Wales forum

🏷️ Free of charge
🎧 Heads, deputy heads, boarding staff
📍 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.

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Speakers:

Gareth Pearson, Head, Christ College Brecon

Raised and educated in Dorset, Mr Pearson studied BEng Mechanical Engineering at Loughborough University before joining the Royal Marines, reaching the rank of captain. He entered the independent schools sector in 2004, teaching Maths and serving as Deputy Head of Department at Millfield School. He then became Housemaster and Maths teacher at Wellington College before joining Lord Wandsworth College in 2013 as Senior Deputy Head and Head of Pastoral Care and Safeguarding. In 2017, Mr Pearson was appointed Head of Christ College Brecon, combining his leadership experience with a focus on pastoral care.

Emma Verrier, Chief Executive Officer, Welsh Independent Schools Council

Emma Verrier is Welsh and has been CEO of WISC since 2010. Previously, she was a Resolution Accredited Solicitor specialising in Family and Child Care Law and Head of Housing at Hodson, Parsons, James and Vaux Solicitors in Newport. In 2009, she completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Education and went on to lecture Law at Cardiff Metropolitan University, later teaching part-time at an independent international school in Cardiff. Emma now dedicates four days a week to WISC, supported by the Board of Directors. In her spare time, she enjoys walking her dog, swimming, travelling, and reading.

Dale Wilkins, 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 DfE, and oversees the Group’s work in Scotland and Wales. A trainer and consultant for BSA and SACPA, Dale is Vice Chair of SAFCAB. Previously, he was a boarding practitioner for 31 years, including Housemaster and Deputy Head at Old Swinford Hospital. He also trains for the Methodist Church, is a trustee of the National Youth String Orchestra, chairs a performing arts charity, and volunteers in sport and Scouting.