on his experience as a course tutor since 1998. He works closely with ISI, Ofsted, and the DfE, while also overseeing the Group’s work in Scotland and Wales. A trainer and consultant for BSA and SACPA, he is Vice Chair of SAFCAB. Dale previously spent 31 years as a boarding practitioner, including roles as Housemaster and Deputy Head at Old Swinford Hospital. Beyond education, he trains for the Methodist Church, is a charity trustee, chairs a performing arts organisation, and volunteers widely.
Chair:
Ellen Hesse
Ellen Hesse has dedicated her entire professional career to working in boarding schools, accumulating a wealth of experience in supporting boarders and ensuring their effective and enjoyable induction into school and boarding life. Currently, she is serving as the Principal at Abbey College Cambridge, an independent secondary school in Cambridge. She previously held the position of Vice Principal Pastoral and DSL at St Clare’s Oxford, a sixth-form IB college. Prior to that, from 2014 to 2018, she served as the Head of Pastoral Care, Director of Boarding, and DSL at The Royal School in Haslemere, an all-through school with an age range from 6 weeks old to 18. Her earlier experience includes a role as Head of Boarding at Cobham Hall in Kent from 2006 to 2014. Her teaching and boarding career started at King’s Ely. Ellen is a specialist in Science and History.
