Shaping the Future of Independent Education

18th & 19th November 2026
NEC, Birmingham
Independent school leaders attending a conference session

Navigating Change in Independent Education

The Independent Schools Conference equips Heads, Bursars, Governors and senior leaders with practical insights, fresh thinking and innovative solutions to help navigate the evolving challenges facing independent education.

Taking place within the Schools & Academies Show at the NEC, the conference features CPD-certified content, expert speakers and valuable networking opportunities, enabling attendees to strengthen strategic decision-making, explore approaches to long-term sustainability, connect with peers and discover solutions to support their school's priorities.

Register Here

Partners & Supporters

NAISA logo
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Practical Solutions for Independent School Leaders

Designed to help you solve challenges in one place, under one roof.

500+

Visitors

50+

Independent School Suppliers

30+

Speakers

10+

Hours of CPD

What You’ll Gain

Benefits of Attending

Independent school leaders networking at the event

Save Time and Money

Compare trusted suppliers and solutions in one place, helping you tackle key challenges more efficiently and cost-effectively.

Lead with Confidence

Gain practical strategies and innovative solutions designed to drive improvements and enrich pupil outcomes.

Learn from Experts

Discover actionable insights from sector leaders on governance, leadership development, curriculum reform and pupil engagement.

Build Valuable Connections

Connect with thousands of education professionals, decision-makers and solution providers all under one roof.

Be Inspired

Learn from independent schools leading the way in best practice, innovation and sector-wide transformation.

Plan for the Future

Develop a clearer understanding of the trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the future of independent education.

Co-located Event

Located at the Schools & Academies Show

The UK’s Leading Education Event

Co-located with the Schools & Academies Show, the UK’s largest gathering of senior education leaders, the Independent Schools Conference gives you access to expert insights, practical solutions and valuable networking opportunities.

Your free pass includes entry to the conference, SAASHOW theatres and exhibition, allowing you to expand your network, gain free CPD and discover solutions from leading education suppliers.

Learn More

See the #SAASHOW in Action

Explore the energy, insight and practical value of the Schools & Academies Show before joining us at the NEC Birmingham.

Real Insights from Independent School Leaders

Such a positive atmosphere and so many new ideas to take back to my school! The day was packed with informative talks from expert speakers and the buzz of innovative exhibitors who took a real interest in my school's needs. I'll be back next year!
Teacher of Learning Support and English
A conference where, as a school leader, you find the concerns and thoughts you have been mulling over in isolation are being discussed by peers and solutions are being articulated.
Director of Safeguarding and Compliance
I look forward to this conference every year. It’s a great place for school leaders and senior managers to come together to share their thoughts on current trends in education. There are ample networking opportunities and the plenary talks and sessions are thoughtfully crafted to make the most of our time away from school.
Director of Marketing and Community Engagement
This is hands down the best conference I attend every year. Many of the others centre around eminent speakers pontificating but not really giving you any "off the shelf" solutions. This conference shows you an issue and then presents you with the partners that help you to solve it. Brilliant.
Headteacher
Really good show, lots of inspirational ideas, will look forward to networking again.
Deputy Head
I found the conference interesting in terms of the exhibitors and the theatres and enjoyed the interactions with potential suppliers. This was a fact finding visit for me and our school and I returned to work with lots of information to share with colleagues.
College Office Manager
Well run event, with an excellent variety of speakers and exhibitors to connect with.
Marketing & Communication Manager
Such a positive atmosphere and so many new ideas to take back to my school! The day was packed with informative talks from expert speakers and the buzz of innovative exhibitors who took a real interest in my school's needs. I'll be back next year!
Teacher of Learning Support and English
A conference where, as a school leader, you find the concerns and thoughts you have been mulling over in isolation are being discussed by peers and solutions are being articulated.
Director of Safeguarding and Compliance
I look forward to this conference every year. It’s a great place for school leaders and senior managers to come together to share their thoughts on current trends in education. There are ample networking opportunities and the plenary talks and sessions are thoughtfully crafted to make the most of our time away from school.
Director of Marketing and Community Engagement
This is hands down the best conference I attend every year. Many of the others centre around eminent speakers pontificating but not really giving you any "off the shelf" solutions. This conference shows you an issue and then presents you with the partners that help you to solve it. Brilliant.
Headteacher
Really good show, lots of inspirational ideas, will look forward to networking again.
Deputy Head
I found the conference interesting in terms of the exhibitors and the theatres and enjoyed the interactions with potential suppliers. This was a fact finding visit for me and our school and I returned to work with lots of information to share with colleagues.
College Office Manager
Well run event, with an excellent variety of speakers and exhibitors to connect with.
Marketing & Communication Manager

Shape the Future of Independent Education

Join the UK's leading independent schools event, bringing together independent school leaders to learn, make connections and navigate change.