Conference for Co-Curricular Deputy Heads - Tuesday 19 May 2026 (Oakham School)
This conference aims to: Focus on the key issues for HMC Deputy and Assistant Heads and to provide an opportunity to network and share good practice. This conference is for: Deputy and Assistant Heads with Co-Curricular responsibilities in HMC and other independent schools.
Description
Conference Programme
|
Time |
Session |
Room |
|
09:00 – 10.00 |
Registration and coffee
|
Pavillion |
|
10.00 – 10.05 |
Welcome and introduction
|
Auditorium |
|
10.05 – 10.45
|
Keynote: 1 Vision, purpose and impact: achieving clarity and coherence in the co-curriculum Speaker: Lucy Pearson – Chair, the Lord’s Taverners and Head Designate, Oakham School
|
Auditorium |
|
10.45 – 10.50 |
A Word from our Sponsor: World Challenge |
Auditorium |
|
10.50 – 11.00 |
Refreshment break
|
Pavillion |
|
11.00 – 11.50 |
Partnerships Session
This session will feature two case studies from HMC schools, focusing on how to establish successful partnerships, make them work for everyone, and bring the whole community on board—highlighting how partnerships can act as a key vehicle for delivering a strong and sustainable Co-Curricular vision.
Case Studies:
Oakham School and Matt Hampson Foundation Speakers: James Robinson – Deputy Head Co-Curricular, Oakham School and Dan Hipkiss – Head of Learning and Development at the Matt Hampson Foundation and is a former Leicester Tigers and England rugby player.
Sevenoaks School and Porchlight
Speakers: Kathy O’Donnell - Director of Service and Partnerships, Sevenoaks Schooland Mim Oliver, Community Fundraiser, Porchlight
|
Auditorium |
|
11.50 – 12.30 |
Session 3: Resourcing the Co-Curricular vision – Staff Buy-in
This panel brings together colleagues from a range of school types to explore how they resource their Co-Curricular vision in sustainable and effective ways. The discussion will focus on securing staff buy-in, balancing internal and external provision, and deploying staff efficiently while managing workload and capacity. Panellists will share practical approaches and insights to support strong, sustainable Co-Curricular delivery.
Chair: Lee Shepherd - Deputy Head (Co-curricular), Rugby School
Panel Members:
Tom Vercoe - Assistant Head (Admissions and Co-Curricular), Mill Hill School
Natasha Coccia - Senior Assistant Head (Co-Curricular and Partnerships), Leighton Park School
Claire Sumner – Deputy Head Operations, The King’s School Chester
|
Auditorium |
|
12.30 – 13.20 |
Lunch |
|
|
13.20 – 14.05 |
Roundtable discussions
|
Social Sciences Block |
|
14.05 – 14.15 |
Refreshment break |
1584 Café |
|
14.20 – 15.00 |
Workshop Session 1
1. Delivering High-Value Performing Arts: Balancing Vision, Logistics and Cost
Speaker: Michelle Wolfe - Director of Music, Gresham’s School
2. Managing People Without Being HR
Speaker: Rachel Cooper – Director of HR, The Grammar School at Leeds
3. CCF: Pitfalls & Opportunities
Speaker: Ben Welch – CCF Lead, Rugby School
|
Social Sciences Classrooms |
|
15.00 – 15.05 |
Movement Time |
|
|
15.05 15.45 |
Workshop Session 2
1. Delivering High-Value Performing Arts: Balancing Vision, Logistics and Cost
Speaker: Michelle Wolfe - Director of Music, Gresham’s School
2. Managing People Without Being HR
Speaker: Rachel Cooper – Director of HR, The Grammar School at Leeds
3. CCF: Pitfalls & Opportunities
Speaker: Ben Welch – CCF Lead, Rugby School
|
Social Sciences Classrooms |
|
15.45 – 16.00 |
Closing plenary: reflection exercise |
Social Sciences Foyer |
This conference is kindly sponsored by:
