BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//The Boarding Schools' Association - ECPv6.18.2//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.boarding.org.uk
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for The Boarding Schools' Association
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:Europe/London
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0000
TZOFFSETTO:+0100
TZNAME:BST
DTSTART:20250330T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0100
TZOFFSETTO:+0000
TZNAME:GMT
DTSTART:20251026T010000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0000
TZOFFSETTO:+0100
TZNAME:BST
DTSTART:20260329T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0100
TZOFFSETTO:+0000
TZNAME:GMT
DTSTART:20261025T010000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0000
TZOFFSETTO:+0100
TZNAME:BST
DTSTART:20270328T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0100
TZOFFSETTO:+0000
TZNAME:GMT
DTSTART:20271031T010000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261110T090000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261110T170000
DTSTAMP:20261021T070210Z
CREATED:20260407T103336Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261021T070210Z
UID:72396-1794301200-1794330000@www.boarding.org.uk
SUMMARY:Prep Boarding Conference 2026
DESCRIPTION:🎧 Prep boarding staff\, senior leaders\, marketing and admissions\n📍 Dragon School\, Oxford \n\nBSA Prep Boarding Conference 2026 is a one-day professional development event for educators and leaders in prep school boarding. The conference covers best practices in providing outstanding academic and pastoral care\, managing pupil transitions\, and key operational areas such as admissions\, compliance\, and staff retention. Expert-led sessions and a collaborative round table discussion will provide practical strategies and insights\, with a special focus on the crucial topic of pupil wellbeing and sleep optimisation. \nTraining topics will include: \n\nDeveloping outstanding academic and pastoral provision\, with a focus on supporting a smooth transition to senior boarding.\nCreating a strategic roadmap for marketing\, admissions\, compliance\, and staff retention in prep boarding schools.\nApplying strategies to improve pupil wellbeing through optimised sleep environments and routines.\n\nLearning Outcomes \nParticipants will be able to: \n\nIdentify and apply best practices for delivering outstanding academic\, pastoral\, and boarding provision in a prep school setting.\nImplement strategies that effectively support pupils in their transition from prep to senior boarding.\nDevelop a strategic roadmap for marketing\, admissions\, and compliance that drives enrolment growth and meets inspection standards.\nRecruit and retain high-quality staff and pupils by addressing key challenges in the boarding sector.\nApply practical techniques to promote healthier sleep and improve the overall wellbeing of boarding pupils.\n\nPlaces are limited. Early booking is recommended. \nBOOK NOW \n\nConference Programme\n09:30 – 10:00            Registration & refreshments \nNetworking and arrival. \n\n10:00 – 11.00             Why Prep Boarding Matters\n \nSetting out the opportunity for prep and junior boarding and asking: what do we want children to say about having boarded with us? \nWhat makes a truly exceptional boarding experience for younger pupils\, and how can schools create an environment where every child feels valued\, supported and connected? \nThis session explores the unique opportunities and responsibilities of prep and junior boarding\, focusing on the importance of belonging\, positive relationships\, independence and personal development. Delegates will consider how everyday interactions\, meaningful experiences and a strong boarding community can shape children’s confidence\, happiness and lasting memories. \nThrough reflection on what we want children to say about their boarding experience\, the session will encourage participants to identify practical ways to create a nurturing\, engaging and enriching environment in which young boarders can thrive. \nSpeaker: Emma Goldsmith\, Head\, The Dragon School\, Oxford \n\n11:00 – 12:00             UKVI compliance: inspection ready in Prep Boarding \n\nStaying informed about UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requirements is essential for prep schools sponsoring international boarding pupils. With regulatory expectations and compliance responsibilities continuing to evolve\, prep schools must ensure their procedures\, records and safeguarding arrangements remain robust and up to date. \nThis session will provide an overview of the latest UKVI rules\, regulatory developments and inspection expectations relevant to prep boarding schools. Delegates will explore key compliance responsibilities\, common areas of concern and practical approaches to maintaining effective systems and demonstrating compliance. \nThe session will also offer an opportunity to raise questions and discuss specific challenges with BSA Legal Partner and Immigration Solicitor\, Kate Hollyer\, helping schools strengthen their understanding and approach inspections with greater confidence. \n\nSpeaker: Kate Hollyer\, Director\, BSA Legal \n\n12:00 – 13:00            Lunch\, networking and boarding tour   \n\nAn opportunity to connect with fellow prep boarding professionals\, exchange experiences and discuss the opportunities and challenges facing prep boarding schools. \nDelegates will have time to build professional relationships\, share ideas and reflect on the morning’s discussions in an informal setting. An optional tour of the host school’s boarding facilities will provide an opportunity to explore the boarding environment and gain insights into approaches to creating welcoming\, supportive spaces for younger pupils. \n\n\n13:00 – 13:45           People make the place: Building Prep Boarding teams with energy and staying power \n\nThe success of any prep boarding community depends on the people who support\, guide and care for its pupils. Recruiting\, developing and retaining committed prep boarding staff is therefore essential to delivering a consistent\, positive experience for young boarders. \nThis session will explore practical approaches to building resilient\, motivated and effective prep boarding teams. Topics will include recruitment and induction\, managing workloads and rotas\, providing effective supervision\, supporting professional development and recognising staff contributions. \nDelegates will consider how strong leadership\, supportive working practices and a positive team culture can improve staff wellbeing\, strengthen retention and enable prep boarding professionals to find fulfilment and enjoyment in their roles. \n\n Speakers: \n\nLiz Hutchings\, Registrar\, Head of Boarding\, Junior King’s School\, Canterbury\nMarcus Faulkner\, Joint Head of Boarding\, The Dragon School\, Oxford\nAugusta Faulkner\, Joint Head of Boarding\, The Dragon School\, Oxford\n\n\n13:45 – 14:30           BSA Prep Boarding Forum meeting and round-table discussion \n\nThis interactive forum provides a valuable opportunity for prep boarding professionals to come together\, share experiences and explore the key issues shaping the sector. \nThrough open discussion and collaborative exchange\, delegates will be encouraged to reflect on emerging challenges\, celebrate successful approaches and consider opportunities for improvement within their own prep boarding communities. \nThe session offers a supportive environment for professional networking\, peer learning and practical problem-solving\, enabling participants to gain fresh perspectives and take away ideas that can inform their work. \n\n\n14:30 – 15:00             Refreshments and networking \n\nA chance to continue conversations\, exchange ideas and connect with colleagues from across the prep boarding sector before the final session of the day. \n\n\n15:00 – 16:00           Safe\, seen and heard: Safeguarding in the reality of Prep Boarding  \n\nEffective safeguarding goes beyond policies\, procedures and inspection readiness. In a prep boarding environment\, where staff play a central role in children’s daily lives\, safeguarding must be embedded in everyday interactions\, decision-making and the wider culture of care. \nThis session will explore what safeguarding looks like in practice within a busy prep boarding house\, highlighting the importance of creating an environment where every pupil feels safe\, listened to and supported. \nDelegates will consider how staff awareness\, professional boundaries\, effective communication and a proactive safeguarding culture contribute to pupil wellbeing and protection. The session will encourage boarding professionals to reflect on their existing practices and identify ways to strengthen safeguarding as an integral part of daily boarding life. \n\nSpeaker: Dale Wilkins\, Executive Director\, Scotland/Wales and Accredited/Compliance\, BSA \n\n16:00                           Conference ends \n\nSpeakers\n\n \nEmma Goldsmith\, Head\, The Dragon School\, Oxford \nEmma Goldsmith has been Head of Dragon School\, Oxford\, since September 2021\, becoming the first female Head in the school’s history. Previously Head of Winchester House School\, where she won Tatler’s Best Head of a Prep School award in 2019\, Emma brings extensive experience in teaching\, boarding and educational leadership. Her career includes teaching at Oakham and Rugby Schools and serving as Deputy Head and Housemistress at Bloxham School\, where she established its first girls’ boarding house. Emma is actively involved in the wider independent education sector\, including work with IAPS and school governance\, and is a passionate advocate for exceptional prep education and boarding. \n\n \nKate Hollyer\, Director\, BSA Legal \nKate Hollyer is Legal Director of Abitas Group and Director of BSA Legal Services Ltd. A qualified solicitor with over ten years’ experience advising on UK immigration law\, Kate provides specialist legal guidance to BSA members on immigration\, safeguarding and regulatory compliance matters. Before joining BSA in 2022\, she was a Partner and Head of Department at a leading full-service UK law firm. Kate also brings valuable first-hand knowledge of boarding life\, having lived in state\, preparatory and senior school boarding houses with her Housemaster husband since 2014. Her combination of legal expertise and practical boarding experience provides a valuable perspective on the challenges facing schools. \n\n \nLiz Hutchings\, Registrar\, Head of Boarding\, Junior King’s School\, Canterbury \nLiz Hutchings is Registrar and Head of Boarding at Junior King’s School\, Canterbury\, bringing extensive experience in boarding education and pastoral leadership. A graduate of the University of Reading\, where she specialised in English\, Liz has worked in boarding throughout her teaching career. Her previous roles include Assistant Houseparent at Port Regis\, Head of Year 4 and Housemistress at Junior King’s. She was appointed Head of Boarding in 2018 and has also served in senior pastoral and safeguarding roles. Liz is a passionate advocate for the opportunities provided by boarding and believes that strong pastoral care and a nurturing environment are central to children’s development and success. \n\n \nMarcus Faulkner\, Joint Head of Boarding\, The Dragon School\, Oxford \nMarcus Faulkner is Assistant Head Boarding and Joint Head of Boarding at Dragon School\, Oxford\, where he works alongside Augusta Faulkner to support the school’s vibrant boarding community. His role focuses on providing a nurturing\, welcoming and engaging environment in which young boarders can develop confidence\, independence and lasting friendships. Marcus works closely with boarding houseparents and colleagues to promote a family-style approach to boarding\, ensuring children feel supported and valued throughout their time at school. He is particularly committed to the positive experiences and relationships that help children flourish\, and to creating a boarding culture that combines exceptional pastoral care with opportunities for adventure\, personal growth and enjoyment. \n\n \nAugusta Faulkner\, Joint Head of Boarding\, The Dragon School\, Oxford \nAugusta Faulkner is Joint Head of Boarding at Dragon School\, Oxford\, working alongside her husband\, Marcus\, to create a supportive and enriching boarding experience. A Durham University graduate\, Augusta began her teaching career at the Dragon before spending six years teaching English and Maths and coaching rugby at Caldicott School. She subsequently returned to the Dragon\, managing Charlbury House and later School House\, before taking on her current boarding leadership responsibilities. Augusta has also led the school’s PSHEE department and has a particular interest in mental health and wellbeing. She is passionate about creating a positive boarding environment where children feel happy\, supported and confident. \n\n \nDale Wilkins\, Executive Director\, Scotland/Wales and Accredited/Compliance\, BSA \nDale Wilkins is Executive Director\, Scotland/Wales and Accredited/Compliance at the Boarding Schools’ Association\, where he leads on safeguarding\, inspection and boarding standards. Joining BSA in 2017\, Dale brought 31 years of experience as a boarding practitioner\, including senior positions at Norwich School\, Tettenhall College and Old Swinford Hospital\, where he served as Housemaster\, Deputy Head and Designated Safeguarding Lead. He has extensive experience in safeguarding training\, regulatory compliance and inspection frameworks\, working closely with ISI\, Ofsted and the Department for Education. Dale also developed the BSA Self-Assessment Toolkit and plays a leading role in supporting boarding schools to maintain high standards of safeguarding and care.
URL:https://www.boarding.org.uk/event/prep-boarding-conference-2/
CATEGORIES:Conference
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261110T093000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261110T113000
DTSTAMP:20260820T085331Z
CREATED:20260407T140842Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260820T085331Z
UID:72431-1794303000-1794310200@www.boarding.org.uk
SUMMARY:Making a success of dogs in boarding
DESCRIPTION:🏷️ From £135\n🎧 Pastoral leads\, all boarding staff\n📍 Online\n✅ Included in BSA CPD Pass \n\nCourse outline: \nDogs have long played a role in boarding house life\, and recent research continues to highlight the positive impact animals can have on children’s wellbeing. While the benefits are well-documented—particularly in supporting mental health—there are also practical and safeguarding considerations that must be addressed. Media portrayals can sometimes amplify concerns\, making it all the more important to approach the topic with clarity and balance. \nThis seminar explores current research on the role of dogs in school and boarding settings\, examines common risks and challenges\, and shares practical ideas and real-life examples for integrating dogs safely and effectively into boarding environments. \nTraining topics will include: \n\nThe latest research on the mental health and wellbeing benefits of dogs in boarding schools\nUnderstanding the risks\, including health\, safety\, and liability concerns\nPractical strategies for introducing and managing dogs in a boarding setting\nReal-world case studies highlighting successful approaches and lessons learned\n\nLearning outcomes: \nBy the end of the session\, participants will be able to: \n\nDescribe the key benefits of having dogs in boarding environments\, particularly in relation to student wellbeing\nIdentify and assess potential risks\, and understand how to mitigate them responsibly\nExplore and implement effective strategies for integrating dogs into boarding house life\nDraw insights from case studies to inform their own approach\n\nBOOK NOW \n\nSpeaker:  \nKimberly Tuckwell \nKimberly is Head of House at Lairthwaite Boarding House at Keswick School. Having lived and worked across Canada\, Germany\, and the UK\, she brings a rich global perspective\, focusing on pastoral wellbeing and creating a true home environment. Now settled in the Lake District\, Kimberly actively integrates animal-assisted support into boarding alongside her wonderful Therapy Dog\, Freyja\, two rescue cats\, and a small flock of free-range hens. A former IB English teacher\, her love for literature and Lake District adventures with Freyja is balanced by a keen enthusiasm for Formula 1 racing.
URL:https://www.boarding.org.uk/event/making-a-success-of-dogs-in-boarding-3/
LOCATION:Online – Zoom
CATEGORIES:Online,Seminar
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR