Delivering Tangible Solutions For Real-World Issues

ISPN NORTH 2024 AGENDA

ISPN is a unique, two-day learning and networking event which brings together the most inspirational leaders and transformational suppliers in the education sector to share cutting-edge insight, knowledge and experience. Our agenda is carefully curated to address the most relevant and emerging challenges in the sector.

ISPN 2024

30th April - 1st May, Hilton Deansgate, Manchester

Day 1
Day 2

30 April 2024

8:00 am - 8:55 am

Main Room

Registration
8:55 am - 9:00 am

Main Room

Chair's opening remarks

Nic Ford

Head
Bolton School, Boys' Division

With a likely change of government on the horizon, the independent sector will face a range of new challenges.

Setting competition aside, there has never been a more crucial time for leaders to come together to share challenges an...

With a likely change of government on the horizon, the independent sector will face a range of new challenges.

Setting competition aside, there has never been a more crucial time for leaders to come together to share challenges and anxieties, but also to identify opportunities for collaboration and
innovation.

Beyond this, we will discuss a range of themes from curriculum development to net zero, without forgetting the role of AI and other technology in strengthening the educational offering, as well as what independent schools can offer to society.
9:00 am - 9:40 am

Main Room

Panel discussion: We are still good value for money!

Nic Ford

Head
Bolton School, Boys' Division

Sarah Bakhtiari

Principal
Shoreham College

Philip Britton

Head of Foundation
Bolton School

Kieran McLaughlin

Principal
Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation

Eliza Cummings-Cove

Director of Marketing and Admissions
Dukes Education

Now that itâ€™s looking likely that a change of government is on the horizon, we must be prepared. The value for money of independent schools will be scrutinised more than ever.

Why should parents pay for children to come to ...

Now that itâ€™s looking likely that a change of government is on the horizon, we must be prepared. The value for money of independent schools will be scrutinised more than ever.

Why should parents pay for children to come to independent schools? How can we continue to provide value with less pupils?

We will show the true value of independent education in this session!
9:45 am - 10:05 am

Main Room

Empower Your School Towards a Sustainable Future

Mark Dolling

Group Education Director
eEnergy

Discover how schools can play a pivotal role in the journey towards net zero, whilst unlocking significant energy cost savings and improving teaching and learning environments.

Invest in energy efficiency and engage the school com...

Discover how schools can play a pivotal role in the journey towards net zero, whilst unlocking significant energy cost savings and improving teaching and learning environments.

Invest in energy efficiency and engage the school community in driving positive behavioural change to tackle the Â£300m of energy wasted by schools every year.
See how your school can move to a sustainable future at no upfront cost via an innovative subscription model.

This allows you to cut energy costs and carbon emissions by reducing energy usage, generating your own clean solar energy, measuring your energy waste and deploying electric vehicle charging.

Key learning points:
â€¢ Schools can cut energy usage by over 50% by eliminating energy waste, introducing energy efficient technology and generating their own clean energy.
â€¢ Investing in energy efficiency provides a visible commitment to sustainability and can be linked to the curriculum to engage school communities in positive behavioural change.
â€¢ Achieving net zero carbon is both possible and profitable
10:10 am - 10:25 am

Main Room

Dragons' Den - Speed presentations

Our signature â€˜Dragonsâ€™ Denâ€™ session provides each solution provider with an opportunity to deliver a short 60 second pitch, explaining why they are here and how their services can help tackle some of the sectorâ€�...

Our signature â€˜Dragonsâ€™ Denâ€™ session provides each solution provider with an opportunity to deliver a short 60 second pitch, explaining why they are here and how their services can help tackle some of the sectorâ€™s ongoing challenges.
10:30 am - 11:45 am

Main Room

Coffee break and business meetings

15 minute meetings with suppliers who are offering solutions most relevant to your challenges. Please check the schedule on the back of your delegate pass for your meeting timings.
11:50 am - 12:10 pm

Main Room

Leading on net zero

Karen Gracie-Langrick

Headteacher
Colchester Prep and High School

The climate crisis demands action, and schools have a vital role to play. This session will equip you with the knowledge and tools to lead your school on the path to net zero.

What you’ll gain:

â€¢ Clear un...

The climate crisis demands action, and schools have a vital role to play. This session will equip you with the knowledge and tools to lead your school on the path to net zero.

What you’ll gain:

â€¢ Clear understanding: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the concept of net zero and its relevance to schools in the UK.
â€¢ Practical strategies: Discover practical strategies for reducing your school’s carbon footprint, from energy efficiency to sustainable practices.
â€¢ Engaging curriculum: Explore ways to integrate climate change education into your curriculum, empowering students to become sustainability champions.
12:15 pm - 12:35 pm

Main Room

Building a Cyber Resilient School

Jaipal Aenugu

Founder & CEO at TechForce Cyber

Adam Morrison

Business Development Manager
TechForce Cyber

Liam Sanders

Sales and Partnerships Consultant
TechForce Cyber

Our presentation, ‘Building a Cyber Resilient School,’ focuses on the importance of keeping schools safe from online dangers, especially from smarter cyberattacks that learn and adapt. Weâ€™ll share straightforward steps...

Our presentation, ‘Building a Cyber Resilient School,’ focuses on the importance of keeping schools safe from online dangers, especially from smarter cyberattacks that learn and adapt. Weâ€™ll share straightforward steps and real-life stories on how schools can protect themselves, highlighting the need for everyone teachers, students, and staff to be aware and proactive about online safety. The talk aims to guide schools through simple yet effective ways to keep their digital spaces secure, ensuring a safe learning environment for all. It’s about creating a culture where everyone plays a part in guarding against online threats, making sure our schools can continue to educate without disruption.
12:35 pm - 1:25 pm

Main Room

Networking lunch
1:30 pm - 2:00 pm

Main Room

How can we improve our communication strategy and engage pupils and parents?

Sarah Buist

Head of Digital Strategy
Royal Grammar School, Newcastle

This interactive group discussion will pull ideas together from around the room on how we can improve our communication with pupils and parents.

We will hear examples of innovation from across the sector, creating an environment t...

This interactive group discussion will pull ideas together from around the room on how we can improve our communication with pupils and parents.

We will hear examples of innovation from across the sector, creating an environment that encourages sharing and learning.

Between us, we have the formula for an engaging communication strategy!
2:05 pm - 2:25 pm

Main Room

Creating Thriving Spaces to Improve Cognition, Wellbeing and Outcomes

Dr Adam England

Director and Executive Consultant
Noble + Eaton

James Whitehead

Head
Woldingham Girls School

By placing learnersâ€™ needs at the centre of a design paradigm, thriving learning spaces will improve engagement, cognition and other learning outcomes. This presentation will illustrate the direction of travel across our industry ...

By placing learnersâ€™ needs at the centre of a design paradigm, thriving learning spaces will improve engagement, cognition and other learning outcomes. This presentation will illustrate the direction of travel across our industry and demonstrate elements of design such as neuroscience and adaptive pedagogy which will enhance learnersâ€™ experience of school while addressing mental health issues, especially anxiety
2:30 pm - 3:45 pm

Main Room

Coffee break and business meetings

15 minute meetings with suppliers who are offering solutions most relevant to your challenges. Please check the schedule on the back of your delegate pass for your meeting timings.
3:50 pm - 4:30 pm

Main Room

Panel discussion: Investing in our people

Nic Ford

Head
Bolton School, Boys' Division

Stephen Gauller

Chief Operating Officer
The Grange School

Chris Oâ€™Reilly

Global Director of Digital Learning
One School Global

There are many contributing factors towards the challenge that we are seeing with attracting and maintaining workforces. Many schools have withdrawn from TPS and we are now seeing less applications with less quality.

What does it ...

There are many contributing factors towards the challenge that we are seeing with attracting and maintaining workforces. Many schools have withdrawn from TPS and we are now seeing less applications with less quality.

What does it mean to really nurture our people? How can we develop them to ensure they want to stay? What does a workplace culture that people want to stay in look like? How can we implement an effective appraisal and feedback strategy?

Our expert panellists will showcase examples of what has worked in their schools.
4:35 pm - 5:00 pm

Main Room

Closing keynote - Wellbeing of Heads

George Hartley

Headmaster
The King's School Chester

Chris Whitley

Managing Director and Executive Coach
The 21st Century Leadership Company

We recognise the immense pressure you face and understand the importance of your wellbeing. Join us for an interactive exploration of strategies to prioritise your mental and emotional health.

We aim to leave you feeling:
â...

We recognise the immense pressure you face and understand the importance of your wellbeing. Join us for an interactive exploration of strategies to prioritise your mental and emotional health.

We aim to leave you feeling:
â€¢ Empowered to prioritise your wellbeing for sustained leadership.
â€¢ Equipped with practical tools for managing stress and fostering resilience.
â€¢ Connected to a supportive network of school leaders who understand your challenges.
5:05 pm - 7:30 pm

Main Room

Hotel check-in/free time
7:30 pm - 10:00 pm

Main Room

Drinks reception & networking dinner
12:15 pm - 12:35 pm

Breakout Room 1

How to Achieve Outstanding Food & Serious Savings with Pre-prepared Catering

Rupert Weber

Head of Education
Apetito

With the uncertainty over VAT on independent school fees, itâ€™s no surprise that school leaders are scrutinising operational costs to examine where efficiencies can be made. Did you know catering is one area where you can make sign...

With the uncertainty over VAT on independent school fees, itâ€™s no surprise that school leaders are scrutinising operational costs to examine where efficiencies can be made. Did you know catering is one area where you can make significant savings without compromising on quality?

This presentation will introduce our revolutionary school catering model, which is helping schools deliver the control and flexibility of in-house catering whilst achieving immediate savings of 15-20% on catering with zero compromises on quality and safety.
2:05 pm - 2:25 pm

Breakout Room 1

Deliver Your School's Strategic Objectives: Make Transport Your Vehicle for Success

Mathew Hassell

CEO & Founder
StudentSafe

Matthew Hassell

CEO and Founder
StudentSafe

Join an interactive session with Mathew Hassell, CEO of StudentSafe, to learn how you can use school transport to help deliver your schoolâ€™s strategic objectives. Whether youâ€™re looking to improve safeguarding, manage costs...

Join an interactive session with Mathew Hassell, CEO of StudentSafe, to learn how you can use school transport to help deliver your schoolâ€™s strategic objectives. Whether youâ€™re looking to improve safeguarding, manage costs, increase admissions, or reduce your environmental impact, school transport can play a significant role in helping to achieve your goals. Find out how transport, when planned specifically around the needs of your school, can be your secret weapon for success.

Key learning points:
â€¢ Learn how you can use transport to your schoolâ€™s advantage
â€¢ Understand how the right transport system can improve safeguarding, cut costs, increase admissions and reduce environmental impact
â€¢ Find out more about the current independent school transport landscape
â€¢ Learn how to use transport effectively within the current political climate

01 May 2024

8:50 am - 8:55 am

Main Room

Chair's opening remarks
8:55 am - 9:15 am

Main Room

Future-proofing education

Gemma Gibson

Headmistress
Bedford Girls' School

In a world of constant change and disruption, traditional education alone is no longer enough. To thrive in the future, we need to develop lifelong learning skills, embrace adaptability, and connect with emerging trends.

This pres...

In a world of constant change and disruption, traditional education alone is no longer enough. To thrive in the future, we need to develop lifelong learning skills, embrace adaptability, and connect with emerging trends.

This presentation will explore practical strategies for future-proofing your education, equipping you with the tools and mindset to navigate an uncertain world.
9:15 am - 9:35 am

Main Room

Managing change through effective scenario planning

Nick Woods

Director of Finance and Operations
Oxford High School GDST

As we prepare for an uncertain future, we need to be bold, make assumptions and take decisions based on incomplete information.

During the session Nick will look at the scenario planning process and ideas for driving change.
9:40 am - 10:10 am

Main Room

How can we generate a non-fee-based income?

Lotte Tulloch

Head
Denstone College

Amina Iyare Ayankogbe

Bursar
The Ursuline Preparatory School, Ilford

Simon Chaplin

Director of Operations
Chethams, Manchester

A high percentage of income traditionally comes from fees, but with the potential decrease in pupil numbers approaching, we must look at other ways to generate income.

This session will show how you can maximise the value of your ...

A high percentage of income traditionally comes from fees, but with the potential decrease in pupil numbers approaching, we must look at other ways to generate income.

This session will show how you can maximise the value of your assets and will get you to start thinking outside the box for ideas to bring in a sustainable and reliable income.
10:15 am - 12:00 pm

Main Room

Coffee break and business meetings

15 minute meetings with suppliers who are offering solutions most relevant to your challenges. Please check the schedule on the back of your delegate pass for your meeting timings.
11:20 am - 12:00 pm

Main Room

Panel discussion: Empowering students through a creative and expansive curriculum

Nic Ford

Head
Bolton School, Boys' Division

Alistair Bond

Headmaster
Park Hill Prep School and Nursery

Kelly Gray

Headmistress
Bassett House School

Carolyn Howe

Head of Junior School
Bedford Girlsâ€™ School

How can we develop young people in a way that gives them diverse skills beyond the traditional academic subjects?

Join this panel session and delve into the transformative potential of a dynamic curriculum as a driving force for s...

How can we develop young people in a way that gives them diverse skills beyond the traditional academic subjects?

Join this panel session and delve into the transformative potential of a dynamic curriculum as a driving force for student empowerment, nurturing creativity, and adaptability.
12:05 pm - 12:25 pm

Main Room

How can we provide value beyond the classroom?

Liz Gregory

Head
The Maynard School

There has been a shift in what is expected from an independent school. Value for money is not solely based on educational outcomes.

What value can we give back? How can we develop partnerships with our communities that gives value...

There has been a shift in what is expected from an independent school. Value for money is not solely based on educational outcomes.

What value can we give back? How can we develop partnerships with our communities that gives value to society?
12:25 pm - 12:45 pm

Main Room

Leading schools for Generation Alpha

Irfan Latif

Principal
DLD College, London

Generation Alpha, born between 2010 and 2025, is wired for technology, socially conscious, and thrives on innovation. Meeting their needs will be a challenge!

How do their learning styles differ from previous generations? How can ...

Generation Alpha, born between 2010 and 2025, is wired for technology, socially conscious, and thrives on innovation. Meeting their needs will be a challenge!

How do their learning styles differ from previous generations? How can we evolve the curriculum so that itâ€™s fit-for-purpose? How can we prepare leaders for this change?

Find out how we can future-proof our educational offering in line with the emerging needs of a new generation of learners.
12:45 pm - 12:50 pm

Main Room

Chair's closing remarks
12:50 pm - 1:30 pm

Main Room

Networking lunch

Day 1
Day 2

Delivering Tangible Solutions For Real-World Issues

Delivering Tangible Solutions For Real-World Issues

ISPN NORTH 2024 AGENDA

ISPN 202430th April - 1st May, Hilton Deansgate, Manchester

30 April 2024

8:00 am - 8:55 am

Main Room

Registration

8:55 am - 9:00 am

Main Room

Chair's opening remarks

Nic Ford

Head Bolton School, Boys' Division

9:00 am - 9:40 am

Main Room

Panel discussion: We are still good value for money!

Nic Ford

Head Bolton School, Boys' Division

Sarah Bakhtiari

Principal Shoreham College

Philip Britton

Head of Foundation Bolton School

Kieran McLaughlin

Principal Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation

Eliza Cummings-Cove

Director of Marketing and Admissions Dukes Education

9:45 am - 10:05 am

Main Room

Empower Your School Towards a Sustainable Future

Mark Dolling

Group Education Director eEnergy

10:10 am - 10:25 am

Main Room

Dragons' Den - Speed presentations

10:30 am - 11:45 am

Main Room

Coffee break and business meetings

11:50 am - 12:10 pm

Main Room

Leading on net zero

Karen Gracie-Langrick

Headteacher Colchester Prep and High School

12:15 pm - 12:35 pm

Main Room

Building a Cyber Resilient School

Jaipal Aenugu

Founder & CEO at TechForce Cyber

Adam Morrison

Business Development Manager TechForce Cyber

Liam Sanders

Sales and Partnerships Consultant TechForce Cyber

12:35 pm - 1:25 pm

Main Room

Networking lunch

1:30 pm - 2:00 pm

Main Room

How can we improve our communication strategy and engage pupils and parents?

Sarah Buist

Head of Digital Strategy Royal Grammar School, Newcastle

2:05 pm - 2:25 pm

Main Room

Creating Thriving Spaces to Improve Cognition, Wellbeing and Outcomes

Dr Adam England

Director and Executive Consultant Noble + Eaton

James Whitehead

Head Woldingham Girls School

2:30 pm - 3:45 pm

Main Room

Coffee break and business meetings

3:50 pm - 4:30 pm

Main Room

Panel discussion: Investing in our people

Nic Ford

Head Bolton School, Boys' Division

Stephen Gauller

Chief Operating Officer The Grange School

Chris Oâ€™Reilly

Global Director of Digital Learning One School Global

4:35 pm - 5:00 pm

Main Room

Closing keynote - Wellbeing of Heads

ISPN 2024

30th April - 1st May, Hilton Deansgate, Manchester

Head
Bolton School, Boys' Division

Head
Bolton School, Boys' Division

Principal
Shoreham College

Head of Foundation
Bolton School

Principal
Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation

Director of Marketing and Admissions
Dukes Education

Group Education Director
eEnergy

Headteacher
Colchester Prep and High School

Business Development Manager
TechForce Cyber

Sales and Partnerships Consultant
TechForce Cyber

Head of Digital Strategy
Royal Grammar School, Newcastle

Director and Executive Consultant
Noble + Eaton

Head
Woldingham Girls School

Head
Bolton School, Boys' Division

Chief Operating Officer
The Grange School

Global Director of Digital Learning
One School Global

Headmaster
The King's School Chester

Managing Director and Executive Coach
The 21st Century Leadership Company

Head of Education
Apetito

CEO & Founder
StudentSafe

CEO and Founder
StudentSafe

Headmistress
Bedford Girls' School

Director of Finance and Operations
Oxford High School GDST

Head
Denstone College

Bursar
The Ursuline Preparatory School, Ilford

Director of Operations
Chethams, Manchester

Head
Bolton School, Boys' Division

Headmaster
Park Hill Prep School and Nursery

Headmistress
Bassett House School

Head of Junior School
Bedford Girlsâ€™ School

Head
The Maynard School

Principal
DLD College, London