BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//The Boarding Schools' Association - ECPv6.17.2//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:20260602T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260602T163000
DTSTAMP:20260528T140756Z
CREATED:20260327T151101Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260528T140756Z
UID:72087-1780394400-1780417800@www.boarding.org.uk
SUMMARY:Disconnected? Tech and wellbeing in boarding
DESCRIPTION:🏷️ From £99\n🎧 Heads\, Deputy and Assistant Headteachers\, Boarding staff\, Pastoral staff\, senior leaders\, School nurses\, matrons\n📍 Online \n\nCourse content: \nDisconnected? Tech and Wellbeing in Boarding explores the complex relationship between young people\, technology\, and wellbeing in modern boarding environments. Bringing together expert insights\, current research\, and student perspectives\, the conference will examine how digital life is shaping adolescent development\, relationships\, and mental health. \nFrom understanding the evolving digital landscape and the rise of AI companions\, to supporting students in maintaining a healthy balance online\, sessions will provide practical strategies for schools to respond effectively. The programme also creates space to hear directly from pupils\, offering valuable\, real-world insight into their experiences. \nThis conference aims to equip boarding staff with the knowledge\, confidence\, and tools to support students in navigating an increasingly connected world while safeguarding their wellbeing \nBOOK NOW \n\nPROGRAMME \n10:00 – 10:30 \nRegistration and refreshments \n10:30 – 11:30 \nSession one – The digital space: understanding and responding to current online harms \nThis session will provide an overview of young people’s current online experiences\, with a focus on emerging online harms\, including the impacts of AI technology. Sharing findings from the latest research from the UK Safer Internet Centre\, plus insights and youth voice from Childnet’s work directly with young people\, expect to hear about issues such as AI chatbots\, deepfakes\, personalised algorithms and online sexual extortion. The session will also explore: \n\nkey digital safeguarding priorities for all education settings\npractical resources to support with preventative education\nsignposting to further reading\, guidance for schools and support services\n\nSpeaker: Amy Lockwood\, Education Manager\, Childnet International  \n11:30 -12:30 \nSession two – More Than a Chatbot: Understanding  AI Companions in  Teenage Lives  \nThis session explores the latest UK research on how young people are using AI chatbots for friendships\, relationships and emotional support.  The benefits and risks for adolescent development\, and practical steps schools can take ahead of updated ISI expectations in September 2026 \nSpeaker: Alicia Drummond\, Founder of Teen Tips Ltd \n12:30 – 13:30 \nNetworking Lunch \n13:30 – 14:30 \nSession three – The Digital Balancing Act – Protecting adolescent mental health in an online world  \nKasia will share findings from the DIORA study\, part of the UKRI-funded Digital Youth programme. This research looked at how different online activities can affect young people’s mental health\, identifying which ones may increase risk and why. She will also explore how aware young people are of the impact of their online experiences on mental health\, and what they can do to stay well online\, highlighting Digital Balance animations designed to help them better understand and navigate the digital world. \nSpeaker: Kasia Kostyrka-Allchorne\, Developmental Psychologist \n14:30 – 15:15 \nSession four – Student Voices: Navigating Technology and Wellbeing in Boarding  \nSpeaker – Pupil Panel \n15:15 – 15:30 \nRefreshments \n15:30 – 16:15 \nSession five – AI & Optimism: Reclaiming the Human Element in Boarding\n \nAI is shifting the ground beneath our feet\, but it doesn’t have to erode our values. In this forward-thinking session\, Tom Wade tackles the anxieties surrounding artificial intelligence head-on. Discover why this technological shift is actually a golden opportunity to double down on pastoral care\, authentic engagement\, and the uniquely human heart of the boarding experience. \nSpeaker – Tom Wade\, Director of Digital Innovation and Enterprise\, Haileybury \n16:15 \nConference Close \n\nSpeakers: \nAlicia Drummond\, Founder of Teen Tips Ltd \nAlicia is passionate about providing evidence-based support to parents\, teachers\, and those caring for young people\, helping them take a proactive approach to mental health and wellbeing. She works directly with young people\, empowering them to manage their own wellbeing\, and draws on research from psychotherapy\, psychology\, and neuroscience alongside her experience as an adolescent therapist. \nA BACP-accredited therapist\, parenting expert\, and keynote speaker\, Alicia has worked with schools across the UK for over a decade. She is the founder of the award-winning Wellbeing Hub\, now supporting over 130\,000 pupils across more than 220 schools. \n\n \nKasia Kostyrka-Allchorne\, Developmental Psychologist \nKasia Kostyrka-Allchorne is a developmental psychologist whose research focuses on risks and opportunities of growing up in a digital world. She researches how online experiences impact children’s and young people’s mental health and wellbeing. Her work is defined by strong cross-sector collaborations with academic partners\, the NHS\, and educators\, and by a commitment to co-production and embedding lived experience perspectives from parents and young people throughout the research process. Her research has informed guidance from the British Psychological Society\, the Canadian Paediatric Society\, and the World Health Organisation\, demonstrating her commitment to delivering impactful\, policy-relevant research. \n\nDavid Walker\, FTIOB\, Executive Director\, Boarding & Education and Director\, BSA/TIOB \nDavid is the Executive Director\, Boarding and Director BSA/TIOB  and joined the BSA group in August 2023. He has over 20 years’ experience in boarding schools and has worked in a range of schools in the UK and Africa\, alongside being a prep school governor and a trustee of a MAT. Before taking up his post at the BSA\, David was Deputy Head Pastoral at a large co-ed independent school in the South-East. \n  \n\nAmy Lockwood\, Education Manager at Childnet International  \nAmy is the Education Manager at Childnet International\, a children’s charity working to make the internet a great and safe place for children and young people. Amy came to Childnet from a background in teaching and has been part of the team for 8 years. Amy’s focus is on giving educators and professionals confidence in talking about the online world\, whilst amplifying youth voice in this space. Amy is working to ensure children and young people have agency in tackling online issues at home\, at school\, in their communities and at a policy level. Amy leads a team who work directly with 20\,000 children a year and produces the educational materials for the national Safer Internet Day campaign\, alongside a range of other resources supporting parents\, carers\, educators and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. \n\nTom Wade\, Director of Digital Innovation and Enterprise\, Haileybury \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTom Wade is Director of Digital Innovation and Enterprise at Haileybury and a member of the Executive Leadership Team\, with 17 years’ teaching experience across independent and state sectors. His “intent first\, then pedagogy\, then tools” approach has driven the development of an AI curriculum and supported the school’s recognition as a Google Reference School\, Apple Distinguished School\, and AI Gold Quality mark holder. A Google Innovator and Ed Leader Fellow\, Tom is a regular speaker at conferences including ISTE and BETT. He is passionate about ethical innovation\, safeguarding\, and equipping students with future-ready skills.
URL:https://www.boarding.org.uk/event/disconnected-tech-and-wellbeing-in-boarding/
CATEGORIES:Conference,Online
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260609T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260609T163000
DTSTAMP:20260602T121623Z
CREATED:20260327T150939Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260602T121623Z
UID:72090-1780999200-1781022600@www.boarding.org.uk
SUMMARY:Repositioning girls’ boarding in 2026
DESCRIPTION:🏷️ From £99\n📍 Queenswood School \n\nConference outline: \nRepositioning Girls’ Boarding in 2026 brings together sector leaders and practitioners to explore how boarding environments can evolve to better meet the needs of girls in a rapidly changing world. Through a series of expert-led discussions and practical sessions\, the conference will examine current challenges and future opportunities across wellbeing\, safeguarding\, pastoral care\, and student experience. \nFrom rethinking boarding models and addressing emerging risks such as online harms and misogyny\, to supporting physical health\, nutrition\, and inclusive participation in sport\, the programme offers a holistic approach to girls’ development. Delegates will leave with fresh insights\, practical strategies\, and renewed confidence to create supportive\, inclusive\, and future-focused boarding environments. \nBOOK NOW \nSponsored by \n \n\nPROGRAMME \n10:00 – 10:30 Registration and refreshments \n10:30 – 11:30 Session 1: Opening discussion; Current position of girls boarding \nSpeakers: David Walker\, Executive Director\, Boarding & Education and Director\, BSA/TIOB \nJo Cameron\, Principal\, Queenswood School \nSession 2: Remodelling boarding \nThis session will explore how boarding provision can be reimagined to meet the evolving needs of girls in 2026 and beyond. It will consider changes in student expectations\, wellbeing\, pastoral care\, and the role of boarding in modern school life\, offering practical insights into how schools can adapt and innovate their boarding models to remain relevant\, inclusive\, and impactful.  \nSpeaker: Jo Cameron\, Principal\, Queenswood School \n11:30 – 12:00 – Keynote from our Sponsor  \nSpeaker – Tracy-Anne Barker \n12:00 – 13:00 Networking lunch \n13:00 – 14:00 Session 3: Preparing Young People: Sexual Harassment\, Digital Harms and Online Misogyny  \nYoung women and girls are navigating a changing landscape of sexual harassment\, in public spaces\, and increasingly\, online. Drawing on Our Streets Now’s frontline work in sexual violence prevention with young people across the UK\, this session will explore the role of school staff in challenging the normalisation of harmful sexual behaviour. \nWe will cover how technology is shifting the nature of sexual violence\, including the rise of image-based abuse\, online misogyny and what this means for safeguarding pupils.\nThis will be an interactive session\, offering practical examples\, space to reflect on challenges\, and opportunities to share best practice with attendees. Attendees will leave with greater confidence in empowering young women and girls to navigate these issues\, and in creating environments where harmful behaviour is challenged\, not normalised. \nSpeaker: Issy Warren\, Schools and Programmes Lead\, Our Streets Now \n14:00 – 15:00 Session 4: Fuel\, Focus\, Flourish: Nutrition for Girls in Boarding Life  \nThis session explores how nutrition supports girls in boarding to maintain energy\, focus and overall wellbeing. With practical\, real-life strategies\, it will cover building healthy habits\, navigating busy school routines\, and supporting both academic and sporting performance. \nSpeaker: Eoin Schofield\, Qualified nutritionist \n15:00 – 15:30 Refreshments \n15:30 – 16:15 Session 5: Beyond the Team Sheet: Rethinking Sport for Every Girl in  Boarding Schools \nThis talk challenges traditional definitions of sport and participation\, and  considers how schools can broaden access and engagement for all girls.  It explores the cultural and emotional factors that influence participation\,  and how boarding schools can create more inclusive\, identity-affirming  environments that encourage lifelong physical activity.  \nSpeaker: Joanna (Joey) Gamper Cuthbert\, Squad Safe training and consultancy for Cheer\, Dance and Gymnastics \n16:15 – 16:30 Conference Close \n\nSpeakers: \nTracy-Anne Barker \nTracy-Anne is a UK-based leadership trainer\, coach\, and former senior leader with over 30 years of experience across the commercial\, public\, charity\, and education sectors. She has trained thousands of managers\, supervisors\, and team leaders\, helping them develop the skills and confidence to lead effectively. Inspired by the people who believed in and supported her own journey\, Tracy-Anne is passionate about helping others reach their potential regardless of background. Drawing on both her successes and early management mistakes\, she now supports education professionals through training\, mentoring\, and coaching. She is also the author of How Not to Balls It Up. \n\nDavid Walker\, Executive Director\, Boarding & Education and Director\, BSA/TIOB \nDavid is the Executive Director\, Boarding and Director BSA/TIOB  and joined the BSA group in August 2023. He has over 20 years’ experience in boarding schools and has worked in a range of schools in the UK and Africa\, alongside being a prep school governor and a trustee of a MAT. Before taking up his post at the BSA\, David was Deputy Head Pastoral at a large co-ed independent school in the South-East. \n  \n\n Jo Cameron\, Principal\, Queenswood School \nJo Cameron has been Principal of Queenswood School since 2016\, having previously worked as Deputy Head at Ipswich High School for Girls. \nA graduate of the University of Surrey (St Mary’s College) with an honours degree in Environmental Science\, for the past 23 years Mrs Cameron has worked almost exclusively in all girls’ schools. She began her teaching career as a Science teacher