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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20270302T120000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20270302T130000
DTSTAMP:20260804T114009Z
CREATED:20260423T142050Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260804T114009Z
UID:74767-1803988800-1803992400@www.boarding.org.uk
SUMMARY:Maintaining professional reputation
DESCRIPTION:🏷️ From £55\n🎧 Educational agents\n📍 Online\n🎥 Watch live or on catch up\n✅ Included in BSA CPD Pass \n\nCourse outline: \nBSA and BAISIS have launched a training programme of five one-hour webinars designed to support educational agents in supporting their families better\, grow their reputation and ensure every student thrives in their new school. \nThis series can be accessed as individual sessions – remember BSA certified agents get two free training courses per year – or as a package. \nThe Maintaining professional reputation webinar will offer suggestions\, based on engagement with certified agents and member schools on developing and maintaining a strong professional reputation\, built on child-focused placements\, trust and transparency. \nThe educational agent market is broad\, not just geographically and this webinar will speak to what families and schools are looking for in successful\, lasting partnerships that benefit everyone through focus on the children first. \nTraining topics will include: \n• Families – managing expectations\, avoiding conflicts of interest\, transparency\n• Schools – building trust\, working with different schools\, avoiding conflicts of interest\, commission transparency\n• Effective communication – cultural sensitivity\, translation (language and systems)\, crisis response\n• Maintaining long-term relationships – follow up care\, appropriate re-placement and transition. \nLearning outcomes: \n• Improved understanding on what schools and families highlight as important in positive agent relationships. \nBOOK NOW \nThis event will run jointly with:
URL:https://www.boarding.org.uk/event/maintaining-professional-reputation/
LOCATION:Online – Zoom
CATEGORIES:Online,Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20270303T093000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20270303T163000
DTSTAMP:20260804T102621Z
CREATED:20260423T142958Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260804T102621Z
UID:74777-1804066200-1804091400@www.boarding.org.uk
SUMMARY:A boarding update for EA's and PA's\, administrative and non-boarding staff
DESCRIPTION:Date: March 03\, 2027\nTime: 09:30 – 16:30\nCost: From £175\nAudience: School Secretaries\, Administrative Assistants and PA’s\nVenue: TBC\n\n\nCourse outline: \nDespite working full time in a boarding school\, many office and administrative staff who support students may have little contact with boarding compared to other staff in the school. This seminar will give an overview of effective boarding provision including the legal and regulatory aspects of caring for students. Additional topics will include managing staff and effective communication\, and listening skills in a busy\, school-based environment. \nOften\, administrative and support staff in a school are left to work in semi-isolation from students due to the nature of their roles and their working hours. This seminar will afford delegates the chance to develop a wider understanding of the issues faced by boarders and day students in their school. The seminar will also explore how great communication between all stakeholders in an organisation is a significant key to success for the whole organisation. \nTraining topics will include: \n\nThe boarding context\, including safeguarding and current issues – this session will explore current boarding practice with particular focus on safeguarding and the legal and inspection requirements of pastoral care in our schools\nUnderstanding the needs of the boarders – this session will focus on the emotional and physical needs of boarders\nWorking and communicating as a team - in this session the group will look at ways to manage the various team members in a school effectively\, from your own office/administrative team\, to the wider context of support\, pastoral\, medical and teaching staff\nManaging difficult situations – effective communication skills are key to positive relationships in a school. This session will explore some of the key points to managing relationships and dealing with conflict\, when it occurs.\n\nLearning outcomes: \n\nAn updated perspective of current boarding practice\, standards and provision\, including the latest safeguarding and inspection ‘headlines’ relevant to boarding\nAn increased understanding of the work undertaken in boarding to meet the needs of boarders\, and how the wider school plays its part\nTips for effective team management and best practice for working together as school\nTips for effective communication\, managing relationships and dealing with conflict.\n\nBOOK NOW \n\nSpeaker: \n 
URL:https://www.boarding.org.uk/event/a-boarding-update-for-eas-and-pas-administrative-and-non-boarding-staff-4/
LOCATION:Online – Zoom
CATEGORIES:Online,Seminar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20270305T120000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20270305T130000
DTSTAMP:20260811T143143Z
CREATED:20260409T160602Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260811T143143Z
UID:74219-1804248000-1804251600@www.boarding.org.uk
SUMMARY:Boarding box set - understanding UKVI compliance
DESCRIPTION:🏷️ From £90\n🎧 Admissions staff\, Heads and Deputy Heads\n📍 Online\n🎥 Watch live or on catch up\n✅ Included in BSA CPD Pass \n\nCourse outline:  \nUnderstanding Your Duties as a UKVI Student Sponsor: A Guide for Schools \nCompliance with UKVI sponsor licence duties is a whole-school responsibility—one that extends well beyond the Child Student visa application process. Whether you’re new to international student sponsorship or looking to refresh your knowledge\, this session will provide the essential overview required to ensure your school remains compliant and inspection-ready. \nThis practical and informative session is designed to help key school staff understand the scope of their responsibilities\, the risks of non-compliance\, and how to implement effective systems that meet UKVI requirements. \nTraining topics will include: \n\nWhat it means to be a UKVI licensed sponsor\nManaging your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) allocation and Basic Compliance Assessment (BCA)\nMonitoring\, reporting\, and record-keeping responsibilities\nPractical tips to prepare for a successful UKVI inspection\n\nLearning outcomes:  \nBy the end of the session\, participants will: \n\nUnderstand the key roles and responsibilities of being a UKVI sponsor\nGain confidence in their current knowledge or establish a strong foundation for further learning\nRecognise the compliance risks and the implications of failing to meet UKVI requirements\nLearn practical strategies to assess\, adapt\, and improve sponsor-related record-keeping and reporting systems\n\nBOOK NOW \n\nSpeaker: \nKate Hollyer\, Partner and Director\, BSA Group Legal Services Ltd \nKate Hollyer is Executive Director (Legal) of BSA Group and Director of BSA Legal Services Ltd. A qualified solicitor with over 14 years’ experience in UK immigration law\, she advises and supports members on a full range of immigration matters. Before joining BSA in 2022\, Kate was Partner and Head of Department at a leading UK law firm\, where she built extensive expertise in complex immigration cases. Since 2014\, Kate has lived in boarding houses alongside her Housemaster husband\, giving her a unique\, first-hand perspective on the challenges and opportunities of boarding life. \nThis event is held in collaboration with: \n \n  \n  \n  \nOther titles in this series: \n\n\n\n1. Boarding box set – sector overview and market analysis\nNovember 02\, 2026\n\n\n2. Boarding box set – Safeguarding\nNovember 30\, 2026\n\n\n3. Boarding box set – Inclusion and belonging\nMarch 01\, 2027\n\n\n4. Boarding box set – understanding UKVI compliance\nMarch 05\, 2027\n\n\n5. Boarding Box Set: Building a Positive Staff Culture\nMarch 09\, 2027\n\n\n6. Boarding box set – Marketing considerations for boarding schools\nApril 21\, 2027\n\n\n7. Boarding box set – Preparing for a boarding inspection\nMay 24\, 2026\n\n\n8. Boarding box set – boarding house management\nJune 10\, 2027
URL:https://www.boarding.org.uk/event/boarding-box-set-understanding-ukvi-compliance/
LOCATION:Online – Zoom
CATEGORIES:Online,Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20270308T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20270308T110000
DTSTAMP:20260806T100711Z
CREATED:20260423T112549Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260806T100711Z
UID:74745-1804500000-1804503600@www.boarding.org.uk
SUMMARY:Understanding spiking: Prevention\, awareness and staying safe
DESCRIPTION:🏷️ From £90\n🎧 All those involved in safeguarding\n📍 Online\n🎥 Watch live or on catch up \n\nCourse Outline \nThis training course on spiking awareness and prevention provides participants with an in-depth understanding of the growing issue of spiking incidents. It explores current data and trends\, identifies the various methods offenders use\, and examines the substances involved. Participants will also gain insight into the legal implications of spiking\, practical steps for prevention\, and effective ways to respond when spiking is suspected. The session aims to empower individuals—particularly young people—with the knowledge\, awareness\, and confidence to protect themselves and others in social settings. \nTraining Topics: \n\nCurrent statistics and trends: Understanding the scale of the spiking problem\nMethods of spiking: Drinks\, needles\, food\, and vaping\nCommon substances used in spiking offences\nOverview of laws and legal consequences related to spiking\nPersonal safety and precautionary measures for young people\nResponding to and managing suspected spiking incidents\nSupport services\, helplines\, and educational resources\n\nLearning Outcomes: \n\nUnderstand the current scope and impact of spiking incidents in the UK and beyond\nRecognize the different methods and tactics offenders use to spike victims\nIdentify the most common substances associated with spiking offences\nGain awareness of the relevant legal frameworks and potential criminal charges\nApply practical strategies to reduce personal risk in social settings\nRespond effectively and safely when a spiking incident is suspected\nAccess reliable resources for ongoing education\, support\, and reporting\n\nBOOK NOW \n\nSpeaker: Asha Fowells\, Head of Education and Engagement \nAsha Fowells is Head of Education and Engagement at the DSM Foundation\, a drug education charity. This role reflects her background as a pharmacist – she qualified in 1998 – and journalist and drugs educator.  Asha is involved in the whole breadth of delivery\, from students to parents\, school staff and other professionals working with young people\, as well as training and mentoring drugs educators. She also does a lot of work behind the scenes at the Foundation\, including dealing with press enquiries\, writing resources\, and managing the charity’s communication channels. Asha is passionate about the aims of the DSM Foundation\, which is to help young people make safer choices about drugs – everyone should be able to get home safely.
URL:https://www.boarding.org.uk/event/understanding-spiking-prevention-awareness-and-staying-safe/
LOCATION:Online – Zoom
CATEGORIES:Online,Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20270308T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20270308T123000
DTSTAMP:20260804T110219Z
CREATED:20260420T155511Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260804T110219Z
UID:74566-1804501800-1804509000@www.boarding.org.uk
SUMMARY:Using restorative justice practices in boarding
DESCRIPTION:🏷️ From £135\n🎧 Boarding and pastoral staff\, Deputy Heads\, Heads of Boarding\, all staff\n📍 Online\n✅ Included in BSA CPD Pass \n\nCourse outline: \nSafeguarding practice with adults and children involves exceptional communication\, no more so than working with conflict and harm.  This webinar introduces some key elements of restorative approaches\, restorative practice\, mediation and restorative justice.  A great introduction to get you thinking about how restorative approaches may support those difficult conversations with and between children\, young people\, colleagues\, parents\, carers and partners. \nTraining topics will include: \n\nWhat is Restorative Justice\nWhat is Restorative Practice\nKey Elements of Restorative Practice\nCaveats and Questions.\n\nLearning outcomes: \n\nHave an overview of Restorative Justice\nAppreciate how Restorative Practice and processes can benefit school communities\nIdentify some restorative enquiry tools and principles that support Restorative Practice in schools.\n\nBOOK NOW \n  \nThis event will be held jointly with:
URL:https://www.boarding.org.uk/event/using-restorative-justice-practices-in-boarding-3/
LOCATION:Online – Zoom
CATEGORIES:Online,Seminar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20270309T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20270309T113000
DTSTAMP:20260909T120740Z
CREATED:20260707T124201Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260909T120740Z
UID:77337-1804588200-1804591800@www.boarding.org.uk
SUMMARY:Innovation in action: Creative thinking for problem solving
DESCRIPTION:🏷️ From £90\n🎧 Head/Principal\, Deputy Head/Vice-Principal\, Bursar\, Head of Boarding\, Houseparents\, Boarding staff\n📍 Online\n🎥 Watch live or on catch up\n✅ Included in BSA CPD Pass \n\nCourse outline: \nInnovation isn’t just about having brilliant ideas; it’s about recognising opportunities\, solving problems creatively\, and developing practical solutions. This engaging webinar explores the principles of innovation and creative thinking\, drawing on examples from some of the world’s most successful inventors and organisations. \nThrough practical innovation models\, real-life case studies and interactive discussion\, delegates will discover how to foster creative thinking\, overcome barriers to innovation\, and develop a structured approach to problem-solving within their own schools and organisations. \nTraining topics \n\nUnderstanding innovation and why it matters in today’s educational landscape\nDeveloping a creative problem-solving mindset\nExploring proven innovation and design thinking frameworks\nLearning from real-world inventions and the challenges that inspired them\nApplying innovation techniques to everyday challenges in schools\nEncouraging a culture of creativity\, experimentation and continuous improvement\n\nLearning outcomes \nBy the end of this webinar\, delegates will be able to: \n\nUnderstand the key principles of innovation and creative thinking.\nApply structured approaches to solving problems creatively.\nIdentify opportunities for innovation within their own role or organisation.\nUse practical tools and techniques to generate\, test and develop new ideas.\nFeel more confident in encouraging innovation and continuous improvement within their teams.\n\nBOOK NOW \n\nSpeakers: \n \nRobin Fletcher FTIOB\, CEO\, BSA Group   \nRobin Fletcher is CEO of BSA Group\, comprising BAISIS (British Association of Independent Schools with International Students)\, BSA (Boarding Schools’ Association)\, BSA Legal\, HIEDA (Health in Education Association) SACPA (Safeguarding and Child Protection Association) and TIOB (The Institute of Boarding). A former journalist\, editor and communications director\, Robin is a non-executive director of the manufacturers’ trade body Make UK\, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and an Honorary Fellow of Cardiff Metropolitan University.
URL:https://www.boarding.org.uk/event/innovation-in-action-creative-thinking-for-problem-solving/
LOCATION:Online – Zoom
CATEGORIES:Online,Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20270309T120000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20270309T130000
DTSTAMP:20260811T143107Z
CREATED:20260420T155705Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260811T143107Z
UID:74568-1804593600-1804597200@www.boarding.org.uk
SUMMARY:Boarding Box Set: Building a Positive Staff Culture
DESCRIPTION:🏷️ From £90\n🎧 Deputy Head Pastoral\, Head of Boarding\, Senior Boarding Practitioners\, Houseparents\n📍 Online \n🎥 Watch live or on catch up\n✅ Included in BSA CPD Pass\n \n\nBSA’s Boarding box set series is designed to give boarding staff and school leaders a broad overview of a range of key boarding-related topics. This series is ideal for staff moving into senior positions in boarding\, preparing for Deputy Headship and consolidating their understanding on the wider sector ‘headlines’. \nCourse Outline \nThis session in BSA’s Boarding Box Set series explores wellbeing and staff support within boarding\, equipping current and aspiring senior leaders with a strategic overview of how to foster a healthy\, resilient\, and high-performing boarding community. Designed for those moving into senior roles or preparing for Deputy Headship\, the course examines sector expectations\, safeguarding responsibilities\, staff culture\, workload management\, and effective systems of pastoral support. Participants will reflect on current boarding “headlines\,” consider emerging wellbeing challenges\, and develop practical strategies to support staff professionally and personally\, ensuring sustainable leadership and positive outcomes for boarders. \nTraining Topics  \n\nThe strategic importance of staff wellbeing in sustaining safe\, effective boarding provision.\nCreating a supportive boarding culture that promotes psychological safety and professional trust.\nRecognising and responding to stress\, burnout\, and mental health concerns among boarding staff.\nImplementing supervision\, appraisal\, and professional development systems that strengthen staff resilience.\nAligning wellbeing practice with safeguarding\, inspection frameworks\, and sector expectations.\n\nLearning Outcomes  \n\nUnderstand the key factors influencing staff wellbeing in a boarding environment.\nIdentify early signs of stress and burnout and respond with appropriate leadership strategies.\nEvaluate existing staff support systems and identify areas for improvement.\nDevelop practical approaches to embedding a culture of wellbeing within boarding teams.\nArticulate how effective staff support contributes to improved outcomes for boarders and whole-school performance.\n\nBOOK NOW \n\nAndrew Lewin\, BSA Senior Consultant \nAndrew Lewin was International Director at the BSA before moving into a consultant role. His broad remit offers a range of services to boarding schools worldwide. He has considerable experience working with boarding school staff all around the world\, as he has lived and worked in boarding schools for much of his life. \nAndrew has set up his own company in 2020\, Project 1000 Ltd\, that focuses on educational consultancy and resilience coaching. He is a WRAW Master Practitioner\, trained by the Wellbeing Project\, and offers coaching\, diagnostic assessments\, workshops and seminars. He is currently working as a Director of Development in an independent school and is also Education Development Director for Performance Learning and an IAPS Consultant. Away from the world of education\, he is a director of WASP\, S&SWGC and TEAM Removals. \n\nOther titles in this series: \n\n\n\n1. Boarding box set – sector overview and market analysis\nNovember 02\, 2026\n\n\n2. Boarding box set – Safeguarding\nNovember 30\, 2026\n\n\n3. Boarding box set – Inclusion and belonging\nMarch 01\, 2027\n\n\n4. Boarding box set – understanding UKVI compliance\nMarch 05\, 2027\n\n\n5. Boarding Box Set: Building a Positive Staff Culture\nMarch 09\, 2027\n\n\n6. Boarding box set – Marketing considerations for boarding schools\nApril 21\, 2027\n\n\n7. Boarding box set – Preparing for a boarding inspection\nMay 24\, 2026\n\n\n8. Boarding box set – boarding house management\nJune 10\, 2027\n\n\n\n 
URL:https://www.boarding.org.uk/event/boarding-box-set-wellbeing-and-staff-support-4/
LOCATION:Online – Zoom
CATEGORIES:Online,Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20270310T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20270310T160000
DTSTAMP:20260805T150644Z
CREATED:20260804T125641Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260805T150644Z
UID:78234-1804672800-1804694400@www.boarding.org.uk
SUMMARY:Repositioning girls’ boarding in 2027
DESCRIPTION:🏷️ From £99\n📍 TBC \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 \n\nPROGRAMME \nProgramme to be announced shortly. \n\nSpeakers: \nSpeakers will be confirmed shortly.
URL:https://www.boarding.org.uk/event/repositioning-girls-boarding-in-2027/
CATEGORIES:Conference,In-person
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20270310T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20270310T120000
DTSTAMP:20260804T112624Z
CREATED:20260423T142813Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260804T112624Z
UID:74775-1804676400-1804680000@www.boarding.org.uk
SUMMARY:Safeguarding duties for Child Students: Care arrangements\, absences and holidays
DESCRIPTION:🏷️ From £90\n🎧 Admissions departments\, International Student Liaison Officers\, Senior Leadership Team\, Pastoral Staff\n📍 Online\n🎥 Watch live or on catch up\n✅ Included in BSA CPD Pass \n\nCourse Outline \nUKVI has – rightly – intensified its focus on the welfare and safeguarding of Child Students. Scrutiny is being applied both at in-person inspections and remotely through sponsor record reviews. So\, do you understand what is expected of you as a Student sponsor? \nHow do you assess whether a care arrangement is appropriate? How does a sponsored student’s absence impact your sponsor licence? What records do you need to make for holidays and travel plans? A review of the duties listed in the Student sponsor guidance is simply not sufficient to equip you with the answers to these questions; a deeper understanding of the sector risks involved and the reasoning behind such compliance responsibilities is key. \nIf this is an area of confusion or concern for you\, or if you want assurance that you are getting it right\, please join us and rest-assured you are not alone. We’ll be providing risk-assessment questionnaires\, practical solutions and best practice tips in this jam-packed 1-hour training session\, along with a live Q&A. \nThis 1-hour session will cover important topics including: \n\nUKVI’s key focus areas\nSponsor compliance best practice\nSafeguarding risks\nCare arrangements\nRecording and reporting attendance and absences\nHolidays\, leave-outs and exeats\n\nKey takeaways: \n\nFirst-hand insight into the areas UKVI is looking into right now;\nPractical solutions for meeting your sponsor duties and\, most importantly\, protecting your sponsored students;\nConfidence in enforcing your policies and procedures with parents\, guardians\, agents – and colleagues;\nAn understanding of the real-life risks involved;\nClarity of your duties and why compliance is so important.\n\nBOOK NOW \n\nSpeaker: \nKate Hollyer\, Partner and Director\, BSA Group Legal Services Ltd \nKate Hollyer is Executive Director (Legal) of BSA Group and Director of BSA Legal Services Ltd. A qualified solicitor with over 14 years’ experience in UK immigration law\, she advises and supports members on a full range of immigration matters. Before joining BSA in 2022\, Kate was Partner and Head of Department at a leading UK law firm\, where she built extensive expertise in complex immigration cases. Since 2014\, Kate has lived in boarding houses alongside her Housemaster husband\, giving her a unique\, first-hand perspective on the challenges and opportunities of boarding life.
URL:https://www.boarding.org.uk/event/safeguarding-duties-for-child-students-care-arrangements-absences-and-holidays/
LOCATION:Online – Zoom
CATEGORIES:Online,Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20270312T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20270312T120000
DTSTAMP:20260804T140549Z
CREATED:20260731T131353Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260804T140549Z
UID:78108-1804845600-1804852800@www.boarding.org.uk
SUMMARY:Understanding and supporting students who self-harm
DESCRIPTION:🏷️ From £135\n🎧 This session is tailored for school nurses\, health centre and wellbeing staff who may encounter students presenting with self-harm and who want to enhance their skills in responding effectively\, compassionately\, and safely.\n📍 Online\n✅ Included in BSA CPD Pass \n\nCourse outline \nSelf-harm is a complex and sensitive issue\, and school nurses\, health centre and wellbeing staff can often be amongst the first to identify and notice signs or have conversations with pupils who may be struggling. This interactive training session\, let by experienced trainer and speaker Satveer Nijjar\, is designed specifically for nurses and health staff working in school/college settings. \nThrough discussion\, practical examples and real-life insights\, participants will develop greater confidence and understanding in recognising\, responding to\, and supporting young people affected by self-harm. \nTraining topics: \n\nUnderstanding self-harm behaviours\nBroaching suspected self-harm\nLanguage use around self-harm presentations\nAlternative strategies.\n\nBOOK NOW \nThis event is joint with:
URL:https://www.boarding.org.uk/event/78108/
LOCATION:Zoom (online) – This seminar will NOT be recorded\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Online,Seminar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20270312T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20270312T160000
DTSTAMP:20260804T095202Z
CREATED:20260410T095521Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260804T095202Z
UID:74255-1804860000-1804867200@www.boarding.org.uk
SUMMARY:Serious pastoral incidents. A risk assessed approach
DESCRIPTION:🏷️ From £175\n🎧 Safeguarding leads\, pastoral leads\, senior leaders\n📍 Online\n✅ Included in BSA CPD Pass \n\nCourse outline: \nRisk assessment is no longer limited to trips and events – settings are now expected to take a proactive\, risk-based approach in many other areas. \nThis webinar explores how to assess and respond to harmful behaviours – both at an individual and whole-setting level. Using current guidance\, including Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and Ofsted’s review of sexual abuse in schools\, we’ll examine best practices in identifying risks\, planning interventions\, and creating safer environments. \nTraining topics will include: \n\nIdentifying harmful behaviours\, including harmful sexual behaviour\nUnderstanding diversity\, vulnerability\, and disproportionality\nEffective assessment\, safety planning\, and intervention strategies\nWhole-setting risk assessments and risk mitigation.\n\nLearning outcomes: \n\nRecognise and respond to harmful behaviours using current evidence and guidance\nConduct proportionate risk assessments for individuals and settings\nUnderstand why some children are more vulnerable to harm or harmful behaviour\nApply practical strategies to reduce risk and strengthen safeguarding culture.\n\nBOOK NOW
URL:https://www.boarding.org.uk/event/serious-pastoral-incidents-a-risk-assessed-approach/
LOCATION:Online – Zoom
CATEGORIES:Online,Seminar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20270315T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20270315T153000
DTSTAMP:20260804T113150Z
CREATED:20260804T094942Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260804T113150Z
UID:78191-1805106600-1805124600@www.boarding.org.uk
SUMMARY:Creating great boarding spaces
DESCRIPTION:🏷️ From £175\n🎧 Deputy heads\, heads of boarding\, boarding staff\, pastoral leads\n📍 Online\n✅ Included in BSA CPD Pass \n\nCourse outline: \nThis interactive seminar will explore current trends and best practices in boarding house design\, offering valuable insights into how schools can enhance their residential provision in a practical and cost-effective way. Whether you are planning a full refurbishment or seeking small improvements\, this session will help position your boarding environment in line with sector expectations and pupil needs. \nLed by BSA Director David Walker\, the seminar will examine what makes a boarding house truly effective – from layout and decoration to furnishings and student experience. Drawing on real-world examples\, the session will provide inspiration from across the sector\, offering a chance to reflect on your current facilities and identify areas for improvement. \nKey topics: \n\nThe role of the physical environment in wellbeing\, recruitment\, and retention\nRoom-by-room review\, including entrances and welcome zones; corridors\, walls\, and noticeboards; social spaces and communal areas; bedrooms and bathrooms\nCreative\, budget-friendly suggestions for enhancing existing spaces\nCost-effective suppliers and reliable products suited to boarding schools.\n\nLearning outcomes: \n\nGreater awareness of sector-wide boarding facilities trends\, standards\, and expectations\nPractical ideas for upgrading boarding houses with minimal investment\nAn improved ability to assess your own school’s provision and identify key areas for development\nAccess to recommended suppliers for good value furnishings\, materials\, and equipment.\n\nBOOK NOW \n\nSpeaker:
URL:https://www.boarding.org.uk/event/creating-great-boarding-spaces-3/
LOCATION:Online – Zoom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20270315T123000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20270315T133000
DTSTAMP:20260814T082424Z
CREATED:20260804T095353Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260814T082424Z
UID:74575-1805113800-1805117400@www.boarding.org.uk
SUMMARY:Boarding school careers for veterans and service leavers
DESCRIPTION:🏷️ FOC\n📍 Online\n🎥 Watch live or on catch up \n\nCourse outline: \nFor serving personnel and veterans\, the question of ‘what next?’ can be daunting. At first glance\, a service career and boarding education might appear worlds apart. But look more closely and the parallels are striking: residential communities\, high expectations of personal conduct\, strong pastoral responsibility and leadership exercised through daily presence. \nYour experience is not just relevant\, it is actively sought. As a result\, over the past few years\, a growing number of veterans have moved into education\, particularly boarding\, and there is increasing recognition of the crossover between the sectors. There are also non-teaching opportunities that do not require degrees. \nJoin Mark Mortimer\, Director of Defence & Military Services\, Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA) to find out more. Mark is an ex-Infantry Officer and has served as Head at three leading boarding schools. \n\nFind out more about opportunities to work in residential education – no degree needed.\nAsk questions you may have about roles and responsibilities in boarding schools.\nHear Mark Mortimer\, ex-boarding school Headteacher and ex-Infantry Officer explain the synergies between service life and school life.\nUnderstand how you can enrol onto the BSA’s resettlement programme.\n\nBOOK NOW \n\nSpeaker: 
URL:https://www.boarding.org.uk/event/boarding-school-careers-for-veterans-and-service-leavers/
LOCATION:Online – Zoom
CATEGORIES:Online,Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20270316T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20270316T110000
DTSTAMP:20260806T100408Z
CREATED:20260408T104518Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260806T100408Z
UID:72491-1805191200-1805194800@www.boarding.org.uk
SUMMARY:Boarding and food: Getting nutrition right
DESCRIPTION:🏷️ From £90\n🎧 Deputy Heads\, Heads of Boarding\, House staff\, Pastoral and Wellbeing staff\, Catering managers\n📍 Online\n🎥 Watch live or on catch up \n\nCourse Outline: \nAs one of the key pillars to a healthy lifestyle (alongside exercise and sleep) healthy eating is sometimes an area of life that is neglected. It is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that healthy children who are engaged with lots of exercise can top up on plenty of toast. Or those that are overweight can easily become more healthy if they exercise more. This webinar will dispel those myths and will set out the basis of balanced nutrition for young people in a boarding environment. \nTraining topics will include: \n\nThe basis of healthy nutrition for young people.\nEducating young people about nutrition.\nHow to balance independent choices with good decision making around nutrition.\nProvision of snacks and healthy choices.\nSupplements and suggested policies.\nHow to gather\, and act on\, feedback.\n\nLearning outcomes: \n\nAn understanding of healthy nutrition at key stages of development\nHow to support young people in making healthy decisions\nHow to develop strategies and policies that support a culture of healthy eating.\n\nBOOK NOW \n\n \nDan Richardson\, MSc\, SENr \nDan Richardson is a performance nutrition expert who supports elite and school-level athletes to optimise their health and athletic potential. He’s worked professionally as a nutritionist with teams such as Manchester City\, Sale Sharks\, Warrington Wolves and currently is currently the Academy Nutrition Lead at Leeds United. His approach to nutrition is simple\, evidence-based & food-first\, focusing on utilising the latest nutrition research to support all students and athletes. \n  \nThis event will be held jointly with:
URL:https://www.boarding.org.uk/event/boarding-and-food-getting-nutrition-right-2/
LOCATION:Online – Zoom
CATEGORIES:Online,Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20270317T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20270317T123000
DTSTAMP:20260814T082457Z
CREATED:20260811T121820Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260814T082457Z
UID:78578-1805279400-1805286600@www.boarding.org.uk
SUMMARY:Supporting Pupils Through Bereavement and Loss: Creating a Compassionate Response
DESCRIPTION:🏷️ From £175\n📍 Online\n✅ Included in BSA CPD Pass \nCourse outline \nAt certain times we may be involved in breaking bad news or supporting someone who is newly bereaved. Delegates will learn skills to be able to empathise with and manage the ongoing wellbeing of the affected person. The session will teach delegates how to have sensitive conversations that may impact on how the affected person deals with their situation or loss. \nTraining topics will include: \n\nThe impact of bereavement on children and young people\nHow age and stage of development can affect understanding and grief\nCommunication skills  – holding compassionate conversations and delivering bad news\nBereavement theories\n\nLearning outcomes: \n\nImprove awareness of the impact of loss and grief on children and young people of different ages\nImprove confidence in holding compassionate conversations when delivering bad news or supporting with bereavement\n\nBOOK NOW \nThis event is joint with:
URL:https://www.boarding.org.uk/event/78578/
LOCATION:Online – Zoom
CATEGORIES:Online,Seminar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20270319T133000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20270319T153000
DTSTAMP:20260814T082600Z
CREATED:20260421T125632Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260814T082600Z
UID:74647-1805463000-1805470200@www.boarding.org.uk
SUMMARY:Positive masculinity
DESCRIPTION:🏷️ From £135\n🎧 All boarding practitioners and leaders\n📍 Online\n✅ Included in BSA CPD Pass \n\nCourse outline: \nThis seminar explores what it means to model and promote positive masculinity in a school environment. Participants will develop a deeper understanding of the cultural\, social\, and emotional influences that shape young men’s self-image\, and consider how to create inclusive environments that support emotional intelligence\, communication\, respect\, and empathy. \nLearning outcomes: \n\nRecognising and challenging harmful stereotypes and limiting beliefs\nCreating a framework for positive male role modelling in school life.\n\nBOOK NOW \n\nSpeaker:  \nTim Jarvis\, Senior Master: Pastoral Care at Michaelhouse \nTim Jarvis is currently the Senior Master: Pastoral Care at Michaelhouse\, a South African boarding school for senior boys in KwaZulu-Natal. He holds Honours degrees in Education and Psychology from the University of Exeter and the University of South Africa respectively. Tim was the conference lead at researchED Pretoria\, the inaugural researchED conference in South Africa\, and then programme manager for the follow up event in Cape Town. Tim has also served on the Global Advisory Board of the University of St Andrews\, Scotland. \nTim enjoys writing and is the author of the blog\, ‘There’s a ‘Hadeda in my Garden’\, which considers educational issues\, boarding school life\, and teen well-being. He has written articles for Independent Education in South Africa and the Guardian Teachers network in the UK. He also featured on IBSC’s Exploring Boys’ Education Podcast on the pastoral care of boys.
URL:https://www.boarding.org.uk/event/positive-masculinity-2/
LOCATION:Online – Zoom
CATEGORIES:Online,Seminar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20270322T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20270322T123000
DTSTAMP:20260806T095114Z
CREATED:20260421T125956Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260806T095114Z
UID:74649-1805711400-1805718600@www.boarding.org.uk
SUMMARY:Supporting young people with eating disorders
DESCRIPTION:🏷️ From £135\n🎧 Boarding staff\, medical staff\, Head of Boarding\, Deputy Head\, mental health leads\n📍 Online\n✅ Included in BSA CPD Pass \n\nCourse outline: \nEating disorders are wide-ranging and complicated\, and remain high on the list of risk areas in mental health care and provision\, especially for young people. Eating disorders are a complex mental illness with a high mortality rate\, not only down to the eating disorder and malnutrition\, but also suicide. For staff working with young people\, having the confidence to offer support\, and open up conversations about eating disorders can be nerve-wracking. \nTraining topics will include: \n\nDisordered Eating vs an eating disorder?\nRecognising early signs of disordered eating and eating disorders in students\nIdentifying high risk students\nHow to tackle disordered eating in schools?\nHow to approach a student of concern?\nLanguage to use around food and exercise (Do’s and Don’ts)\n\nLearning outcomes: \n\nUnderstand the difference between eating disorders and disordered eating\nImproved confidence in approaching people you may think are displaying signs of needing early intervention\nSigns and symptoms of eating disorders\nDo’s and don’ts when it comes to supporting people with eating disorders\nUse of language around food and exercise\nUnderstanding neurodiversity and eating habits\nCultural differences for international students\nSeeking appropriate clinical intervention and signposting to support\n\nBOOK NOW \n\nSpeaker: \nTina McGuff\, author\, international speaker and advocate for mental health.  \nHaving shared her struggles in her critically acclaimed memoir\, Seconds to Snap\, Tina has established herself as a leading voice on eating disorders\, mental health wellness and is a regular contributor across national media. Tina has appeared on Lorraine\, Channel 5\, ITV\, STV\, BBC as well as Jeremy Vine\, Radio 1 and other national and international media outlets. \nTina grew up in Dundee and spoke of her life being perfect – or so she thought. “I can tell you exactly the day it all went wrong – the day my mum attacked my dad with a kitchen knife. In those few\, short seconds\, a black hole opened up in my life and I fell right in.” Tina’s world turned upside down. Tina turned to the one thing she thought she could control – food and from this moment\, began the biggest fight of her life. \nTina openly shares her life-or-death struggle with anorexia and the darkest moments she experienced in her life whilst in and out of psychiatric wards. Tina enlightens her audience to inner struggles and silence that individuals face with any mental health disorder. \nTina now works to raise awareness and education through workshops\, talks and training across the world as far as Dubai and Abu Dhabi\, invited by the Prime Minister’s Office in the UK and across schools in the USA. Tina shares her insight to help leaders and managers support colleagues and their families via her Three T’s model – supporting difficult conversations that could save and change people’s lives as well as building stronger relationships within the workplace.
URL:https://www.boarding.org.uk/event/supporting-young-people-with-eating-disorders-4/
LOCATION:Online – Zoom
CATEGORIES:Online,Seminar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20270322T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20270322T120000
DTSTAMP:20260826T090014Z
CREATED:20260409T122015Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260826T090014Z
UID:74173-1805713200-1805716800@www.boarding.org.uk
SUMMARY:Creating an exam-healthy atmosphere in the classroom and boarding house during the summer term
DESCRIPTION:🏷️ From £90\n🎧\n📍 Online\n🎥 Watch live or on catch up\n✅ Included in BSA CPD Pass \n\nCourse outline: \nThis session explores how teachers and boarding staff can create a supportive\, exam-friendly environment during the Summer Term\, helping students manage stress and perform at their best. \nTraining topics will include: \n\nUnderstanding the causes of exam stress\nRecognising the behaviours which can arise from exam stress\nPractical strategies for helping students navigate and reduce the impact of exam stress\nImproving the dialogue about exam stress\nKey messages for parents\n\nLearning outcomes: \nBy the end of the session\, participants will be able to: \n\nIdentify key signs of exam stress in students\nImplement strategies to create calm\, supportive environments\nSupport students’ emotional wellbeing during the Summer Term\nAdvise students and parents on effective strategies\n\nBOOK NOW \nThis event is joint with: \n \n\nSpeaker: \nKatherine Radice \nKatharine Radice is an experienced teacher and go-to expert on supporting teenagers through secondary school.  She regularly collaborates with schools and exam boards nationally and internationally\, offering workshops for students\, training for teachers and presentations for parents.   Her work has featured in the The Times\, Sunday Times and Daily Telegraph and she is often interviewed for BBC radio shows\, including the Today Programme and Radio 5 Live.  She is the author of The Parent’s Guide to Exam Stress and Exam Stress: A practical and positive guide for teachers.  Her books have been widely praised across the education sector\, described as ‘Seriously good in all respects’\, ‘Clear\, brilliantly researched and insightful’ and ‘impressively comprehensive’. For more of her work\, you can join her on Substack here or listen to her podcasts here: each week she joins Rachel Richards – award-winning host of Parenting Teenagers Untangled – to untangle the knotty realities of being a modern parent. See further\, katharineradice.co.uk
URL:https://www.boarding.org.uk/event/creating-an-exam-healthy-atmosphere-in-the-classroom-and-boarding-house-during-the-summer-term-2/
LOCATION:Online – Zoom
CATEGORIES:Online,Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20270324T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20270324T120000
DTSTAMP:20260805T091318Z
CREATED:20260423T112021Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260805T091318Z
UID:74739-1805886000-1805889600@www.boarding.org.uk
SUMMARY:Bystanders and upstanders (anti-bullying)
DESCRIPTION:🏷️ From £90\n🎧 Deputy Head\, Inclusion Lead\, Head of Boarding\, Teaching and Boarding staff\n📍 Online\n🎥 Watch live or on catch up\n✅ Included in BSA CPD Pass \n\nCourse outline: \nEvery child\, and probably every adult\, has been a bystander at some point in time. A bystander is someone who witnesses bullying but does not get involved. Being a bystander is easy – they aren’t the perpetrator and they are not the one outwardly being harmed or the target of the attack. \nIn every situation it’s necessary to have somebody who does something that prevents or reduces the bullying they see – an upstander. Upstanders are people who comes to the aid of another person who is being bullied and shows them kindness. \nMoving from being a bystander to becoming an upstander will not happen overnight. This webinar will give you the tools needed to support your staff and pupils on their journey to becoming an upstander. \nLearning outcomes: \n\nCharacteristics of a bystander\nWhat it means to be an upstander\nHow to engage next time someone witnesses bullying and being their upstander.\n\nBOOK NOW \n\nSpeaker: \nJonathan Charlesworth MBE \nJonathan Charlesworth MBE is Director of Educational Action Challenging Homophobia (EACH) with over 40 years’ experience in teaching\, training and developing resources on LGBT+ legislation and anti-discrimination across education\, the criminal justice system\, the NHS and government. A government adviser\, he has been commissioned four times by the English and Welsh administrations to produce national anti-bullying resources and training for schools\, and is currently supporting the Welsh Government’s revision of Rights\, Respect\, Equality. He is author of How to Stop Homophobic and Biphobic Bullying and That’s So Gay!. In 2025 he was awarded an MBE for services to education\, justice\, health and government.
URL:https://www.boarding.org.uk/event/bystanders-and-upstanders-anti-bullying-4/
LOCATION:Online – Zoom
CATEGORIES:Online,Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20270325T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20270325T153000
DTSTAMP:20260804T085843Z
CREATED:20240212T150538Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260804T085843Z
UID:45421-1805968800-1805988600@www.boarding.org.uk
SUMMARY:Career Confidence: Planning Your Next Move
DESCRIPTION:We offer a self-funding route for all courses.  We can arrange payment plans for manageable monthly amounts to make training accessible and affordable.  To find out more\, please e-mail Liz McDonald at liz.mcdonald@bsagroup.org.uk \n\nStudy Days for this module are: \n\nStudy Day 1\, March 25\, 2027\nStudy Day 2\, April 22\, 2027\n\nAll study days will be online via Zoom. \nTO BEGIN THIS COURSE IN MARCH CLICK HERE \nTimings for each study day: 10:00am – 15:30pm GMT \nSessions will include: \n\nSkills audit and evaluation\nImposter syndrome\, Guest Speaker Angela Cox\nDestructive behaviour\, patterns and habits\, Guest Speaker Angela Cox\nChanging role\, adapting and embracing change\nResponding to challenge – Guest Speaker\nMentoring\nGroups tasks\, case studies and discussion\n\nLearning outcomes: \n\nGain insight into strengths and areas for development.\nSelf-awareness.\nConfidence.\nEmpowerment.\nCareer satisfaction.\nCareer progression.\n\n\nSpeaker: \nAngela Cox\, Qualified Mentor& Accredited Master Coach\, Creator\, The Paseda360 Method \nAngela Cox is on a mission to help professionals escape pretending\, people pleasing and perfectionism and be brilliant by being themselves. \nAngela is a multi-award-winning executive coach\, 2 x best-selling author\, podcast host and founder of Paseda360\, a revolutionary coaching method and training academy. \nAfter a career in senior and executive transformation and strategy roles in large corporations\, she left the rat race and set up her own coaching practice in 2018. \nAngela is an Association for Coaching Master Coach & Fellow with more than 5000 coaching hours under her belt. She holds an Executive Coaching Diploma from Cambridge University and PG Cert in the Psychology & Neuroscience of Mental Health.  She is an accredited psychotherapist\, NLP Master\, Clinical Hypnotherapist\, and an accredited Havening Techniques Practitioner. \nA proud empath\, Angela blends backbone with a huge amount of heart.
URL:https://www.boarding.org.uk/event/career-coaching-and-mentoring/
LOCATION:Virtual – Zoom\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Accredited Training,Online
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20270325T123000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20270325T133000
DTSTAMP:20260806T100849Z
CREATED:20260420T153022Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260806T100849Z
UID:74557-1805977800-1805981400@www.boarding.org.uk
SUMMARY:Helping students thrive: A neurodiversity-informed approach to learning differences\, wellbeing\, and communication for agents
DESCRIPTION:🏷️ From £55\n🎧 Certified Agents\n📍 Online\n🎥 Watch live or on catch up\n✅ Included in BSA CPD Pass \n\nCourse outline:  \nIn this dedicated training session for education agents\, Hazel Lim shares her personal journey and offers tools to help agents build stronger relationships with schools and families\, ensuring students are best placed in environments where they can flourish and thrive. Hazel’s personal journey connects neurodiversity with varying cultural understanding and approaches\, supporting everyone in developing their understanding to promote the best chance of success for children in the British education system. \n\nRecognise social communication or behavioural differences that may appear in young students and learn how to approach these situations in a way that supports families while maintaining strong partnerships with schools.\nDiscover how early recognition\, and culturally sensitive communication when approaching families can help agents guide families toward suitable and supportive school environments.\n\nKey topics: \n\nShares real-life lived experiences\nEmpowers agents with knowledge to better understand students’ needs\, strengthening their knowledge and understanding of neurodivergence in specific cultural contexts\nHelps agents navigate cultural peace and expectations when building trust with families\nEquips agents to speak with increased accuracy and confidence when relaying information\, in order to work more effectively with both schools and families\n\nLearning outcomes: \n\nLearn strategies to best support students who may show subtle social\, emotional\, behavioural and/or learning differences\nEnable students to thrive through individual learning and wellbeing support\nUnderstand students’ unique needs to ensure the best possible school placements\nRecognise early signs of stress\, anxiety\, or adjustment challenges\nCommunicate with and approach families with care and cultural sensitivity\nStrengthen trust and communication with and between schools\, agents and families\n\nBOOK NOW \n*Certified agents can use one of their two free sessions per year for this event. Please email if you’d like to use this option* \nThis event will be held jointly with: \n \n\nSpeakers: \nHazel Lim\, Founder and Director of Chinese Autism Community Interest Company est. 2022 \nHazel Lim is a trusted community leader and advocate for inclusion & equity\, recognised for her reputable work empowering neurodiverse Chinese families to better understand and support their children’s individual learning and wellbeing needs. She is the Founder of Chinese Autism Community Interest Company (CACIC)\, the first culturally-specific support organisation of its kind in the UK\, working closely with families navigating differences in learning\, communication\, and development in communities where these conversations are often approached with apprehension\, aversion and anxiety. \nDrawing on lived experience as a neurodivergent parent of neurodivergent children\, Hazel works alongside families to build understanding\, confidence\, and trust as they navigate important educational decisions. Her consultancy and coaching work encourage thoughtful\, culturally sensitive conversations that help young people in the Chinese community to feel understood\, and finally begin to flourish in environments where they can truly thrive\, and no longer have to hide. \nHazel’s inspiring leadership has received national recognition\, including the Prime Minister’s Point of Light Award and UK Chinese Women of the Year.
URL:https://www.boarding.org.uk/event/helping-students-thrive-a-neurodiversity-informed-approach-to-learning-differences-wellbeing-and-communication-for-agents/
LOCATION:Online – Zoom
CATEGORIES:Online,Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20270413T133000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20270413T153000
DTSTAMP:20260805T093633Z
CREATED:20260423T142627Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260805T093633Z
UID:74772-1807623000-1807630200@www.boarding.org.uk
SUMMARY:Managing disputes between boarders
DESCRIPTION:🏷️ From £135\n🎧 Boarding and pastoral staff\, Deputy Heads\, Heads of Boarding\, all staff\n📍 Online\n✅ Included in BSA CPD Pass \n\nCourse outline: \nThis course will look at some of the key tensions within a boarding house which may lead to disputes – either ‘in the moment’ or ongoing. We will also discuss the issue of ‘relational aggression’ and how to identify and manage this. \nTraining topics will include: \n\nIdentifying types and causes of disputes and relationship problems between boarders.\nSetting a positive boarding house culture.\nWhen to intervene in a dispute.\nRelational aggression.\n\nLearning outcomes: \n\nBe able to identify better disputes between boarders.\nForm new ideas for how to set a positive boarding culture to enable early intervention.\nUnderstand the concept of ‘relational aggression’ and develop strategies to combat it within your school.\n\nBOOK NOW \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.
URL:https://www.boarding.org.uk/event/managing-disputes-between-boarders-3/
LOCATION:Online – Zoom
CATEGORIES:Online,Seminar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20270419T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20270419T120000
DTSTAMP:20260814T083109Z
CREATED:20260811T124139Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260814T083109Z
UID:78579-1808128800-1808136000@www.boarding.org.uk
SUMMARY:Trauma-Informed Practice in Boarding Schools
DESCRIPTION:🏷️ From £110\n🎧 Houseparents\, Deputy Houseparents\, Heads of Boarding\, Pastoral staff\, DSL’s\n📍 Online\n✅ Included in BSA CPD Pass \nCourse Content \n This session introduces trauma-informed practice within the unique context of boarding schools\, recognising that many pupils arrive with experiences of loss\, disruption\, or unmet emotional needs. Staff will explore how trauma impacts emotional regulation\, behaviour\, and relationships\, and why traditional punitive responses may escalate rather than resolve difficulties. The session emphasises the importance of safety\, consistency\, and predictability in house routines\, alongside the principle of connection before correction. Practical strategies for de-escalation\, co-regulation\, and restorative responses will be discussed\, with a strong focus on staff self-regulation\, teamwork\, and the use of supervision to sustain effective and compassionate house parenting. \nLearning Outcomes  \nBy the end of this event\, participants will be able to: \n\nUnderstand how trauma and attachment disruption can affect behaviour in boarding\nRespond to challenging behaviour using trauma-informed approaches\nApply practical strategies to support regulation\, safety\, and connection\nMaintain nurturing care while working within professional boundaries\n\nBOOK NOW \n\nSpeaker: \n \nJulie Harmieson\, Director of Education and National Strategy\,Trauma Informed Schools UK \nJulie is Director of Education and International Strategy at TISUK\, with over 25 years’ experience in education\, specialising in trauma-informed practice and supporting children and young people with social\, emotional and mental health needs. A former Headteacher of a Primary Alternative Provision and current SEMH school Governor\, she has supported the implementation of trauma-informed approaches across every sector of education from early years to higher education. \nJulie delivers consultancy\, training\, coaching\, mentoring and supervision for education professionals\, helping schools create inclusive\, relational cultures that promote mental health\, well-being and belonging. She is passionate about removing barriers to learning so every child can thrive.
