Conference for Academic Deputy Heads and Directors of Studies - Thursday 13 - Saturday 15 November 2025 (Crowne Plaza, Stratford Upon Avon)

This conference aims to:

Focus on the key issues in improving learning and teaching for those who have responsibility for the school curriculum and academic matters.

This conference is for:

Academic Deputy Heads and Directors of Studies in independent schools.

Please note: the delegate fee includes accommodation, meals and refreshments throughout the conference.

We are excited to be finalising the programme for the upcoming Conference for Academic Deputy Heads and Directors of Studies, which will be announced soon. This year’s event will place a strong emphasis on teaching and learning, with content tailored specifically to the evolving role of academic deputies and directors of studies. We are delighted to confirm Valerie Hannon — global thought leader and author of THRIVE — as our opening keynote speaker. In her session, Learning to Thrive: the key challenges for our generation (and those to come), Valerie will explore what happens when human flourishing is placed at the heart of education, and the powerful implications this has for curriculum and pedagogy in the 21st century.

Alongside this, we are thrilled to welcome Chris Moyse, creator of the innovative Growing Great Teachers framework, and Dr Richard Bustin, Director of Pedagogy at Lancing College and author of What are we Teaching? Powerful Knowledge and a Capabilities Curriculum. Sessions will also include a focus on efficiency within the curriculum with Richard Alton and Chris Jones (author of The Efficient School), as well as insights from Martin Collier on auditing teaching and learning, and using lesson observations to drive meaningful school improvement.

We are also building in plenty of time for networking, including the return of our popular Marketplace session — an interactive opportunity to explore topics suggested by delegates, ensuring the discussion is highly relevant and tailored to your needs.