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Across the two days, hear from renowned keynote speakers and expert practitioners from all walks of life. Expect inspiring stories, practical tips and plenty of advice to take back to your schools.
Keynote Speaker Programme
09:30
10:30
10:45
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"Developing High-Performance Cultures"
Buckle up - this one’s going to be powerful.
Introducing David Osgathorp, elite Performance Coach and the powerhouse behind some of the world’s top-performing teams and leaders.
With over a decade in elite sport, where winning can come down to a thousandth of a second, David now helps senior leaders and organisations redefine what high performance truly means and build the systems and behaviours to make it happen.
As the founder of Pro Sport Lab, David partners with global giants like Oracle Red Bull Racing, The Football Association, and The Premier League to elevate leadership, culture, and sustainable performance.
Get ready to learn what world-class performance really looks like.
11:30
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"The Beauty of Diversity"
Francesca* is a comedian, Writer, Actress and diversity advocate who has toured the globe with her award-winning stand-up shows.
She launched her comedy career in 2000, when she became the first and only woman to win the Daily Telegraph Open Mic Award at the Edinburgh Fringe. She has since performed around the world.
In 2011, she won the Edinburgh Fringe Media Network Award for her solo show What The *** Is Normal?! and embarked on a 140-date world tour. Then in 2016, she supported Frankie Boyle on his sell- out UK tour and was commissioned to write and perform in a new solo show, Francesca Martinez’s Wobbly Manifesto.
Since starring in five series of BBC1's Grange Hill in the 1990s, Francesca has made numerous TV, stage and Radio appearances.
Her best-selling book, also called What The **** Is Normal?! was published in 2014. She also delivers motivational and after-dinner speeches across the globe and was named Hero of the Year at the European Diversity Awards, among being nominated for many other awards.
Francesca will be discussing 'The Beauty of Diversity' and plans to host a powerful and funny conversation on difference, diversity and change in education. Francesca shares her journey through the education system, her call for true inclusion and why embracing difference benefits everyone. Expect an inspiring keynote full of laughs, followed by a thought-provoking panel discussion.
*Francesca has cerebral palsy but much prefers the word ‘wobbly’.
12:30
14:00
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These thought-provoking CPD workshops are an invaluable opportunity to hear from a range of experts, take back ideas for your school and use as part of your own career development. Whether you are a seasoned headteacher or new to your leadership role these workshops are the place for you to connect and collaborate with like-minded individuals. Scroll down to view the workshop programme.
15:00
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Every Child Achieving and Thriving? How do we build and sustain local education systems where inclusion and achievement really are two sides of the same coin for every child? Steve Chalke, founder of the Oasis group of charities, claims that rather than waiting for government it’s all about us finding the creativity, curiosity, and courage to work both in and outside the system at the same time. Steve's tireless work in social justice has earned him numerous honorary fellowships and an MBE. He continues to lead Oasis and remains a prominent voice on social issues. Steve is also a regular media commentator, and his latest book is called A Manifesto for Hope.
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These thought-provoking CPD workshops are an invaluable opportunity to hear from a range of experts, take back ideas for your school and use as part of your own career development. Whether you are a seasoned headteacher or new to your leadership role these workshops are the place for you to connect and collaborate with like-minded individuals. Scroll down to view the workshop programme.
16:30
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"Thriving in challenge: Lessons from the Thai Cave Rescue"
Introducing John Volanthen, world-record-holding British cave diver and one of TIME Magazine’s “Heroes of the Year”
John was the first diver to locate and make contact with the missing Thai youth soccer team in the 2018 Tham Luang cave crisis. Described as the “A-Team” of diving rescues by the British Cave Rescue Council, he not only helped plan the mission but also executed one of the most extraordinary rescue operations in modern history.
His courageous role has been featured in:
🎬 The Rescue (National Geographic documentary)
🎬 Thirteen Lives (Hollywood film starring Colin Farrell as John)
📘 Thirteen Lessons That Saved Thirteen Lives: The Thai Cave Rescue (Book)
With over two decades in exploration and rescue, John brings an unforgettable perspective on resilience, precision, and why great achievements aren’t about luck — but about preparation, determination, and teamwork.
Get ready for an inspiring session!