specialising in Biology at St Mary’s\, Wantage\, where she quickly progressed to become Head of the Science Department. She has a deep understanding and appreciation of the unique opportunities that single sex education offers\, and is firmly of the belief that ‘happy girls are successful girls’. Beyond the classroom\, in her spare time Mrs Cameron is a keen sportswoman\, with a passion for hockey\, running and equestrianism. \n\nJoanna (Joey) Gamper Cuthbert\, Squad Safe training and consultancy for Cheer\, Dance and Gymnastics \nJoey Gamper Cuthbert is a best-selling author\, speaker\, and leading voice in youth sport\, athlete welfare\, and culture change. She is Chair of SportCheer England\, guiding the national growth of competitive cheerleading as an Olympic sport. A former dancer\, athlete\, head coach\, and programme owner\, she has worked across sport at all levels. As Team Manager for Team England Adaptive Abilities\, she won gold and silver medals at the ICU World Championships (2016–17). Joey is also Head of Engagement at Impact Dance\, founder of Squad Safe consultancy\, and author of Squad Safe; championing safer\, empowering environments for young athletes. \n\nIssy Warren\, Schools and Programmes Lead\, 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\nEoin Schofield\, Qualified nutritionist \nA qualified nutritionist with an undergraduate degree in Sport and Exercise Nutrition and an MSc in Sports Nutrition\, I bring experience across both public health and elite sport settings. I spent three years working in public health on an adult weight management programme and have five years of experience supporting youth and professional athletes. My work has included roles with Lincoln City FC\, Notts County FC\, Bradford City AFC Academy\, Leicestershire County Cricket Club Academy\, and GB Taekwondo Youth Pathway. I am passionate about helping individuals optimise health\, wellbeing\, and performance through practical\, evidence-based nutrition strategies.
URL:https://www.boarding.org.uk/event/bsa-repositioning-girls-boarding-in-2026/
CATEGORIES:Conference,In-person
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260615T093000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260615T163000
DTSTAMP:20260604T163617Z
CREATED:20260423T102835Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260604T163617Z
UID:74725-1781515800-1781541000@www.boarding.org.uk
SUMMARY:New in boarding: for September starters and staff in their first two years in boarding
DESCRIPTION:🏷️ £150 – New starter package (includes one year of TIOB membership!) \n🎧 New boarding staff due to begin in September and staff within the first two years of their boarding career\n📍 Duke’s Headquarters\, Buckingham Gate\, London \nBOOK NOW \n\nStarting a career in boarding can be both exciting and challenging. Whether you are preparing for a new role this September or navigating your first two years in a boarding environment\, this conference aims to support and inspire all staff at the beginning of their boarding journey. \nJoin us in London for this brilliant networking opportunity alongside experienced boarding sector professionals and peers for practical guidance\, reassurance\, and a clearer understanding of what to expect from your role. Through a series of focused sessions\, we’ll explore structure and opportunities within a boarding career\, gaining insight into the wider boarding landscape and how different schools and systems operate. \nThe day will offer a valuable opportunity to learn\, connect\, and feel supported as you build your career in boarding. \nTraining topics: \n\nWhat does a career in boarding look like?\nThe boarding landscape\nDuties in the boarding house\nFirst term pupil challenges\, such as homesickness\nSafeguarding priorities\nPupil safety and wellbeing\nMaintaining a healthy work/life balance\n\nDelivered by the TIOB Fellows’ Network. \n\nEvent programme: \n9:30 Registration + refreshments  \n10:00 Welcome and introduction\nSpeaker: David Walker FTIOB\,  Executive Director\, Boarding\, Director BSA/TIOB  \n10:15 Session one: Managing work/life balance\nSpeakers:\nMatthew Fogg\, Head Master\, The Oratory School\nKate Simlett FTIOB\, Deputy Head\, Pastoral and DSL\, Tudor Hall School\nNichola Haworth\, Deputy Head\, Boarding\, Sevenoaks School \n11:00 Session two: Delivering in the boarding house – what it means to do a duty\nSpeakers:\nHelen Walker\, Deputy Head Boarding and Pastoral Care\, St Andrew’s College Cambridge\nJames Marriott FTIOB\, Senior Boarding Housemaster and Teacher of Geography\nNichola Haworth\, Deputy Head\, Boarding\, Sevenoaks School \n11:45 Session three: First term pupil challenges\nSpeakers:\nAlly Onions FTIOB\,  Head of Safeguarding and Mental Health at St George’s School Windsor Castle\nJames Marriott FTIOB\, Senior Boarding Housemaster and Teacher of Geography \n12:30 Networking lunch  \n13: 30 Session four: Safeguarding\nDelyth Lynch\, Director of Safeguarding\, Wellington College\nPaul Ludlow\, Regulatory and Compliance Director\, Duke’s Education \n14:30 Session five: Working with parents\nSpeakers:\nKate Simlett FTIOB\, Deputy Head\, Pastoral and DSL\, Tudor Hall School\nTom Hollyer\, Housemaster\, Uppingham School \n15:15 Refreshments  \n15:45 Session six: What does a career in boarding look like?