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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261110T090000
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UID:72396-1794301200-1794330000@www.boarding.org.uk
SUMMARY:Prep Boarding Conference 2026
DESCRIPTION:🎧 Prep boarding staff\, senior leaders\, marketing and admissions\n📍 Dragon School\, Oxford \n\nBSA Prep Boarding Conference 2026 is a one-day professional development event for educators and leaders in prep school boarding. The conference covers best practices in providing outstanding academic and pastoral care\, managing pupil transitions\, and key operational areas such as admissions\, compliance\, and staff retention. Expert-led sessions and a collaborative round table discussion will provide practical strategies and insights\, with a special focus on the crucial topic of pupil wellbeing and sleep optimisation. \nTraining topics will include: \n\nDeveloping outstanding academic and pastoral provision\, with a focus on supporting a smooth transition to senior boarding.\nCreating a strategic roadmap for marketing\, admissions\, compliance\, and staff retention in prep boarding schools.\nApplying strategies to improve pupil wellbeing through optimised sleep environments and routines.\n\nLearning Outcomes \nParticipants will be able to: \n\nIdentify and apply best practices for delivering outstanding academic\, pastoral\, and boarding provision in a prep school setting.\nImplement strategies that effectively support pupils in their transition from prep to senior boarding.\nDevelop a strategic roadmap for marketing\, admissions\, and compliance that drives enrolment growth and meets inspection standards.\nRecruit and retain high-quality staff and pupils by addressing key challenges in the boarding sector.\nApply practical techniques to promote healthier sleep and improve the overall wellbeing of boarding pupils.\n\nPlaces are limited. Early booking is recommended. \nBOOK NOW \nSponsored by: \n \n\nConference Programme\n09:30 – 10:00            Registration & refreshments \nNetworking and arrival. \n\n10:00 – 11.00             Why Prep Boarding Matters\n \nSetting out the opportunity for prep and junior boarding and asking: what do we want children to say about having boarded with us? \nWhat makes a truly exceptional boarding experience for younger pupils\, and how can schools create an environment where every child feels valued\, supported and connected? \nThis session explores the unique opportunities and responsibilities of prep and junior boarding\, focusing on the importance of belonging\, positive relationships\, independence and personal development. Delegates will consider how everyday interactions\, meaningful experiences and a strong boarding community can shape children’s confidence\, happiness and lasting memories. \nThrough reflection on what we want children to say about their boarding experience\, the session will encourage participants to identify practical ways to create a nurturing\, engaging and enriching environment in which young boarders can thrive. \nSpeaker: Emma Goldsmith\, Head\, The Dragon School\, Oxford \n\n11:00 – 11:45             UKVI compliance: inspection ready in Prep Boarding \n\nStaying informed about UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requirements is essential for prep schools sponsoring international boarding pupils. With regulatory expectations and compliance responsibilities continuing to evolve\, prep schools must ensure their procedures\, records and safeguarding arrangements remain robust and up to date. \nThis session will provide an overview of the latest UKVI rules\, regulatory developments and inspection expectations relevant to prep boarding schools. Delegates will explore key compliance responsibilities\, common areas of concern and practical approaches to maintaining effective systems and demonstrating compliance. \nThe session will also offer an opportunity to raise questions and discuss specific challenges with BSA Legal Partner and Immigration Solicitor\, Kate Hollyer\, helping schools strengthen their understanding and approach inspections with greater confidence. \n\nSpeaker: Kate Hollyer\, Director\, BSA Legal \n\n11:45 – 12:00            The homework helper\, the friend and the secret-keeper: how children really use AI   \nChildren are already using AI every day\, as a homework helper\, as a friend and sometimes as a place to say things they would never say to an adult. Aakash Arora\, founder of Turing Education\, former senior data scientist and former GCSE and A-level Computer Science tutor\, left tech to teach AI and computing to pupils from Reception to A-level. He now works with around 20 schools including Beechwood Park\, Donhead Prep\, Brighton College Prep Kensington\, St Catherine’s Twickenham\, Hurlingham School and Chelsea Academy. Drawing on what he sees in the classroom each week\, he shares how children really use these tools\, why the boarding house evening is where it matters most\, and a simple\, practical approach to keeping boarders safe\, curious and thinking for themselves. \n\n12:00 – 13:00            Lunch\, networking and boarding tour   \n\nAn opportunity to connect with fellow prep boarding professionals\, exchange experiences and discuss the opportunities and challenges facing prep boarding schools. \nDelegates will have time to build professional relationships\, share ideas and reflect on the morning’s discussions in an informal setting. An optional tour of the host school’s boarding facilities will provide an opportunity to explore the boarding environment and gain insights into approaches to creating welcoming\, supportive spaces for younger pupils. \n\n\n13:00 – 13:45           People make the place: Building Prep Boarding teams with energy and staying power \n\nThe success of any prep boarding community depends on the people who support\, guide and care for its pupils. Recruiting\, developing and retaining committed prep boarding staff is therefore essential to delivering a consistent\, positive experience for young boarders. \nThis session will explore practical approaches to building resilient\, motivated and effective prep boarding teams. Topics will include recruitment and induction\, managing workloads and rotas\, providing effective supervision\, supporting professional development and recognising staff contributions. \nDelegates will consider how strong leadership\, supportive working practices and a positive team culture can improve staff wellbeing\, strengthen retention and enable prep boarding professionals to find fulfilment and enjoyment in their roles. \n\n Speakers: \n\nLiz Hutchings\, Registrar\, Head of Boarding\, Junior King’s School\, Canterbury\nMarcus Faulkner\, Joint Head of Boarding\, The Dragon School\, Oxford\nAugusta Faulkner\, Joint Head of Boarding\, The Dragon School\, Oxford\n\n\n13:45 – 14:30           BSA Prep Boarding Forum meeting and round-table discussion \n\nThis interactive forum provides a valuable opportunity for prep boarding professionals to come together\, share experiences and explore the key issues shaping the sector. \nThrough open discussion and collaborative exchange\, delegates will be encouraged to reflect on emerging challenges\, celebrate successful approaches and consider opportunities for improvement within their own prep boarding communities. \nThe session offers a supportive environment for professional networking\, peer learning and practical problem-solving\, enabling participants to gain fresh perspectives and take away ideas that can inform their work. \n\n\n14:30 – 15:00             Refreshments and networking \n\nA chance to continue conversations\, exchange ideas and connect with colleagues from across the prep boarding sector before the final session of the day. \n\n\n15:00 – 16:00           Safe\, seen and heard: Safeguarding in the reality of Prep Boarding  \n\nEffective safeguarding goes beyond policies\, procedures and inspection readiness. In a prep boarding environment\, where staff play a central role in children’s daily lives\, safeguarding must be embedded in everyday interactions\, decision-making and the wider culture of care. \nThis session will explore what safeguarding looks like in practice within a busy prep boarding house\, highlighting the importance of creating an environment where every pupil feels safe\, listened to and supported. \nDelegates will consider how staff awareness\, professional boundaries\, effective communication and a proactive safeguarding culture contribute to pupil wellbeing and protection. The session will encourage boarding professionals to reflect on their existing practices and identify ways to strengthen safeguarding as an integral part of daily boarding life. \n\nSpeaker: Dale Wilkins\, Executive Director\, Scotland/Wales and Accredited/Compliance\, BSA \n\n16:00                           Conference ends \n\nSpeakers\n\n \nEmma Goldsmith\, Head\, The Dragon School\, Oxford \nEmma Goldsmith has been Head of Dragon School\, Oxford\, since September 2021\, becoming the first female Head in the school’s history. Previously Head of Winchester House School\, where she won Tatler’s Best Head of a Prep School award in 2019\, Emma brings extensive experience in teaching\, boarding and educational leadership. Her career includes teaching at Oakham and Rugby Schools and serving as Deputy Head and Housemistress at Bloxham School\, where she established its first girls’ boarding house. Emma is actively involved in the wider independent education sector\, including work with IAPS and school governance\, and is a passionate advocate for exceptional prep education and boarding. \n\n \nKate Hollyer\, Director\, BSA Legal \nKate Hollyer is Legal Director of Abitas Group and Director of BSA Legal Services Ltd. A qualified solicitor with over ten years’ experience advising on UK immigration law\, Kate provides specialist legal guidance to BSA members on immigration\, safeguarding and regulatory compliance matters. Before joining BSA in 2022\, she was a Partner and Head of Department at a leading full-service UK law firm. Kate also brings valuable first-hand knowledge of boarding life\, having lived in state\, preparatory and senior school boarding houses with her Housemaster husband since 2014. Her combination of legal expertise and practical boarding experience provides a valuable perspective on the challenges facing schools. \n\n \nLiz Hutchings\, Registrar\, Head of Boarding\, Junior King’s School\, Canterbury \nLiz Hutchings is Registrar and Head of Boarding at Junior King’s School\, Canterbury\, bringing extensive experience in boarding education and pastoral leadership. A graduate of the University of Reading\, where she specialised in English\, Liz has worked in boarding throughout her teaching career. Her previous roles include Assistant Houseparent at Port Regis\, Head of Year 4 and Housemistress at Junior King’s. She was appointed Head of Boarding in 2018 and has also served in senior pastoral and safeguarding roles. Liz is a passionate advocate for the opportunities provided by boarding and believes that strong pastoral care and a nurturing environment are central to children’s development and success. \n\n \nMarcus Faulkner\, Joint Head of Boarding\, The Dragon School\, Oxford \nMarcus Faulkner is Assistant Head Boarding and Joint Head of Boarding at Dragon School\, Oxford\, where he works alongside Augusta Faulkner to support the school’s vibrant boarding community. His role focuses on providing a nurturing\, welcoming and engaging environment in which young boarders can develop confidence\, independence and lasting friendships. Marcus works closely with boarding houseparents and colleagues to promote a family-style approach to boarding\, ensuring children feel supported and valued throughout their time at school. He is particularly committed to the positive experiences and relationships that help children flourish\, and to creating a boarding culture that combines exceptional pastoral care with opportunities for adventure\, personal growth and enjoyment. \n\n \nAugusta Faulkner\, Joint Head of Boarding\, The Dragon School\, Oxford \nAugusta Faulkner is Joint Head of Boarding at Dragon School\, Oxford\, working alongside her husband\, Marcus\, to create a supportive and enriching boarding experience. A Durham University graduate\, Augusta began her teaching career at the Dragon before spending six years teaching English and Maths and coaching rugby at Caldicott School. She subsequently returned to the Dragon\, managing Charlbury House and later School House\, before taking on her current boarding leadership responsibilities. Augusta has also led the school’s PSHEE department and has a particular interest in mental health and wellbeing. She is passionate about creating a positive boarding environment where children feel happy\, supported and confident. \n\n \nDale Wilkins\, Executive Director\, Scotland/Wales and Accredited/Compliance\, BSA \nDale Wilkins is Executive Director\, Scotland/Wales and Accredited/Compliance at the Boarding Schools’ Association\, where he leads on safeguarding\, inspection and boarding standards. Joining BSA in 2017\, Dale brought 31 years of experience as a boarding practitioner\, including senior positions at Norwich School\, Tettenhall College and Old Swinford Hospital\, where he served as Housemaster\, Deputy Head and Designated Safeguarding Lead. He has extensive experience in safeguarding training\, regulatory compliance and inspection frameworks\, working closely with ISI\, Ofsted and the Department for Education. Dale also developed the BSA Self-Assessment Toolkit and plays a leading role in supporting boarding schools to maintain high standards of safeguarding and care. \n\nAakash Arora\, Turing Education \nAakash brings over 7 years of experience in private Computer Science tutoring and lead teaching at some of London’s leading coding clubs (cypher\, codekids\, blueshift\, etc.). He also has more than 5 years of data science experience at leading startups in London and is a former National Robotics Olympiad winner. Aakash is also one of the lead instructors at Turing Education.
URL:https://www.boarding.org.uk/event/prep-boarding-conference-2/
CATEGORIES:Conference
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