19:00
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Celebrate the end of term with colleagues where headteachers, senior leaders and education professionals come together to enjoy a night of fine dining, live entertainment and relaxed networking. With a whole new venue and vibe this year’s Inspiring Leadership Gala Dinner is one not to be missed. Join us on the evening of 4th June at the iconic venue - Birmingham Library, for a rooftop drinks reception overlooking the city, live entertainment, a three-course dinner and the chance to let your hair down and celebrate the term just gone with other leaders in education. This black-tie gala dinner includes a three course meal, wine on the tables and live entertainment for £100 + VAT per person. If you are attending with your team, remember you get 1 space free in every table of 10 you book!Speakers
09:30
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"Battlefield to Boardroom - How to Lead Fearlessly"
Are you ready to fly high as a leader? Well who better to show you how than Sarah Furness, former RAF Combat Helicopter Pilot and Squadron Leader!
As a pilot who led Special Forces missions under fire, Sarah brings extraordinary real-world experience from the front line. Today, she’s a bestselling author, mindfulness coach on a mission to empower people to lead fearlessly.
As a Squadron Leader she led on operational combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and she was the first female helicopter pilot to fly and lead UK Special Forces missions in Iraq.She's joining us to discuss self-confidence, team cohesion, trust, authentic leadership & DEI.
10:30
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"Leading Change in the Face of Adversity"
Are you ready to be a leader of positive change? One of the UK's most highly decorated black police officers, Dr Leroy Logan is an esteemed commentator on policing and wider social justice issues. He will be telling his story about why he joined the Metropolitan Police and the changes he made from within which have led him to the career he has today.
Leroy plans to give valuable insight on ‘Leading Change in the Face of Adversity’ at this year’s event and hopes to leave you with ideas on applying them to your school, organisation or the wider educational industry.
12:15
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"Olympic Winning Strategies For Everyday Success"
Harriet is a performance expert, fascinated by how we can both perform AND thrive. She's co-author of the bestselling book: ‘Will It Make The Boat Go Faster?'. Harriet will be following on with part 2 of highly commended previous year's speaker session with co-author and Olympic Gold Medalist Ben Hunt. She will sharing Olympic-winning strategies for everyday success.
13:10
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"Leadership Lessons frrom the boardrooms of the UN, Google, Meta and SpaceX"
Founder of The Center for Tomorrow, AI expert and ex Google, SpaceX, Meta and United Nations. From the boardrooms of Google, Meta and SpaceX to the global stage with some of the world's highest-profile leaders and organisations, Dex Hunter-Torricke brings a rare, behind-the-scenes perspective on how the world’s most influential organisations operate, innovate, communicate, manage reputation and lead.
14:00
Workshop Programme
14:00
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It's often thought that, as leaders, we have to choose between a kind working environment or a highperforming one. This keynote sets out to prove that kindness actually drives success. Based on the scientific research and principles from Graham Allcott's book, KIND, this keynote will show you how kind acts lead to higher levels of teamwork, innovation and productivity as well as help shift work culture and society at large to something better. Key Takeaways: - Why kindness is essential for success. - The 8 Principles of Kindfulness at Work: a practical guide for injecting kindness into your team and organisation. - Discovering how kindness boosts productivity, creativity, and happiness. - Gaining insights into building a culture of high performance through kindness How kindness drives employee engagement and retention
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According to the Teacher Wellbeing Index 2025, 86% of school leaders and 76% of teachers are stressed. The current climate in many schools is resulting in teachers and leaders feeling exhausted, unseen, and speeding toward burnout. This level of overwhelm leads to high staff absence costs, poor retention, and inevitably impacts the students’ ability to learn, grow and flourish. In this fun and interactive session, Rowena looks at reducing stress, and reigniting a passion for the role. Participants will learn practical, easy-to-implement strategies to create a thriving culture of well-being across their schools and teams. 1. Discover 3 keys to go from overwhelmed to thriving both as a leader and an organisation. 2. Apply tools that improve productivity, energy, and fulfilment at work. 3. Improve school culture and save resources.
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As leaders, we know that preparing young people for the future goes far beyond achieving qualifications. This workshop explores how developing durable skills such as communication, collaboration and resilience must be a core priority and how creating a genuine sense of belonging within our learning environments provides the essential foundation for this.
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In this open, audience-led fireside conversation, Jaz Ampaw-Farr and Amjad Ali explore leadership, belonging and social mobility through the lens of what truly creates long-term impact for schools and young people. Drawing on lived experience and leadership across diverse contexts, the conversation lifts the lid on what sits behind the public narratives of leadership: the decisions, tensions and moments that quietly shape culture, opportunity and belonging. With honesty, humour and generosity, Jaz and Amjad reflect on how leaders create schools where ambition and humanity can coexist. The format is conversational and unfiltered, with space for audience questions and shared reflection. Leaders will leave with fresh perspective and practical insight. If you’ve seen Jaz or Amjad speak before, you’ll know you’re in for a treat.
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Hywel will explore the following: • Storytelling and learning: the research into how stories engage and motivate learners • Embracing enactive practice through simple Drama pedagogy to support great planning • Getting children to lean into learning • Encouraging great talk from reluctant students • Putting some ‘oomf’ into curriculum delivery • Transformative practice through transformed and informed delivery • Contextual and Storytelling approaches to help children be curious about the world • Employing discerning pedagogical decisions • Powerful Botheredness models as a boon to creative practice and placing learning into contexts that bring the abstract to life The session will be pacy, informative, and fun.
15:00
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Many of us returned to schools last year after the summer break to be greeted by St George flags on lamp posts outside our schools. The current rhetoric about refugees, and the divisive langauage that is surrounding us on social media about groups of already marginalised people is a challenging one for us in schools. How do we counter a strong narrative that appears to be building and taking root without being political or 'taking sides'? Andrew will demonstrate how his school have used weekly assemblies and a clear consistent "No Outsiders" ethos througout the year to counter the division. Delegates will leave with strategies, resources and ways to talk to parents and bring people on board.
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This interactive workshop equips school leaders with a clear, compliant framework for implementing AI in educational settings. Participants will understand what generative AI is and isn't, including its capabilities, limitations, and bias considerations. The session explores applications for supporting students, teachers, and leadership teams, emphasising human-in-the-loop approaches and essential safeguards. Leaders will receive a toolkit including an AI evaluation checklist, responsible use policy template, and implementation plan. The workshop provides strategies for developing school-specific AI policies ensuring data privacy and ethical use. Leaders will leave with immediate next steps to begin their AI journey confidently, aligned with DfE guidance.
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To drive genuine improvement, we must master Didagogy: the science of professional development- teachers teaching teachers. This fast-paced, high-impact workshop deconstructs the shift from Pedagogy (teaching children), Andragogy (adult learning), Heutagogy (self-determined growth) to Didagogy. As a Senior leader, you don’t just need a strategy; you need an implementation loop that changes daily habits. We will dive into the cognitive science of teacher development, exploring why most CPD fails and how to build a culture of "Micro-Refinements." Grounded in the "Try, Refine, Ditch" mantra, you’ll leave with a toolkit to transform performative sessions into sustained professional learning. Expect no fluff, just evidence-informed tactics to ensure your T&L vision actually sticks in the classroom.
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Perfectionism often hides beneath high standards, but underneath sits fear — fear of getting it wrong, being judged, or not being enough. In this reflective session, leaders explore how perfectionism shows up in their work, what deeper needs it tries to protect (safety, control, competence), and how it quietly fuels stress, overthinking, and procrastination. Through guided questions and shared insight, participants begin to loosen the grip of “getting it right” and create space for presence, clarity and choice. They’ll leave with a rewritten inner story and one tiny, practical habit to interrupt the perfectionist cycle in real time.
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Our training sessions include: Reflecting on what gives us a sense of belonging Exploring our own relationships and journeys with belonging Considering how we gather staff voice on belonging Reviewing the perception gap between stakeholder groups Considering how to create a belonging culture and a belonging curriculum Discussing the policies and practices that need to change to increase levels of belonging My new book on this theme is out in January: https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/author/hannah-wilson
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The role of confidence in successful leadership is both significant and undisputed and yet organisations are full of leaders and teams who don’t have as much as they want and, even worse, are not doing anything about it. In this session we will explore the inner power of confidence, understand our own unique confidence stories and then master the 4Ps of the confidence code. Participants will leave with a greater understanding of their confidence triggers, strategies for systematic confidence development and be able to manage self-efficacy dips, spirals and build foundational confidences that unlock everything else.
