Hi Everyone,
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The seismic impact of AI is already beginning to be felt across society with leaders and professionals rapidly trying to formulate strategies to harness it's power for good - with practical use cases - whilst mitigating the potential risks of a technology so powerful that it has the potential to transform human society beyond all recognition.

The impact on Education has already been profound - rewiring pedagogy, teaching and learning, assessment, reporting, planning, safeguarding, governance and finance - and things are only just getting started. Educators such as Dan Fitzpartrick, Darren Coxon and Executive Headteacher Anthony David have been in the vanguard of this revolution, shining a light so that others can more confidently follow.

In order to offer further support to schools, we're delivering an AI conference at the Canva HQ in Foxton Square, London on the 25th September - and Anthony David is the keynote speaker. Given the importance of the subject and to ensure as many schools as possible can participate, we are delivering this event at cost - with tickets priced at just £35 including lunch and refreshments.
The full programme is below and I hope that you can join us.
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Very best wishes,
David
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David Winfield
Founder, Independent Schools Portal.

AI continues to develop at pace in terms of the solutions and problems it can create and solve in education. This means that it can be an overwhelming subject for schools and teachers. However, used well, it can be truly transformational.

There is an ever widening knowledge and skills gap between those who using AI strategically and to great effect and those using it poorly - or not at all. This one day event will bring together some of the leading experts in the sector to look at how YOUR school could use AI effectively and safely for the benefit of staff and children.

Programme Overview:
• Understanding the role AI can play in your school
• Managing and being aware of AI risks
• AI use cases to save teachers time
• Using AI to improve teaching and learning
• Developing your AI strategy and approach

Who should attend:
No prior knowledge is assumed – this really is an event for those who are beginning their AI journey would like to take their next steps. The leading experts delivering the sessions will offer practical insights, enabling each and every delegate to leave with key takeaways. These are:

• Being aware of what AI offers in terms of benefits and risks
• Know what is currently out there to help your school
• Understand what an AI strategy for your school could look like
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The aim is to inspire attendees with a snapshot what is currently possible and how to safely navigate this developing area with increased confidence and understanding.

Innovate, Inspire and Improve in 2025. Friday 17th October 2025, Crowne Plaze, Harrogate. £45+VAT (Early bird tickets)
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Programme:
0930 - KEYNOTE. Current trends in the education sector. June Stevenson, Teacher Tapp.
1010 - Barrowford Primary School: From agape to sonder with a cwtch. Rachel Tomlinson, Head, Barrowford Primary School.
1050 - Coffee and exhibition.
1115 - KCSIE and safeguarding in the digital age. Ann Marie Christian.
1200 - Case studies and scenarios. Simon Blower.
1230 - Lunch and exhibition.
1330 - AI in Action. Martin Bailey.
1410 - KEYNOTE. Promoting inclusivity in schools, Baasit Siddiqui.
1450 - Parental engagement: Getting it right, Rachael Wilding.
1525 - Questions and close.

The ISP has a huge selection of videos to support school leaders on the ISP YouTube Channel. This week's featured video from the archive is an introduction to AI. Using AI in your teaching and equipping pupils with the skills to know how and when to use it themselves is vital. This session was written and presented by leading expert Darren Coxon. Darren speaks regularly around the world on this subject. Watch now.

Hi Everyone,

This week saw the conclusion of our free series of webinars for the 24/25 academic year with a talk on Menopause in Schools by Helen Clare. Huge thanks are due to Brightcore Training & Consultancy and Applicaa for sponsoring the series for school leaders and for school marketers respectively; it is only through their amazing support that we are able to make this vital CPD completely free of charge. I'd also like to thank Alicia Coad, my fabulous (and long suffering!) colleague here at the ISP, for putting together the programmes and making sure things have run smoothly.

As I'm sure most of you are aware, all of the sessions are recorded - and are available to access below (use the password ISP2025):

School Leaders: 1. KCSIE 2024 update 2. Equality, diversity and inclusion in independent schools 3. Building resilience in you and your workplace 4. The changing landscape of mental health in schools 5. Menopause in schools. Access all of the videos here.

School Marketers: 1. Sales tips for independent schools 2. An introduction to school development 3. Driving synergy and adding value with a well-formed co-commercial strategy 4. Master iPhones for marketing 5. Bursary and admissions policies: Ensuring they are efficient, transparent and robust 6. Menopause in schools. Access all of the videos here.

The programmes for 25/26 have almost been finalised and will be launched shortly.

I'd also like to draw your attention to our northern primary leaders conference which takes place in Harrogate on the 17th October. Now in it's 3rd year, it is that rarest of beasts, a conference that has been designed to bring together 100 senior leaders from both the state and independent sectors. It features the latest updates, cutting edge pedagogy and hands-on practical sessions, as well as being a valuable opportunity to network with colleagues. Early-bird tickets start at just £45+VAT (this includes lunch and refreshments). There is further information below and I hope that you can join us in person in the Autumn term.
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Very best wishes,
David
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David Winfield
Founder, Independent Schools Portal.

This is an opportunity to take part in a 30 minute demo of
Quest Progress (by Atom Learning), that is setting a new standard in progress testing and attainment tracking for independent schools.

Designed for Years 1-8, Quest Progress covers English, Maths, Science, Cognitive Abilities, Wellbeing & Attitudes, offering both digital (with instant marking) and paper-based assessments (with simple marking tools). Every assessment delivers detailed, diagnostic reports, giving you valuable insights at the pupil, class, and year group level.

They’re looking to speak with senior leaders in prep schools (not part of larger education groups e.g. Dukes, ILG), who are open to trialling a new approachto progress assessments and attainment tracking.

In return for a 30-minute 1:1 demonstration, you’ll receive a free trial of Quest Progress for your school - and a £25 Amazon voucher upon attending the session and completing a short feedback form.

If you’re interested, book your demonstration here.

Innovate, Inspire and Improve in 2025. Friday 17th October 2025, Crowne Plaze, Harrogate. £45+VAT (Early bird tickets)
Programme:
0930 - KEYNOTE. Current trends in the education sector. June Stevenson, Teacher Tapp.
1010 - Barrowford Primary School: From agape to sonder with a cwtch. Rachel Tomlinson, Head, Barrowford Primary School.
1050 - Coffee and exhibition.
1115 - KCSIE and safeguarding in the digital age. Ann Marie Christian.
1200 - Case studies and scenarios. Simon Blower.
1230 - Lunch and exhibition.
1330 - AI in Action. Martin Bailey.
1410 - KEYNOTE. Promoting inclusivity in schools, Baasit Siddiqui.
1450 - Parental engagement: Getting it right, Rachael Wilding.
1525 - Questions and close.
Find out more and book

The ISP has a huge selection of videos to support school leaders on the ISP YouTube Channel. This week's featured video from the archive discusses what it is like to move to an international school. This webinar is written and presented by Ian Walker, former Head of Physics at Dulwich College (Singapore).  This is a rare opportunity to gain an insight from someone who has been through the process - and isn't trying to recruit you! If moving to an International School is something that is of vague interest we really would recommend you watch this session. Watch Now.

Hi Everyone,

As the end of the academic year approaches, many staff and school leaders will be reflecting on their professional progress and considering the next steps in their career development. As always, we will be running our highly acclaimed online course in November and December for Senior Leaders who are considering Headship (more information about this in future weeks) - but I also want to draw your attention to a superb talk from our video archive on moving to an international school. This was written and delivered by Ian Walker, who moved to Dulwich College (Singapore) to become Head of Physics. Unusually for a talk of this type, he is not attempting to recruit anyone - it is simply his unvarnished experience of moving to, working in and returning from an international school. If you are interested in working abroad in this way, this is highly recommended viewing - see below.

Also, if you have an interest in assessment, Atom Learning are seeking Prep School Leaders (in schools that aren't part of part of a larger group) or British International Schools to take part and feed back on a 1:1 demo with their assessment product, Quest. In return for your feedback, a £25 Amazon voucher will be shared with you. Again, see below for more information.

As ever, I hope that you find this of use and have a great week,

David
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David Winfield
Founder, Independent Schools Portal.

This is an opportunity to take part in a 30 minute demo of
Quest Progress (by Atom Learning), that is setting a new standard in progress testing and attainment tracking for independent schools.

Designed for Years 1-8, Quest Progress covers English, Maths, Science, Cognitive Abilities, Wellbeing & Attitudes, offering both digital (with instant marking) and paper-based assessments (with simple marking tools). Every assessment delivers detailed, diagnostic reports, giving you valuable insights at the pupil, class, and year group level.

They’re looking to speak with senior leaders in prep schools (not part of larger education groups e.g. Dukes, ILG), who are open to trialling a new approachto progress assessments and attainment tracking.

In return for a 30-minute 1:1 demonstration, you’ll receive a free trial of Quest Progress for your school - and a £25 Amazon voucher upon attending the session and completing a short feedback form.

If you’re interested, book your demonstration here.

Menopause in Schools. Online. Wednesday 11th June 2025 at 1230.
How do perimenopause and menopause cause particular challenges for those who work in our schools? How can they help themselves and how can we support them through this transition so that they can keep on doing the jobs they love without a cost to their health and we don't lose their talents and experience?

Delivered by Helen Clare. Helen helps schools and teachers deal with challenges that arise due to perimenopause and menopause. She does this through talks, workshops, support groups, 1 to 1 and group mentoring, manager and menopause champion training, courses and policy and strategy support. An ex-biology teacher and life-long biology geek, she has also worked in schools as a poet and artist and as part of her work for Creative Partnerships and Arts Council England. Helen is also an ICF trained coach and an associate of the British Menopause Society. Book your place.

​The ISP has a huge selection of videos to support school leaders on the ISP YouTube Channel. This week's featured video from the archive discusses what it is like to move to an international school. This webinar is written and presented by Ian Walker, former Head of Physics at Dulwich College (Singapore).  This is a rare opportunity to gain an insight from someone who has been through the process - and isn't trying to recruit you! If moving to an International School is something that is of vague interest we really would recommend you watch this session. Watch Now.

Hi Everyone,

Having successfully navigated the half-term break, we've once again reached the crescendo of the school year; long golden days of school sport, school plays, overheating classrooms, speech days, reports, residential trips and staff and pupil farewells... a glorious time before we all can relax and wait for the heavens to open for the best part of 6 weeks!

Aside for the inclement weather, the Summer is of course famous for pupils' academic regression, or summer slide, so I wanted to let you know about the Sunshine Squad that is being delivered by Edsidera. Their summer programme of learning brings together some of the leading education companies including White Rose Education, Pobble, Monster Phonics to name but a few. If your parents are looking for a way to keep their children learning over the Summer, they could do worse than get some support from the Sunshine Squad. You can download the flyer here for your parents - a great way to stop the Summer slide!

Also, I came across a brilliant white paper last week about building strong maths foundations in the early years and beyond. It explores why early numeracy deserves strategic focus and how the right digital tools can help close gaps, build confidence and set children up for lifelong learning. Designed for MAT leaders and primary school Headteachers, it’s packed with practical insights and evidence-based recommendations. You can access it here.

As ever, I hope that you find all of this of use and that you have a good week.

David
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David Winfield
Founder, Independent Schools Portal

Menopause in Schools. Online. Wednesday 11th June 2025 at 1230.
How do perimenopause and menopause cause particular challenges for those who work in our schools? How can they help themselves and how can we support them through this transition so that they can keep on doing the jobs they love without a cost to their health and we don't lose their talents and experience?

Delivered by Helen Clare. Helen helps schools and teachers deal with challenges that arise due to perimenopause and menopause. She does this through talks, workshops, support groups, 1 to 1 and group mentoring, manager and menopause champion training, courses and policy and strategy support. An ex-biology teacher and life-long biology geek, she has also worked in schools as a poet and artist and as part of her work for Creative Partnerships and Arts Council England. Helen is also an ICF trained coach and an associate of the British Menopause Society. Book your place.

​The ISP has a huge selection of videos to support school leaders on the ISP YouTube Channel. This week's featured video from the archive helps school leaders keep up to date with the current laws pertinent to UK Schools. This webinar is written and presented by Alice Reeve, Partner at VWV.  In this talk, she focuses on: • April 2025 Changes • Neonatal Care Leave and Pay • Sexual Harassment - 6 Months Since Preventative Duty • Employment Rights Bill. Watch Now.

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