URL:https://www.boarding.org.uk/event/trauma-informed-practice-in-boarding-schools/
LOCATION:Zoom (online) – This seminar will NOT be recorded\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Online,Seminar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20270419T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20270419T153000
DTSTAMP:20260805T094245Z
CREATED:20260423T143922Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260805T094245Z
UID:74787-1808130600-1808148600@www.boarding.org.uk
SUMMARY:Self-harm: understanding and responding
DESCRIPTION:🏷️ From £175\n🎧 Boarding staff\, Head of Boarding\, Deputy Head\, Mental health leads working with senior boarders\n📍 Online\n✅ Included in BSA CPD Pass \n\nCourse outline \nThis is a course for all staff working in the education setting to help improve understanding and responses to self-harm presentations. A topic which is often misunderstood\, highly stigmatised and hidden is delivered in a relatable manner. \nTraining topics will include: \n\nBetter understanding self-harm (definition / triggers / functions / statistics)\nRelationship between self-harm and suicide\nSigns and indicators of self-harm\nBroaching suspected self-harm\nBest practice response to disclosures (alternative strategies / language use / general response)\n\nLearning outcomes: \n\nUnderstand what self-harm behaviours are and what can lead to them\nUnderstand the importance of asking about suicidal thoughts when presented with self-harm\nHave improved confidence in broaching and responding to disclosures\, appreciating the importance of appropriate language use\n\nBOOK NOW \n\nSpeaker:
URL:https://www.boarding.org.uk/event/self-harm-understanding-and-responding-4/
LOCATION:Online – Zoom
CATEGORIES:Online,Seminar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20270420T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20270420T110000
DTSTAMP:20260805T094721Z
CREATED:20260804T123124Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260805T094721Z
UID:78225-1808215200-1808218800@www.boarding.org.uk
SUMMARY:Managing the Single Central Register (SCR) in boarding schools
DESCRIPTION:🏷️ From £90\n🎧 All who have responsibility and oversight responsibility of safer recruitment and regulatory compliance including safeguarding professionals and leaders\, trustees\, board members and governors\, bursars and HR professionals.\n📍 Online\n🎥 Watch live or on catch up\n✅ Included in BSA CPD Pass \nCourse outline: \nIs your Single Central Register compliant? \nSchools and colleges must keep a Single Central Record in line with statutory guidance and associated legislation. However\, inaccuracies and missing data in the single central register remains a key area of compliance concern resulting in poor regulatory inspection outcomes which are reflected in judgements on safeguarding leadership. \nThis webinar is developed to support colleagues who have operational and oversight responsibility for the Single Central Record. It covers; \n\nSupporting guidance\nInformation required for SCR\nRetention of evidence\nProcedure for maintaining and checking the SCR\nWhat happens on the SCR if staff or volunteers are found to be unsuitable..\n\nLearning outcomes: \n\nReview of underpinning legislation and guidance\nHow to develop a checklist of SCR requirements for compliance audit\nHow to implement recommended procedures for maintaining and checking the SCR\nWhat to consider in reviewing the SCR if there is a change in suitability.\n\nBOOK NOW \nThis is being held jointly with 
URL:https://www.boarding.org.uk/event/managing-the-single-central-register-scr-in-boarding-schools/
LOCATION:Online – Zoom
CATEGORIES:Online,Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20270421T093000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20270421T113000
DTSTAMP:20260805T095606Z
CREATED:20260409T134153Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260805T095606Z
UID:74185-1808299800-1808307000@www.boarding.org.uk
SUMMARY:Safeguarding considerations for short term placements and summer schools
DESCRIPTION:🏷️ From £135\n🎧 DSL\, DDSL\, Senior leaders\, pastoral support\, behaviour leads\, early help workers\, support workers\, family workers\, safeguarding leads\n📍 Online\n✅ Included in BSA CPD Pass \n\nCourse outline: \nThis seminar is specifically designed for staff working in summer schools with international students. It will provide essential knowledge and practical tools to help you create a safe\, inclusive\, and supportive environment for all learners. \nSafeguarding must be a top priority\, and every member of staff involved in summer school provision should understand not only the practical steps involved\, but also how to adopt a child-centred approach. This session will explore the core principles of safeguarding within the context of short-term programmes and highlight the unique needs of international students\, such as language\, cultural adjustment\, and emotional wellbeing. \nTraining topics will include: \n• Understanding your safeguarding responsibilities and duty of care\n• Implementing policies\, procedures\, and a robust safeguarding framework\n• Addressing the specific needs of international students: cultural differences\, homesickness\, and communication barriers\n• Recognising and responding appropriately to safeguarding concerns. \nLearning outcomes: \n• Develop a solid understanding of safeguarding principles in the context of summer schools\n• Strengthen your ability to support international students with sensitivity and cultural awareness\n• Gain confidence in identifying and responding to safeguarding issues\n• Ensure compliance with UK safeguarding legislation and best practice. \nBOOK NOW \nThis event will be held jointly with: \n  \n\nSpeaker: \n 
URL:https://www.boarding.org.uk/event/safeguarding-considerations-for-short-term-placements-and-summer-schools/
LOCATION:Online – Zoom
CATEGORIES:Online,Seminar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20270421T120000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20270421T130000
DTSTAMP:20260811T143037Z
CREATED:20260804T123652Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260811T143037Z
UID:78227-1808308800-1808312400@www.boarding.org.uk
SUMMARY:Boarding Box Set - marketing considerations for boarding schools
DESCRIPTION:🏷️ From £90\n🎧 Deputy Head Pastoral\, Head of Boarding\, Senior Boarding Practitioners\n📍 Online\n🎥 Watch live or on catch up\n✅ Included in BSA CPD Pass \n\nCourse outline: \nBSA’s Boarding box set series is designed for boarding staff and school leaders giving them a broad overview of a range of key boarding-related topics. This series is ideal for staff moving into senior positions in boarding\, preparing for Deputy Headship and consolidating their understanding on the wider sector ‘headlines’. \nThis session will focus on the marketing and admissions functions within your boarding school. It will provide a strong introduction to the basics of marketing planning and strategy to enable you to drive boarding numbers within your school. Understanding the admissions journey for prospective families will help you scrutinise your processes and improve the customer journey\, increasing conversion rates and your school’s brand reputation. \nTraining topics will include: \n\nMarketing strategy and planning\nMarketing mix\nLead-to-sale process\nCustomer journey\nGetting the team right.\n\nLearning outcomes: \n\nAn understanding of marketing planning and strategy\nDetail on how to make the marketing mix work for your school\nAn overview of the customer journey and how to improve this\nSupporting your marketing and admissions team.\n\nBOOK NOW \n\nSpeaker: \n  \n\nOther titles in this series: \n\n\n\n1. Boarding box set – sector overview and market analysis\nNovember 02\, 2026\n\n\n2. Boarding box set – Safeguarding\nNovember 30\, 2026\n\n\n3. Boarding box set – Inclusion and belonging\nMarch 01\, 2027\n\n\n4. Boarding box set – understanding UKVI compliance\nMarch 05\, 2027\n\n\n5. Boarding Box Set: Building a Positive Staff Culture\nMarch 09\, 2027\n\n\n6. Boarding box set – Marketing considerations for boarding schools\nApril 21\, 2027\n\n\n7. Boarding box set – Preparing for a boarding inspection\nMay 24\, 2026\n\n\n8. Boarding box set – boarding house management\nJune 10\, 2027\n\n\n\n 
URL:https://www.boarding.org.uk/event/boarding-box-set-marketing-considerations-for-boarding-schools/
LOCATION:Online – Zoom
CATEGORIES:Online,Webinar
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20270422T090000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20270422T100000
DTSTAMP:20260806T100414Z
CREATED:20260423T143406Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260806T100414Z
UID:74781-1808384400-1808388000@www.boarding.org.uk
SUMMARY:Northern England and Northern Ireland forum
DESCRIPTION:🏷️ Free of charge\n🎧 Heads\, deputy heads\, boarding staff\n📍 Online \n\nForum outline: \nBSA 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. \nDesigned 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. \nWhile many of our forums are held online for accessibility\, some meetings take place in person to offer more opportunities for networking and relationship-building. \nWhy attend? \n\nStay up to date with developments in the sector\nDiscuss local challenges and share region-specific insights\nContribute to a community of practice focused on continuous improvement\nAsk questions\, seek advice\, and offer support to peers\nHear updates from BSA and guest contributors.\n\nBOOK NOW \n\n 
URL:https://www.boarding.org.uk/event/northern-england-and-northern-ireland-forum-2/
LOCATION:Online – Zoom
CATEGORIES:Forum,Online
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20270423T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20270423T153000
DTSTAMP:20260814T083423Z
CREATED:20260410T094559Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260814T083423Z
UID:74253-1808476200-1808494200@www.boarding.org.uk
SUMMARY:Safer Recruitment Consortium Accredited Safer Recruitment Certificate
DESCRIPTION:🏷️ From £235\n🎧 HR Teams\, Senior Leadership\, Governors and Trustees\n📍 Online\n✅ Included in BSA CPD Pass \n\nCourse outline: \n\nThis accredited training course is the widely accepted UK standard for safer recruitment recognised by the government. In line with statutory guidance\, every recruitment panel involved in appointing individuals to work with children must include at least one member who has completed appropriate safer recruitment training.\n\nDelivered by an approved Safer Recruitment Consortium trainer\, this course reflects current legislation and best practice\, drawing on updates to the national Guidance for Safer Working Practice to address evolving expectations around professional conduct.\n\nDeveloped for the education sector by the Safer Recruitment Consortium\, the programme has been expanded to cover all settings involving working with children.\n\nTraining topics will include: \n\nSafer recruitment and the wider context of safeguarding\nPrevalence of abuse and profile of abusers\nHow abusers operate within organisations\nFeatures of a safer recruitment process\nPlanning a safer recruitment process\nMaking the right decisions: interview and selection\nSetting acceptable standards of behaviour\nMaintaining an ongoing culture of vigilance.\n\nLearning outcomes: \n\nCPD/Certification: All participants will receive an accredited SRC course completion certificate alongside participant guidance handbooks. \n\nBOOK NOW \n\nThis event is held in collaboration with: \n \n  \n  \nSpeaker: \nSteve Hall\, Chair of the National LADO Network \nSteve brings over 40 years of experience as a qualified social worker and Service Manager in Social Care for various Local Authorities with a background of Front door services\, assessment\, Child Protection\, care experienced children\, Children with Disabilities\, and Quality Assurance. \nHe is an experienced LADO and held the elected role of Chair of the National LADO Network for over 6 years\, stepping down recently in order to focus on training commitments. Steve is an experienced trainer\, providing tailored safeguarding training to a variety of settings. He also provides consultancy\, including investigations\, safeguarding audits\, for a wide range of sectors\, including the police\, Faith\, Sports\, Fostering\, Education\, Early Years and Youth Services.
