Practical Strategies 2026
Practical insight for independent schools navigating change
Join senior leaders from across the independent schools sector for a day of insight, discussion and practical strategies to help you respond to the challenges ahead.
The Royal Society, London
6 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AG
About the conference
22 September 2026 | The Royal Society, London
Independent schools are operating in an increasingly complex environment.
Policy developments, financial pressure, workforce challenges and evolving parent expectations are all shaping how schools plan for the future.
Practical Strategies 2026 brings together sector leaders, advisers and school groups to explore what this means in practice and how you can respond with confidence.
This event is designed for senior leaders within independent schools, including Heads, Bursars, Chief Operating Officers, Governors and Senior leadership teams.
Through a mix of keynote sessions, panel discussions and focused breakouts, you will gain clear, practical insight to support decision-making in your school.
You will be joined by:
Hear from leading voices across the sector, including:
- Guy Biggin, Partner at Crowe UK
- Jeanette Cochrane, CEO of The Girls' Schools Association
- James Garside, VWV
- Phil Grainge, Director of Finance and Operations at Charterhouse
- Sally-Anne Huang, High Master at St Paul's School
- Simon Hyde, Chief Executive and HMC
- Doug Locke, VWV
- Ian McIntyre, Managing Director at Repton Family of Schools
- Barney Northover, VWV
- Dr Alex Peterken, CEO at Charterhouse
- Alice Reeve, VWV
- Mark Taylor, Chair of the ISC
Further speakers to be announced.
Key themes
This year’s programme focuses on the issues that matter most to school leaders:
- What life after a merger looks like
- Financial resilience and long-term sustainability
- Employment law reform and workforce strategy
- International strategy in a changing global landscape
- Managing parental complaints and expectations
- Growth, investment and the future of school groups.
Key takeaways
You will leave with:
- Clear insight into the key challenges shaping the independent schools sector
- Practical strategies you can apply within your school
- A better understanding of emerging legal and regulatory developments
- Perspectives from school groups, sector bodies and advisers
- The opportunity to connect with peers facing similar challenges.
Pricing
£220 +VAT per delegate
Attending with a colleague?
Attendees often comment on the value of attending with another colleague or governor. To facilitate this, we are pleased to offer a special discount for an additional ticket. For just £105 +VAT you can secure a second ticket and make the most of the event together.
To take advantage of this offer, simply book your first ticket and you will receive a code to use when purchasing your second ticket at a discounted rate.