\nSpeakers:\nMatthew Fogg\, Head Master\, Oratory School\nDavid Walker\, FTIOB\,  Executive Director\, Boarding\, Director BSA/TIOB \n16:30 Conference close \n\nSpeaker: \nDavid Walker\, Executive Director\, Boarding & Education and Director\, BSA/TIOB \nDavid is the Executive Director\, Boarding and Director BSA/TIOB  and joined the BSA group in August 2023. He has over 20 years’ experience in boarding schools and has worked in a range of schools in the UK and Africa\, alongside being a prep school governor and a trustee of a MAT. Before taking up his post at the BSA\, David was Deputy Head Pastoral at a large co-ed independent school in the South-East. \n  \n\n \nKate Simlett\, Deputy Head (Pastoral)\, Tudor Hall School \nKate has been working in all girls and co-educational independent boarding and day schools for over 25 years.   Positions held previously by Kate include teacher of PE and PSHE\, Head of Girls Games\, Head of Sport\, Senior Housemistress and Director of Wellbeing. Kate is currently the Deputy Head Pastoral\,  DSL and Head of Boarding in an all girls’ independent boarding and day school\, and has held this position for 7 years. During this time\, Kate has become a lead Safeguarding Trainer for the local authority and has implemented and delivers an in-house safeguarding training programme within her current school. Alongside this work\, Kate leads and coordinates the school’s bespoke overseas volunteering programme which supports two schools\, one in South Africa and one in India. Kate is also an ISI Team Inspector.  \n\n \nAlly Onions FTIOB\,  Head of Safeguarding and Mental Health at St George’s School Windsor Castle \nAlly Onions is currently the Head of Safeguarding and Mental Health at St George’s School Windsor Castle. With her husband Jonny\, they run the boarding house\, which includes looking after the choristers who sing in St George’s Chapel. Ally has worked in boarding education for over 20 years. She has completed an MA in Boarding Education\, looking at resilience and prep boarders. Ally is a trained Mental Health First Aider and Instructor Member. \n  \n\n \nDelyth Lynch\, Director of Safeguarding\, Wellington College \nDelyth has been on the Senior Leadership Team at Wellington College for 16 years. She has enjoyed a career boarding spanning over 25 years\, having been Director of Extra-Curricular Activities\, Housemistress and Deputy Head (Pastoral). \nPassionate about safeguarding\, Delyth’s work has been cited by IICSA. She speaks regularly around the issue of culture within schools and the work that she has pioneered at Wellington around values\, behaviours and attitudes interviewing and low-level concerns. Delyth’s work has been recognised on the national stage as she was awarded the Safeguarding and Child Protection Association’s Outstanding initiative award for two consecutive years. Co-author of the Farrer & Co guides\, Developing and implementing a low-level concerns policy:  A guide for organisations which work with children and Addressing child-on-child abuse: a resource for schools and colleges\, Delyth is also an active member of the NADSL and vice chair of governors at an independent school in Wokingham. She is a NSPCC-accredited trainer\, trained in supervision and in the delivery of safer recruitment training. Delyth is also the author of Beyond Compliance: The DSL’s guide to creating a school-wide culture of safeguarding. \n\n \nTom Hollyer\, Housemaster\, Geography teacher\, and senior pastoral leader  \nTom Hollyer is an experienced Housemaster\, Geography teacher\, and senior pastoral leader with a strong track record across leading UK boarding schools. Currently Housemaster of Fircroft at Uppingham School\, he oversees the pastoral and academic welfare of 56 boys aged 13–18 and contributes to whole-school wellbeing\, outreach\, and recruitment. A Fellow of both the Royal Geographical Society and the Institute of Boarding\, Tom is also a qualified mindfulness teacher and Youth Mental Health First Aider. His career spans roles at Caldicott and RGS High Wycombe\, where he led boarding teams\, strengthened safeguarding practice\, and shaped thriving pastoral cultures. \n\n \nPaul Ludlow\, Compliance Director\, Head of Safeguarding & Safeguarding Governor \nPaul started his career in education in 1984 as an Assistant Housemaster in a state boarding school\, before moving onto Housemaster and Head of Boarding roles in both state and independent boarding schools. Paul also spent time in senior roles in residential special schools with reasonability for residential care and safeguarding. Paul joined Dukes Education in 2017 as Compliance Director (Colleges)\, in addition to this role he is Safeguarding Governor for ten Dukes colleges\, seven of which are boarding. \n  \n\n \nJames Marriott FTIOB\, Senior Boarding Housemaster and Teacher of Geography \nJames Marriott is Senior Boarding Housemaster and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead at Bedford School. He has worked in boarding schools for nearly two decades as a visiting tutor\, Assistant Housemaster and Housemaster. James has worked in co-educational\, diamond model and all boys settings and teaches Geography alongside coaching school sport. He has completed the BSA Diploma in Professional Practice – Leadership and previously the BSA Certificate in Boarding Practice – Pastoral Care & Boarding Management. \n  \n\n \nHelen Walker\, Deputy Head Boarding and Pastoral Care\, St Andrew’s College Cambridge \nHelen Walker began her career as a classroom teacher in the state sector\, serving as Head of Religious Education before specialising in boarding and pastoral care. She developed her boarding and safeguarding expertise at Oundle School\, where she was a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead. She later joined the Senior Leadership Team at Abbey College Cambridge as Director of Boarding. Helen is currently Deputy Head (Pastoral Care and Boarding) and Designated Safeguarding Lead at St Andrew’s College Cambridge. She is committed to the richness and diversity of boarding life\, creating environments where young people feel safe\, supported\, and able to thrive. \n\nNichola Haworth\, Physics teacher and Deputy Head of Boarding at Sevenoaks School FTIOB \nWith over 30 years of experience in boarding education Nichola has spent 16 of those years in residential roles\, living and working within boarding communities and developing a deep understanding of students’ day‑to‑day experiences. \nHer work centres on creating a high-quality\, supportive boarding environment where students thrive both personally and academically. She has particular expertise in boarding compliance\, ensuring that practice aligns with the highest standards of safeguarding and regulatory requirements\, and in the recruitment\, development and support of boarding staff. \n\nThis event is hosted by:
URL:https://www.boarding.org.uk/event/new-in-boarding-for-september-starters-and-staff-in-their-first-two-years-in-boarding/
LOCATION:Duke’s Headquarters\, 58 Buckingham Gate\, London\, SW1E 6AJ\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Conference,In-person
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260616T093000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260616T163000
DTSTAMP:20260615T105936Z
CREATED:20260514T154554Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260615T105936Z
UID:75634-1781602200-1781627400@www.boarding.org.uk
SUMMARY:The Future of Boarding conference
DESCRIPTION:🏷️ From £235\n🎧 Heads\, deputy heads\, heads of house\, senior leaders\, boarding staff\n📍 Online \n\nCourse overview: \nThe Future of Boarding Conference brings together sector leaders and practitioners to explore how boarding schools can evolve to meet the needs of the next generation. Through a series of forward-thinking sessions\, the conference will examine long-term strategic planning\, emerging mental health trends\, and the future of recruitment in an increasingly competitive global landscape.  \nDelegates will also explore how boarding environments and spaces must adapt to support wellbeing\, community\, and changing student expectations. With a focus on innovation\, resilience\, and sustainability\, this conference offers practical insights and big-picture thinking to help schools future-proof their boarding provision for the years ahead. \n\nProgramme: \nSession 1: 10:00 – 11:00\nPlanning for 2036: What do boarding schools need to do now to plan for the future?  \nThis forward-thinking session explores what boarding schools need to consider today to remain relevant and successful in 2036. It will examine emerging trends in education\, student expectations\, technology\, and wellbeing\, alongside the evolving global landscape. Delegates will gain practical insights into strategic planning\, innovation\, and long-term decision-making to help future-proof their boarding provision.  \nSpeaker – David Walker\, Executive Director\, Boarding & Education and Director\, BSA/TIOB \nSession 2. 11:15 – 12:15\nBuilding Meaningful Parent Engagement in Boarding \nThis session explores how boarding schools can move beyond basic parental involvement to foster deeper\, more meaningful engagement. It will examine common barriers to effective communication\, the importance of psychological safety for both staff and families\, and best practices for building trust and transparency. Delegates will also gain practical strategies for handling difficult conversations with parents sensitively and confidently. With a focus on strengthening relationships\, this session will support schools in creating a more collaborative and supportive boarding experience for pupils and their families. \nSpeaker: Alicia Drummond\, Founder of Teen Tips Ltd \nSession 3: 13:15 – 14:00\nThe future of boarding recruitment  \nThis session will explore how boarding recruitment is evolving and what schools need to do to remain competitive in a changing global market. It will consider shifting parent expectations\, the role of agents\, emerging markets\, and the increasing importance of digital engagement. Delegates will gain practical insights into developing effective\, future-focused recruitment strategies to attract and retain students in the years ahead.  \nSpeakers:  \n\nGuy Schady-Beckett\, Director at Next Step Education Limited\nFiona Hughes D’Aeth\, Head of Content Strategy (Consultant)\, Independent Schools Show\n\nSession 4: 14:30 – 15:30\nFuture of boarding spaces  \nThis session will explore how boarding spaces need to evolve to meet the expectations of future generations. It will consider the balance between privacy and community\, the role of design in supporting wellbeing\, and how spaces can adapt to changing lifestyles\, technology\, and student needs. Delegates will gain insight into creating flexible\, inclusive\, and future-ready environments that enhance the boarding experience.  \nSpeaker: Karl Hearn\, Noble and Eaton  \nSession 5: 15:45 – 16:20\nClosing keynote    \nThis closing keynote will bring together the key themes of the conference\, offering a forward-looking perspective on the future of boarding. It will reflect on the insights shared throughout the day and challenge delegates to think strategically about the opportunities and responsibilities ahead. Attendees will leave with renewed clarity\, inspiration\, and practical takeaways to support their next steps.  \nSpeakers:  \n\nJulie Robinson\, ISC\nSimon Nathan\, ISC\n\nBOOK NOW \n\nSpeakers: \nDavid Walker\, Executive Director\, Boarding & Education and Director\, BSA/TIOB \nDavid is the Executive Director\, Boarding and Director BSA/TIOB  and joined the BSA group in August 2023. He has over 20 years’ experience in boarding schools and has worked in a range of schools in the UK and Africa\, alongside being a prep school governor and a trustee of a MAT. Before taking up his post at the BSA\, David was Deputy Head Pastoral at a large co-ed independent school in the South-East. \n  \n\nAlicia Drummond\, Founder of Teen Tips Ltd \nAlicia is passionate about providing evidence-based support to parents\, teachers\, and those caring for young people\, helping them take a proactive approach to mental health and wellbeing. She works directly with young people\, empowering them to manage their own wellbeing\, and draws on research from psychotherapy\, psychology\, and neuroscience alongside her experience as an adolescent therapist. \nA BACP-accredited therapist\, parenting expert\, and keynote speaker\, Alicia has worked with schools across the UK for over a decade. She is the founder of the award-winning Wellbeing Hub\, now supporting over 130\,000 pupils across more than 220 schools. \n\nSimon Nathan\, Deputy Chief Executive & Head of Policy\, Independent Schools Council (ISC) \nSimon leads the policy and political affairs team for the ISC – a trade association representing 1\,400 independent schools. This includes managing ISC’s relationships with Ministers\, civil servants and MPs on behalf of member schools. Since taking post in January 2019\, Simon has led ISC’s work on promoting the value of independent schools within political debate and co-ordinating the sector’s response during  Covid.  Prior to joining ISC Simon worked for trade bodies in construction and the education policy team at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). He has a degree in economics and politics from Cambridge University. \n\nJulie Robinson\, CEO\, Independent Schools Council (ISC) \nJulie was head of Ardingly College Junior School and then Vinehall Prep School in Sussex before becoming education and training director for the Independent Association of Preparatory Schools (IAPS). At IAPS\, she served on the Standing Group of Teachers Associations and the Independent Schools Examination Board. Julie also chaired the Independent Schools Council’s Cross Association Leadership Group. In 2015\, Julie became General Secretary of the ISC\, representing schools across the independent education sector. She serves on the School Partnerships Oversight Board for the Department for Education promoting independent-state school partnership work. Julie liaises with influencers in education across schools\, government and the media\, serving the interests of ISC constituent associations and member schools. \n\nKarl Hearn\, Noble and Eaton  \nKarl Hearn works with independent schools to help translate educational ambition into practical\, future-ready learning and boarding environments. At Noble+Eaton\, he brings a strategic understanding of how space influences pupil experience\, staff culture\, wellbeing and retention. His work focuses on helping schools make thoughtful decisions about their estates\, from improving existing buildings to planning long-term development. Karl is particularly interested in how boarding environments can support safety\, belonging\, independence and community\, while also improving the conditions for the staff who shape daily pastoral life. He combines commercial awareness with a strong appreciation of school culture\, operational reality and strategy.Cappuccino2025! \n\nGuy Schady-Beckett\, Director at Next Step Education Limited \nOver the past 12 years\, he has analysed changing demand for UK private education — studying the preferences of over 60\,000 visitors to Independent Schools Shows in the UK and internationally\, as well as 2\,500+ high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients of Bonas MacFarlane’s tuition and consulting services. He also works with the main public demographic and wealth datasets to map the wider landscape of school and university demand. \nGuy has over 30 years’ experience advising schools\, universities and education groups on research\, marketing and communications\, and speaks regularly to professional audiences across the sector. \nHis interest in how data shapes decisions has deep roots: his doctorate examined the role of statistical evidence in political debate and policymaking — through the lens of colonial governance in the early nineteenth century. It’s a question\, he would argue\, that turns out to be just as live in a senior management team meeting as it was in Whitehall two hundred years ago. \n\nFiona Hughes D’Aeth\, Head of Content Strategy (Consultant)\, Independent Schools Show \nFiona is an international education consultant with over 30 years’ experience in independent education and global consultancy. She has guided hundreds of families worldwide through school and university choices\, with particular expertise in UK boarding schools. Drawing on extensive experience working with both families and schools\, Fiona brings a unique perspective on changing parent expectations\, international recruitment trends\, and the evolving role of agents and digital engagement. A regular conference speaker and media commentator\, she is passionate about the future of boarding and how schools can adapt to remain relevant in an increasingly competitive global market. \n\nDr Joanne Ladds\, MChem\, MA\, NPQH\, FCCT\, Educational Consultant \nDr Joanne Ladds\, MChem\, MA\, NPQH\, FCCT is an educational consultant and learning space designer at Noble + Eaton. With 20 years of experience in schools and a lifetime in education Joanne brings passion\, creativity and a love of learning. Working with those who want to bring about educational change\, to embed self-directed learning and a learner-centred approach. Joanne provides evidence informed ideas and the drive and commitment to help schools succeed. \nWith a vision of ‘people\, pedagogy and place’ Joanne works with the Envoplan Group to use the environment as the driver for change. Intentional design is underpinned by educational research\, the most up to date neuroscience and the collation of data to inform design which works in harmony creating a culture of learning for all.
URL:https://www.boarding.org.uk/event/the-future-of-boarding-conference-2/
LOCATION:Online – Zoom
CATEGORIES:Conference,Online,Webinar
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR