The highlight of the week, month and year so far, was the headteachers’ conference which took place last Thursday and Friday in Brighton. This was the third time in two years that we have attempted getting together for our conference, it was absolutely amazing to actually see colleagues and spend some valuable time, simply reacquainting ourselves, as well as in some cases meeting relatively new headteachers for the very first time.

We were fortunate to have a great line up of stimulating speakers, with Christine Gilbert setting the scene and recognising the heroic efforts of our school leaders and staff during the period of the pandemic. Professor Qing Gu talked about the importance of evidence and research in education, which was reinforced by Cassie Buchanan who shared evidence informed approaches to teaching and learning through collaboration and partnership. Professor Becky Allen provided challenge and provocation around the way we all think, particularly recovering from chaos, coping with complexity and leading with uncertainty. The day ended with a David Bartram talking about and reenergising us around great SEND provision in schools.

It was a privilege to be joined by Georgia Gould and Jenny Rowlands who both recognise the importance of schools in the community and the priorities going forward, including caring for our most vulnerable families. The Friday session was led by Fiona Millar and Alastair Campbell focused around ‘Living Better’ where they powerfully spoke about mental health and living with depression. This was translated into how we, as leaders, personally cope and ensure resilience is grown, whilst also thinking about our staff and organisations.

The conference was beautifully summed up by Martin Pratt and Angela Mason who spoke about the pending Schools White Paper and the opportunities that the Education Strategy presents. All in all, the conference met its objectives, which was to provide a space to reconnect with each other and with the school improvement agenda, mission accomplished.

Jon Abbey

Managing Director of Camden Learning