Deputy Heads' Conference - Sunday 7 June -Tuesday 9 June 2026 (Cheltenham Chase Hotel)
This conference aims to: Focus on the key issues for HMC Deputy Heads and provide an opportunity to network and share good practice.
Description
This conference aims to:
Focus on the key issues for HMC Deputy Heads and provide an opportunity to network and share good practice.
This conference is for:
Senior Deputy Heads and Deputy Heads with pastoral responsibilities in HMC and other independent schools.
This conference fee includes:
Accommodation, all meals, refreshments, and course materials throughout the conference.
Conference Programme
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Time |
Session |
Room |
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Sunday 7 June 2026 |
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14.30 – 15.30 |
Refreshments served among the exhibitors |
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15.00 – 15.30 |
Arrival and registration |
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15.30 – 15.35 |
Welcome and opening remarks
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15.35 – 15.45 |
A word from Camps International
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15.45 – 16.40
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State of the Nation address, followed by Q & A
Speaker: Philip Britton MBE - HMC Chair and Head of Foundation, Bolton School
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16.40 – 17.00 |
Refreshment break among the exhibitors |
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17.00 – 17.05 |
HMC Education Update
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17.05 – 18.05 |
Building on existing skills to increase leadership impact
In this session, delegates will have the opportunity to reflect on one strategic approach – advice giving, and enhance one existing skill – public speaking.
As Deputy Heads you are regularly required to make informed decisions, influence others, and communicate with a range of audiences. This session offers a focused opportunity to step back, reflect on current practice, and develop greater confidence and impact in both areas.
Through a combination of discussion and practical application, participants will have the chance to test ideas, share experiences, and learn through doing. We hope this session provides a strong and purposeful start to your learning experience.
Speaker: Charlie Warshkawski – Owner and Programme Lead, Love your Coaching
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18.05 – 19.30 |
Free time |
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19.30 – 20.00 |
Private drinks reception for new Deputy Heads’
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19.30 – 20.00 |
Drinks- cash bar |
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20.00 |
Conference Dinner |
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Monday 8 June 2026 |
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07.00 – 09.00 |
Breakfast |
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09.00 – 09.10 |
Welcome Back
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09.10 – 10.10 |
Keynote: From reactive to Strategic Impact: The Deputy Head as System Leader
This session explores how Deputy Heads can move beyond reactive problem-solving and “busyness” to focus on meaningful strategic impact. It examines how to design systems that reduce operational friction, and what effective strategy looks like in practice, including how to write and communicate it in a way that builds genuine staff understanding and buy-in. The session also addresses honest communication in complex contexts such as change and restructuring, with a focus on clarity, timing, and purpose in leadership communication.
Speaker: Richard Backhouse, Head Designate – UK Appointments, RS Academics
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10.15 – 11.15 |
Breakout 1
Pastoral Safeguarding – Reinforcing Positive Cultures and Proactive Systems – a whole school approach Speaker: Richard Thomson, Deputy Head Pastoral and DSL at Warwick School
Strategy Strategy Under Pressure: Scrutiny, Inspection and Long Term Thinking Speaker: Richard Backhouse, Head Designate – UK Appointments, RS Academics
Operations Crisis Management and Communications Speaker: Miriam Rich, Crisis Communications Advisor
People & Culture Leading for Sustainability: Shaping a Healthy School Workforce; reducing burnout and stress while strengthening resilience in an increasingly demanding school environment Speaker: Emma Taylor, former HMC Head and HMC Member Support Officer
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11.15 – 11.45 |
Refreshment Break with the Exhibitors |
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11.45 – 12.45 |
Breakout 2
Pastoral Safeguarding – Reinforcing Positive Cultures and Proactive Systems Speaker: Richard Thomson, Deputy Head Pastoral and DSL at Warwick School
Strategy Strategy Under Pressure: Scrutiny, Inspection and Long Term Thinking Speaker: Richard Backhouse, Head Designate – UK Appointments, RS Academics
Operations Crisis Management and Communications Speaker: Miriam Rich, Crisis Communications Advisor
People & Culture Leading for Sustainability: Shaping a Healthy School Workforce; reducing burnout and stress while strengthening resilience in an increasingly demanding school environment Speaker: Emma Taylor, former HMC Head and HMC Member Support Officer
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12:45– 13.35 |
Lunch
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13.35– 14.35 |
Breakout 3
Pastoral Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) & Strategies for Increasing Attendance Speaker: Speaker TBC
Strategy Digital Strategy and Data Governance Speaker: Adam Brigham, Co‑Founder & CEO of MSP Labs
Operations UKVI Compliance and Operational Risk Speaker: TBC People & Culture Positive Parental Engagement Speaker: Alicia Drummond, Founder of The Wellbeing Hub
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14.35 – 14.40 |
Movement Time |
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14.40– 15.40 |
Breakout 4
Pastoral School Counselling and Wellbeing Models Speaker: TBC
Strategy Preparing for Headship Speaker: Keith Metcalfe, Headmaster at Malvern College
Operations Strategies for Dealing with Administrative Overload Speaker: Nicola Burns, Senior Deputy Head at Ardingly College
People & Culture Building a culture of Professional Learning Speaker: Steven Berryman, Senior Deputy Head at Sir William Perkins’s School
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15.45 – 16.15 |
Refreshment break among the exhibitors |
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16.15 – 17.15 |
Bringing It Together: Insights, Ideas, Impact
After a full day of workshops, this session reconnects the room—bringing together ideas, insights, and experiences from across the conference.
As Deputy Heads, you will distil what has resonated most, share effective practice, and explore how these insights can shape your own context. Through fast-paced discussion and live digital input, key themes will be surfaced and shared across the group.
You will leave with fresh perspectives, practical ideas, and clear next steps to take forward.
Facilitator: Mark Brotherton, Director of Professional Learning
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17.15 -19.00 |
Free time |
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19.00 |
Drinks reception
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19.30 |
Conference dinner (free seating)
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Tuesday 9 June 2026 |
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07.00 – 09.00 |
Breakfast |
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09.00 – 10.00
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Keynote: Employment Law Speaker: Worknest |
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10.00 – 11.00 |
Keynote: Practical AI Implementation
Speaker: TBC
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11.00 – 11.30 |
Refreshment break among the exhibitors |
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11.30 – 12.30 |
Keynote: Title TBC
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12.30 |
Closing remarks and lunch Packed Lunch Available
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