URL:https://www.boarding.org.uk/event/safer-recruitment-consortium-accredited-safer-recruitment-certificate-2/
LOCATION:Online – Zoom
CATEGORIES:Online,Seminar
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20270427T090000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20270428T123000
DTSTAMP:20260928T131357Z
CREATED:20260420T161742Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260928T131357Z
UID:74585-1808816400-1808915400@www.boarding.org.uk
SUMMARY:Human by design: the enduring value of boarding in a connected world
DESCRIPTION:🎧 Heads\n🏷️ Included in 2026/27 membership for UK full members; £750 for international full members; £1\,125 for affiliates and day schools; £1\,750 for non-members\n📍 DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole (Google Maps)\n🏠 Accommodation not included – please book separately\n✅ RSVP essential \n\nBOOK NOW \n\nWe are delighted to invite Heads to join us for the Annual Conference for Heads 2027. \nAs boarding continues to evolve\, this inspiring two-day conference will explore how we can reignite confidence\, strengthen school cultures\, and unlock new opportunities for growth. Together\, we will celebrate success\, tackle shared challenges\, and shape a thriving future for boarding. \nThe conference will be chaired by Chris Wheeler\, Chair\, BSA and Headmaster of Canford School\, who will welcome delegates and help lead discussions on the opportunities and challenges facing boarding schools today. \nBringing together Heads from across the sector\, the conference offers an opportunity to connect with peers\, exchange ideas\, and engage in thought-provoking discussions on the issues that matter most to boarding leadership today. Through expert insights\, practical strategies\, and collaborative debate\, delegates will leave equipped with fresh ideas\, renewed energy\, and valuable connections. \nDuring the conference dinner\, winners of the Stephen Winkley Award\, Emma Pattison Award for Compassionate Leadership and the International School of the Year will be announced. The evening provides an opportunity to celebrate excellence\, recognise achievement\, and enjoy an evening with colleagues from across the boarding community. Join us before dinner for a drinks reception accompanied by live music. \nJoin us for two days of insight\, inspiration and collaboration as we work together to bring the boarding bounce back. \nBOOK NOW \n\n📍 Travel information \nBrighton is easily accessible by rail from London. The fastest direct trains are: \n\nGatwick Airport – 30 minutes\nLondon Victoria – 52 minutes\nLondon Bridge – 58 minutes\nSt Pancras (Eurostar) – 1 hour 16 minutes\nLuton Airport – 2 hours\n\nThere are also indirect trains from Heathrow and Stansted\, as well as coaches and car hire from most major cities and airports. Trains can be booked in advance via thetrainline.com and coaches via nationalexpress.com. \n\n🎤 Programme \nDay 1: Monday 26 April 2027\n17.00 – 18.00             Meet the BSA team \nAn informal drop-in for heads to meet the BSA team\, seek advice or simply say ‘hello’. \n\n18.00 – 19.00             Twilight drinks: Heads in conversation \nAn informal evening of drinks\, shared ideas\, and conversation with friends old and new. \n\nDay 2: Tuesday 27 April 2027\n09.00 – 09.45             Registration\, refreshments and networking \n\n09.45 – 10.30             BSA Chair’s address \nChris Wheeler\, BSA Chair and Headmaster of Canford School \nAgainst a backdrop of change across the sector\, Chris will explore how schools can build confidence\, strengthen culture and work together to drive renewed growth\, setting the scene for a conference focused on momentum\, collaboration and the future of boarding. \n\n10.30 – 11.30             Leadership lessons from history \nTom Holland and James Holland\, Broadcasters and Historians \nWhat does history teach us about leading through pressure\, uncertainty and change? Tom Holland and James Holland bring the past vividly to life\, drawing out sharp\, relevant lessons on courage\, judgement and leadership for today’s boarding school heads. \n\n11.30 – 12.15             Growth: what works\, what fails\, what scales \nA candid\, conversation on building demand\, learning from failure and making bold strategic choices in a tougher market facilitated by Alastair Land\, Harrow School. \n\nEmma McKendrick\, Downe House\nShirley Mitchell\, John F. Kennedy International School\nMark Semmence\, Repton School\n\n\n12.15 – 13.00             Lunch and networking \n\n13.00 – 13.45             How to get things done: Influence beyond the boarding gates \nHear from leading figures from public life will share the practical lessons of influence: how to get heard\, build unlikely allies\, navigate difficult issues and turn relationships into action. Expect quick-fire provocations\, real scenarios and small-group conversations. \n\nLord (Guy) Black of Brentwood\, Honorary President of BSA\nProfessor Dame Anna Dominiczak\, Chief Scientist (Health) for the Scottish Government\, Regius Professor of Medicine at the University of Glasgow and HEIDA Honorary President\nGaon Hart\, Immigration Services Commissioner for the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) and Chair of BSA Group Legal Advisory Board\n\n\n13.45 – 14.45             Break out sessions \n\n14.45 – 15.15             Refreshments and networking \n\n15.30 – 16.30             Culture: driving demand to make boarding sustainable  \nThis practical session explores how members can build advocacy\, trust and demand through the networks around them: parents\, alumni\, prep schools\, agents\, governors\, local communities and sector partners\, facilitated by Chris Wheeler\, Canford School and BSA Chair. \n\nDominic Oliver\, Oundle School\nEmma Goldsmith\, Dragon School\nArun Kanwar\, Managing Partner\, Cairneagle\n\n\n16.30 – 17.00             Shaping the story of boarding \nHelp shape the next chapter of boarding. This interactive session gives Heads the opportunity to influence BSA’s forthcoming sector-wide PR campaign\, sharing the stories\, messages and proof points that can strengthen the case for boarding. Together\, we’ll explore how we build a more compelling\, contemporary narrative that challenges outdated perceptions\, reflects today’s boarding experience and helps more families reconsider what boarding has to offer. \n\n19.00 – 19.30             Boarding together: Drinks reception \nMusic kindly provided by Brighton College students \n\n19.30                           Stories worth sharing: The BSA Celebration Dinner and Awards \n\nDay 3: Wednesday 28th April 2027\n07.00                           Sunrise reset \nStart the final day with an informal reflection session on the seafront led by Reverend Anthony Bewes\, followed by an optional swim in the channel led by Chris Wheeler\, Canford School and BSA Chair\, or 5k run led by Dr Chris Pyle\, Lancaster Royal Grammar School.  An energising opportunity to reset\, reconnect and enjoy Brighton before the conference resumes. \n\n09.30 – 10.30           The power of culture \nJohann Van Graan\, Head of Bath Rugby \nEvery Head knows that culture can make or break an organisation. Johann offers a fascinating perspective from elite sport on how to create clarity\, build trust\, unite people behind a common purpose and establish the conditions in which individuals and teams can thrive. \n\n10.30 – 11.00            Refreshments and networking \n\n11.00 – 12.00             Boarding at the heart of education \nWe know boarding has the potential to add a powerful extra dimension to a young person’s education. In this session led by Chris Wheeler\, Canford School and BSA Chair\, our panel will explore how a thriving boarding model can enhance the pupil experience\, creating greater opportunities for personal development\, independence\, belonging\, enrichment and learning beyond the classroom. How can Heads ensure boarding is fully connected to their educational vision\, and demonstrate the distinctive value it brings to pupils and families? \n\nAlastair Chirnside\, St Edward’s School\nSuzannah Cryer\, Highfield School\nJames Dahl\, Wellington College\nSally-Anne Huang\, St Paul’s School\nDr Chris Pyle\, Lancaster Royal Grammar School\n\n\n12.30                            Conference ends  \nOptional lunch in restaurant \n\nChair: \nChris Wheeler\, Headmaster\, Canford School \nChris Wheeler joined Canford as Headmaster in 2025 and is Chair of the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA).A boarder himself from the age of eight\, first at Windlesham House and later at Winchester College\, Chris has a lifelong connection with boarding education and is deeply committed to promoting its uniquely transformative power in young people’s lives.Educated at Winchester College\, Durham and Bristol universities\, he also holds an MBA in Educational Leadership and Administration from UCL. Alongside his role at Canford\, Chris is a governor of Stowe\, where he chairs the Education Committee\, and a governor of Westbourne House.Chris has held a number of senior leadership roles across the independent schools sector\, including Vice Chair of HMC\, Chair of the HMC South West Division and membership of the HMC Inspection Sub Committee. Through his work at Canford and as Chair of the BSA\, he is a strong advocate for the distinctive contribution that high-quality boarding makes to education\, personal development and school communities. \n\nSpeakers: \nAlastair Land\, Head Master\, Harrow School \nAlastair Land\, Head Master\, Harrow School\, attended Manchester Grammar School where he was School Vice-Captain. He first came to understand the positive power of boarding in his gap year teaching at Budhanilkantha School north of Kathmandu. Alastair took a First in Natural Sciences at Trinity College\, Cambridge\, where he was President of the College’s Student Union. After completing his PGCE at Cambridge\, he began his career at Eton as a teacher of Biology. There\, he became a Deputy House Master and held several extra-curricular responsibilities\, including command of the CCF. Alastair then spent nine years at Winchester College\, where he was Master in College and a member of the Senior Management Team. In 2012\, Alastair was appointed Deputy Head Master of Harrow\, moving almost four years later to Repton as Headmaster. He returned to Harrow as Head Master in April 2019. He has retained his interests in outdoor activity and is Contingent Commander of the Harrow Rifle Corps. He remains committed to scholarship\, teaching Electives (Human Evolution and Consciousness) and giving super-curricular talks. Alastair is focused on strategic development of boys’ boarding in the 21st century and in developing access for boys of all backgrounds from across the UK. He is a governor at Caldicott School\, Orley Farm School\, (and a regular prep school visitor)\, a member of Park High School\, and has acted as an independent reviewer in the appraisal process of senior-school headteachers. He served twice as Chair for HMC London Division and has been a Trustee of both the Zoological Society and the Linnean Society. He is currently on the Council of the Royal Society of Biology and The Heads and Principals Advisory Board of IE University\, and is also a Trustee of the Harrow Mission. \n\nMrs Emma McKendrick\, Headmistress\, Downe House \nEmma is a linguist who was educated at the Universities of Liverpool and Birmingham. She was Headmistress of the Royal School Bath from 1994-97 and took up her appointment as Headmistress of Downe House in 1997. She has a great deal of experience as a Governor of a variety of independent Senior and Prep Schools and was a member of the Independent Schools’ Examination Board and was a Trustee of the Prep School Baccalaureate. She was Chair of the Prep Schools Trust\, is a Member of GSA\, HMC and BSA and a Fellow of the RSA. She is married and has two sons. When time allows\, she enjoys travel\, the theatre and cinema\, and spending time with her family. \n\nMark Semmence\, Headmaster\, Repton School \nMark Semmence is the CEO of the Repton Group. Prior to joining Repton in 2019 as Headmaster\, Mark was Headmaster of Mount Kelly School and prior to that\, Assistant Headmaster for 7 years at Rugby School where he taught Economics. Mark was educated at Hurstpierpoint College and then at Durham University (BA and MBA). He completed his MA at Warwick. Before embarking on his teaching career\, Mark enjoyed a successful business career in the sports marketing sector working for the Quintus Group (now IMG) in London\, Dubai and New York. \n  \n\nShirley Mitchell\, Director\, John F Kennedy International School \nDr Shirley Mitchell is Director of John F. Kennedy International School in Switzerland\, where she leads a diverse\, internationally minded learning community. Previously Vice Principal at Surval Montreux and Assistant Principal at DLD College London\, Shirley brings extensive experience in school leadership\, boarding\, wellbeing and organisational development. She holds qualifications spanning English Literature and Language\, Childhood and Youth Studies\, Educational Psychology and Executive Education\, and recently completed a doctorate in International Educational Leadership and Student Wellbeing. Shirley is passionate about creating inclusive\, future-focused schools where academic excellence\, wellbeing\, sustainability and strong relationships work together to help every student thrive fully. \n\nGaon Hart\, Immigration Services Commissioner \nGaon is currently Immigration Services Commissioner\, the regulator for immigration advisers\, Chair of the Police Advisory Board for England & Wales\, and NED for the NHS Counter Fraud Authority\, protecting the NHS from £1.3 Billion fraud risk. He is a Board member for the Cambridge Centre for Applied Research into Human Trafficking and Chair of the Legal Advisory Board for Abitas Group’s Legal firm. He is also Managing Director of Legal Advisory Worldwide\, a boutique consultancy specialising in global corporate economic crime risk prevention. He also Chairs and legally advises multiple regulatory bodies on fitness to practice hearings\, as a former Senior Crown Advocate. \n\nDanuta Staunton\, Headmistress\, St Mary’s School Ascot \nDanuta Staunton is Headmistress of St Mary’s School Ascot\, a full boarding\, Catholic girls’ school of 400 pupils. She took on the Headship in 2019 but joined the school in 2010\, having taken on a range of different roles\, including Senior Leadership responsibility for communications. Her subject is English Literature\, and she has a Masters’ degree from the University of York. Prior to her teaching career\, she worked in Publishing in London. \n  \n  \n\nDominic Oliver\, Head\, Oundle School \nDominic Oliver became Head of Oundle School in August 2025\, bringing with him over twenty years of teaching and leadership experience in leading independent boarding schools. \nHe read English at the University of Sheffield\, graduating with First Class Honours\, and went on to gain an MPhil in English from St Peter’s College\, Oxford. He remained at Oxford as a Lecturer at St Peter’s and a member of the University’s English Faculty\, specialising in Shakespeare.\nHis school career began at the Royal Grammar School\, Worcester before he moved to Malvern College as Head of English and later Head of Academic Development. He went on to serve as Managing Head at Bedales School for four years and\, in 2014\, was appointed Head Master of Lancing College\, West Sussex\, a position he held for over a decade. \n\nEmma Goldsmith\, Head\, Dragon School \nEmma Goldsmith began her career teaching English and coaching sport at Oakham School\, after which she moved to Rugby School and then Bloxham School where she oversaw the introduction of co-education and opened the first 13-18 boarding house.\nShe left Bloxham as deputy head to take on her first headship of Winchester House Prep School and then became Head of the Dragon School Oxford in 2021. She is an experienced governor having been on the board of Cheltenham College and is currently a governor of Gordonstoun and Wellington College. She also sits on the board of IAPS. She loves the community life of schools and seeking new opportunities for young people to thrive. An early adopter of the power of Instagram in marketing schools she launched her @head_in_heels account. \n\nArun Kanwar\, Managing Partner\, Cairneagle \nArun Kanwar is a Partner at Cairneagle\, a strategy consulting firm specialising in the education sector. Cairneagle supports institutions and investors with their critical commercial decisions – bringing structure\, insight and judgement to situations of uncertainty and material consequence. The firm has deep roots in the independent schools sector\, operating across both the charitable and for-profit space\, and has built a reputation based on a research and data-driven approach\, analytical audacity and a determination to add value for its clients. It has won the EducationInvestor award for consultants eight times\, most recently in June 2026.\nArun joined Cairneagle in 2015 and brings twenty-five years of experience spanning both advisory and industry roles. He has worked across multiple education sub-verticals – including early years\, UK schools\, SEND\, skills and education services – drawing on both UK and international experience. Beyond his consulting work\, Arun serves as a Director of HMC (the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference). In December 2025\, he was won in the Consultant category at the inaugural EducatioInvestor Power List\, and in April 2026 he won in the Consultant category at the inaugural NMT (Nursery Management Today) Power List. He holds an MChem in Chemistry from the University of Oxford. \n\nDr Chris Pyle\, Head\, Lancaster Royal Grammar School \nDr Chris Pyle has been Head of Lancaster Royal Grammar School since 2012 and was Chair of the Boarding Schools Association in 2025.  He was state-educated in Oxfordshire and went on to complete a degree and PhD in Geography at Cambridge University.  His previous roles include Head of Geography and Deputy Head at the Perse School\, Cambridge.  A physical geographer by background\, he publishes regular resources on landscapes and natural hazards.  He holds the National Professional Qualification in Executive Leadership.  He is Senior Lead of the North North West Maths Hub and governor of Queen Elizabeth’s School Penrith.  \n  \n\n \nJohann Van Graan\, Head of Rugby\, Bath \nJohann van Graan is Head of Rugby at Bath Rugby and a leader renowned for building high-performance cultures through trust\, clarity and care. Often described as a real-life Ted Lasso\, Johann has transformed Bath’s fortunes since arriving in 2022\, taking a club that had finished bottom of the Premiership to the final within two seasons\, before leading them to a historic treble in 2024/25. Previously\, he coached with the Springboks and led Munster for five years. Johann’s people-first approach has developed international players and united teams around a shared purpose\, offering powerful lessons in culture\, leadership and helping people thrive. \n  \n\nSuzannah Cryer\, Head\, Highfield School \nSuzannah Cryer has spent her entire career in independent preparatory education. Since September 2022 she has been Head of Highfield School\, leading academic\, pastoral and strategic direction across the whole school. She previously served as Deputy Head (Pastoral) and Designated Safeguarding Lead at Thomas’s Preparatory School\, Battersea\, and crucially for today’s discussion as Head of Boarding and Head of Drama at Highfield School\, where she held full responsibility for 135 boarders. Suzannah authored the “Raising the Future” white paper for the DfE and speaks widely on pastoral leadership\, safeguarding and the enduring value of boarding education.  \n\nJames Dahl\, Master\, Wellington College \nJames Dahl has been Master of Wellington College since 2019\, having been Second Master Elect\, Deputy Head Pastoral and\, before that\, Director of Admissions and Marketing.  Educated at RGS Newcastle and Haileybury\, where he boarded for Sixth Form\, James then read Classics at Jesus College\, Cambridge before starting his career at Brighton College (Head of Classics and Head of Sixth Form) and then Repton (Boarding Housemaster). James is a keen musician and sportsman\, serves as a Governor at Cheam prep school\, and is a Trustee for the Old Wellingtonian Charitable Trust and the Haileybury Society. \n  \n\nAlastair Chirnside\, Warden\, St Edwards School \nAlastair was at Merton College\, Oxford\, where he took a Congratulatory First in Classics and French and won a half-blue for lightweight rowing. Alastair was brought up near Oxford and attended the Dragon\, winning a King’s Scholarship to Eton. He started his career as a fund manager with Schroders in London before going into teaching in 2004. His first teaching job was at Eton\, where he also coached J16 rowing before going on to be Head of Year 11\, Head of Classics and House Master of Walpole House. He left Eton in 2016 to become Director of Studies at Harrow\, where he was then appointed Deputy Head Master in April 2019. He became Warden of St Edward’s in September 2021. Alastair is married to Zannah\, and they have two children\, Mary and Lizzie. Beyond Teddies\, he is a governor at Summer Fields. During the holidays\, Alastair and his family enjoy travel in their VW camper\, spending time at their home in Normandy\, walking with their Labrador\, and camping on the Thames in their double-sculling skiff. Alastair will take office as 72nd Head Master of Eton in September 2027. \n\nSally-Anne Huang\, High Master\, St Paul’s School \nSally-Anne Huang was educated at Bolton School prior to reading Classics and English at Lady Margaret Hall\, Oxford. She also has an MSc in Educational Leadership and Management and a Masters degree in Children’s Literature\, which is a personal passion of hers. \nSally-Anne is High Master of St Paul’s School and experienced in governance of both boarding and prep schools. Previously she was Headmistress of James Allen’s Girls School\, and Kent College\, Pembury. \n  \n\n \nProfessor Dame Anna Dominiczak DBE MD FRCP FAHA FRSE FMedSci is the Regius \nProfessor Dominiczak is Regius Chair of Medicine at the University of Glasgow\, Honorary Consultant Physician and Endocrinologist at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde\, and Chief Scientist (Health) for the Scottish Government. Appointed in 2022\, she leads Scotland’s health research and innovation agenda\, working across the NHS\, academia and industry to accelerate research into patient benefit. An internationally recognised leader in cardiovascular science\, clinical academia and precision medicine\, her research focuses on hypertension\, cardiovascular genomics and precision medicine. She has published over 550 peer-reviewed papers\, secured more than £100 million in research funding\, and delivered over 100 international plenary lectures. She was appointed DBE in 2016. \n  \n\nLord Guy Black\, Deputy Chairman of Telegraph Media Group  \nLord Black of Brentwood (Guy Black) is Honorary President of the BSA. He is Deputy Chairman of Telegraph Media Group – publisher of the Telegraph newspaper – where he has worked since 2005. Before that he was Director of Communications for the Conservative Party under Michael Howard and Director of the Press Complaints Commission. He is Chairman of Governors at Brentwood School – where he has been on the Board since 2013 – and is Chairman of the Royal College of Music. He speaks widely in the Lords on issues including education\, media freedom\, osteoporosis and music and the arts. 
URL:https://www.boarding.org.uk/event/annual-conference-for-heads-4/
LOCATION:DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole\, Kings Road\, Brighton\, BN1 2FU\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Conference,In-person
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR