BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//The Boarding Schools' Association - ECPv6.18.3//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:The Boarding Schools' Association
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: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
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0000
TZOFFSETTO:+0100
TZNAME:BST
DTSTART:20280326T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0100
TZOFFSETTO:+0000
TZNAME:GMT
DTSTART:20281029T010000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20270202T090000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20270203T170000
DTSTAMP:20261110T163513Z
CREATED:20260409T123713Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261110T163513Z
UID:74175-1801558800-1801674000@www.boarding.org.uk
SUMMARY:Annual Boarding Conference 2027
DESCRIPTION:🎧 Deputy Heads and Heads of Boarding\n📍 DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole\n🏠 Discounted accommodation available\n⭐ Featuring the BSA Supporting Excellence Awards – Entries are now open (find out more here) \n\nThe 2027 Annual Boarding Conference awaits – join us! \nJoin 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. \n“A wonderful chance to speak to like-minded professionals and to hear from some outstanding guest speakers.” \n“Very invigorating atmosphere and very friendly\, inclusive attendees and speakers.” \nTake 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. \nReserve your place today and join the conversation\, strengthen your network\, and be inspired! \nBOOK NOW \nPlease find below the accommodation link offering 15% off our best available rate for this event: \nDoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole \n\nHeadline Sponsors: \n               \n\nThis event will be held jointly with: \n \n\n\nConference Programme\nDay 1\n  \n10:30 – 11:00            Registration & refreshments \nArrival\, refreshments and an opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the boarding sector. \n\n11:00 – 11.15             Welcome and Chair’s address\n \nAn 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. \nChair: Dr Clare Ives\, Head\, The Leys School \n\n11:15 – 12:15            Keynote: Inclusive leadership \n\nExplore 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. \nSpeaker: Hannah Wilson\, Founder and Director\, The Belonging Effect \n\n\n12:15 – 13:00            Teens turning to Social Media platforms to source Drugs and how dealers are adopting their tactics to capitalise on this   \n\nThis 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. \nSpeaker: Dave Parvin\, MD and Training Specialist\, Drug Sense UK \n\n\n13:00 – 14:00           Lunch and Networking \n\n\n14:00 – 14:30         Who’s looking after you? \n\nBoarding 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. \nSpeaker: Helen Keevil\, Deputy Head (Pastoral) and Designated Safeguarding Lead\, Abingdon School \n\n\n14:30 – 15:30           Roundtable discussion: Live issues in boarding \n\nAn 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. \nSpeakers: \n\nSam Obeng-Asare\, Assistant Head (Boarding)\, Haberdashers’ Adams\nRachel Hart\, Deputy Head (Pastoral)\, Roedean School\n\n\n\n15:30 – 16:00           Refreshments and Networking \n\n\n16:00 – 16:45            Legal update: What every boarding leader needs to know \nStay 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. \nSpeaker: Kate Hollyer\, Executive Director (Legal)\, Abitas Group and Director\, BSA Legal \n\n16:45 – 17:30           Challenging sexual harassment and misogyny \nExplore 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. \nSpeaker: Our Streets Now \n\n17:30           Close of Day One \n\n19:00 – 19:30           Drinks Reception \nAn opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and make new connections ahead of the Annual Conference Dinner. \n\n19:30           Annual Conference Dinner and Awards \nJoin colleagues for an evening of celebration\, networking and recognition\, including the Annual Conference Awards highlighting excellence and achievement across the boarding sector. \n\n\nConference Programme\nDay 2\n  \n09:45 – 10:15            Boarding State of the Nation \nAn 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. \nSpeaker: Robin Fletcher\, CEO\, Abitas Group\, BSA and TIOB \n\n10:15 – 11.00             A Conversation on Leadership\n \nJoin 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. \nSpeakers: \n\nMark Lauder\, Headmaster\, Strathallan School\nDr Clare Ives\, Head\, The Leys School\nChris Wheeler\, Headmaster\, Canford School\n\n\n11:00 – 11:30             Refreshments and Networking \n\n\n11:30 – 12:15            Research: Transforming boarding practice \n\nDiscover how research can inform the future of boarding practice and strengthen outcomes for young people and boarding staff. This session explores the importance of evidence-informed approaches\, and considers how emerging research into the integration of psychotherapeutic theory and reflective practice within boarding communities can support staff wellbeing\, professional development\, and the building of more empathic boarding cultures. \nSpeaker: Katie Phillips\, BSA Foundation Fellow \n\n12:15 – 12:30            Conference Sponsor Session  \n\nAn opportunity to hear from conference sponsor I-GTM and explore perspectives relevant to the boarding sector. \nSpeaker: David Williams\, Managing Director\, I-GTM \n\n\n\n12:30 – 13:15           Breakout Sessions \n\nDelegates can select from a range of practical workshops exploring key areas of boarding leadership and provision. \n\nBreakout 1: Looking beyond the behaviour\nChallenging behaviour often reflects an underlying need. Explore how Attachment Theory can help inform the ways in which staff understand and respond to boarders’ behaviours and emotions\, maintain appropriate boundaries\, and foster safe and supportive staff-boarder relationships. \nBreakout 2: BSA PR campaign\nExplore 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. \nSpeaker: Aileen Kane\, Deputy CEO and Chief Operating Officer\, BSA and Abitas Group\n \nBreakout 3: Applying for SLT roles abroad\nConsidering 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. \nBreakout 4: Taking on a New Boarding House\nTaking 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. \nBreakout 5: Boarding and co-curricular: Creating opportunities beyond the classroom\nDiscover 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. \n\n13:15 – 14:00           Lunch and Networking \n\n14:00 – 15:00             Would You Spot It? \n\nPut 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. \n\n\n15:00                           Conference Close \n\n\nSpeakers\n  \n \nConference Chair and Panellist: Dr Clare Ives\, Head\, The Leys School \nClare Ives is Head of The Leys School\, Cambridge\, a co-educational boarding and day school. Previously a senior leader at Sevenoaks School and Housemistress of a girls’ boarding house at Canford School\, she is a strong advocate for the transformative power of boarding education and the profound impact that schools can have on young people’s lives. Clare believes schools should empower young people to demand equity\, create inclusion and embrace diversity by promoting belonging\, ambition and a sense of purpose and service. \n\nHannah Wilson\, Founder and Director\, The Belonging Effect \nHannah 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. \n\nDave Parvin\, MD and Training Specialist\, Drug Sense UK \nDave 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. \n\nHelen Keevil\, Deputy Head (Pastoral) and Designated Safeguarding Lead\, Abingdon School \nHelen 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. \n\nSam Obeng-Asare\, Assistant Head (Boarding)\, Haberdashers’ Adams\n \nSam is Head of Economics & Business\, as well as an Assistant Headteacher (Head of Boarding)\, at Haberdashers’ Adams Grammar School in Newport Shropshire. Sam has a passion for developing boarding so that every boarder has an enriched experience that will stay with them forever. As a past boarder in his native Ghana from one of the nation’s prestigious schools\, Prempeh College\, Sam desires to make boarding experience a lasting one for every boarder\, whether from the Independent or the State sector. This is why he co-founded the West Midlands Boarding Forum; a forum that offers platform for boarding practitioners from both state and independent sectors to share resources\, ideas and practices for the collective benefit of boarders. This forum won an excellence award from the BSA in June 2025. \n\nRachel Hart\, Deputy Head (Pastoral)\, Roedean School\n \nRachel 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. \n\nKate Hollyer\, Director\, BSA Legal\n \nKate 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. \n\nOur Streets Now\n \nOur 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. \n\n \nIssy Warren – Our Streets Now \nIssy 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. \n  \n  \n\nRobin Fletcher\, CEO\, Abitas Group\, BSA and TIOB\n \nRobin 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. \n\nMark Lauder\, Headmaster\, Strathallan School\n \nMark 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. \n\nChris Wheeler\, Headmaster\, Canford School\n \nChris 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. \n\nKatie Phillips\, BSA Foundation Fellow\, Child and Adolescent Psychotherapeutic Counsellor\n \nKatie 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. \n\nAileen Kane\, Deputy CEO and Chief Operating Officer\, BSA and Abitas Group\n \nAileen 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. \n\nDavid Williams\, Co-Founder and CEO\, I-GTM\n \nDavid 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. \n\n\nGetting Here\nBy Car \nThe hotel is located on Brighton’s seafront and can be accessed via the A23 from London or the A27 from the east and west. \nOn-site underground parking is available at: \n\nCar park address: St Margaret’s Place\, Brighton\, BN1 2FD\nParking charge: Currently advertised at £29 per day\nHeight restriction: 1.8 metres\nAvailability: Subject to spaces being available\n\nPlease note that taller vehicles\, including some vans\, will need alternative parking arrangements. \nBy Train \nBrighton 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.\nBrighton is served by Southern\, Thameslink and Gatwick Express services. \nBy Air \nLondon Gatwick Airport is the nearest major airport\, approximately 23 miles from the hotel. Regular train services connect Gatwick Airport with Brighton Railway Station. \n 
URL:https://www.boarding.org.uk/event/bsa-tiob-annual-boarding-conference-2/
LOCATION:DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole\, Kings Road\, Brighton\, BN1 2FU\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Conference,In-person
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20270202T113000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20270202T123000
DTSTAMP:20261026T120354Z
CREATED:20261026T114312Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261026T120354Z
UID:80793-1801567800-1801571400@www.boarding.org.uk
SUMMARY:Sponsoring International Staff: What Schools Need to Know
DESCRIPTION:🏷️ From £90\n📍 Online\n🎥 Watch live or on catch up\n✅ Included in BSA CPD Pass \n\nCourse outline: \nBasic Compliance Assessments (BCAs) remain a fundamental part of the Student sponsor regime and a key measure of a school’s compliance performance. From June 2026\, Student sponsors are subject to significantly tighter compliance thresholds and a new Red-Amber-Green (RAG) rating framework\, increasing the importance of effective monitoring and early intervention.  \nWith higher expectations around visa refusal rates\, enrolment rates and course completion rates\, schools have less margin for error than under the previous framework. Understanding how these metrics are measured\, monitored and assessed is now critical for Student sponsor licence holders.  \nThis webinar will examine the revised BCA requirements\, the practical implications of the new thresholds and rating system\, and the steps schools can take to identify risks\, monitor performance and maintain compliance throughout the assessment period.  \nLearning Outcomes  \nBy the end of this webinar\, delegates will be able to:  \n\nUnderstand the revised BCA framework and assessment criteria. \nAssess the impact of the new compliance thresholds and RAG rating system. \nMonitor key metrics and compliance data effectively. \nRecognise potential indicators of compliance concerns. \nDevelop a proactive approach to BCA management and continuous improvement. \n\nTopics Covered  \n\nThe revised BCA framework and RAG rating system \nWhat has changed and why it matters \nUnderstanding the key compliance metrics \nKey metrics\, data quality and reporting \nIdentifying compliance risks and early warning signs \nPractical monitoring and record-keeping \nConsequences of failing a BCA \nAction planning and continuous improvement \n\nWho Should Attend?  \n\nRegistrars \nInternational admissions teams \nStudent sponsor licence Key Personnel \nCompliance officers \nSchool leaders responsible for sponsor licence compliance \nGovernors and trustees with oversight responsibilities \n\nBOOK NOW \nThis event will be held jointly with:\n \n \n\nSpeaker: \n \nAntonia Price\, Head of Immigration\, BSA Legal Services Ltd \nAntonia is Head of Immigration\, joining BSA after over 20 years working in Immigration and Global Mobility across a range of industries.  Antonia’s focus has always been on delivering an excellent client service by building strong and trusted relationships with her contacts and understanding their priorities and needs.  She has extensive experience on a range of visa application types and the processes and requirements of the Home Office.  Antonia was particularly keen to join the Abitas group because her boarding school experience as a child was wonderful and she has always advocated boarding life and the positive aspects surrounding it.
URL:https://www.boarding.org.uk/event/sponsoring-international-staff-what-schools-need-to-know/
LOCATION:Online – Zoom
CATEGORIES:Online,Webinar
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR