Hi Everyone,

With schools now beginning to break up for the summer, I'd like to draw your attention to the READING ALOUD CHALLENGE, which we at BlueCow Education and the Independent Schools Portal are passionate supporters of.

This initiative, now in it's 3rd year, aims to keep children reading over the summer break and is completely free of charge. It gamifies reading, allows schools to compete with each other locally and nationally, and fosters a love of reading. Click here to find out more.

Our friends at Pageticker have also produced a summer reading list for parents and teachers. If you'd like access to this, click here.

Places are rapidly selling out at out Northern Primary Leaders conference in Harrogate (October 17th) and at our AI Conference at Canva HQ, London (25th September). If you are interested in attending one of these events, I'd definitely recommend signing up sooner rather than later to guarantee your place. More information below.

Finally, Emma Ralph delivered a superb 45 minute webinar this week on Promoting ownership of writing in early years and key stage one. The session was recorded and you can now watch it here.
I hope that you find all this of use.
​
With all good wishes,
David
---
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

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. Find out more and book your place.

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.

Hi Everyone,
​
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.
​
Very best wishes,
David
---
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
​
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)
​
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.
​
Very best wishes,
David
---
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
---
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
---
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.

Future of world-renowned children's centre in the hands of ReformUK
More schools miss out as 'lottery' repair grants fall again
Most teachers don't find Ks2 SATS data useful, DfE survey finds
Teacher banned from classroom after encouraging pupils to sign petition to remove headteacher
Teacher pay scales: What will your salary look like?

Dear Colleague,
I'm grateful to Hayley Sherwood of 1Decision for bringing to my attention their amazing fully-funded pupil personal development service, pupil knowledge tracker and provision audit tool for schools. They have received funding to share these tools and resources with schools and they have just opened a school waiting list - you can find out more and reserve a place for your school below; this really is an amazing opportunity!
In addition to this, our very own Alicia Coad recently spoke at the ISA Heads conference on the subject of "Authentic Marketing". As part of this Alicia conducted an online survey with parents asking them how and why they chose a school. The survey reached over 2000 parents from over 250 different independent schools. The response was far greater than we expected and so we have published the results to share with the sector. If you would like a free copy of the report please request one here. This really is incredible intel as to what parents are thinking and doing when choosing a school. Its also interesting to note the phenomenal response to the survey that was distributed via WhatsApp and Facebook only - showing the enormous power of social media!
We also have a free early years / key stage one webinar taking place on the 11th June that is being delivered by the inventor of Mighty Writer, Emma Ralph, as well as a webinar on Menopause in Schools that is being presented by Helen Clare. Again, see below for more information and to reserve your space. Thanks as ever to Brightcore Training & Consultancy for their sponsorship so that we can make these events free of charge.
Finally, our sister organisation BlueCow Education has just released some new dates in May and June for the paid online product demonstrations and market research. This is where you watch 6 short presentations over 90 minutes during an evening whilst filling in a feedback form - and you receive a £40 Amazon voucher as thanks on the night. Over 2500 school leaders have participated so far and the sessions have a 100% recommendation rate - with 92% classing the evenings as CPD.
If you'd like to find out more and participate, you can do so by clicking this link: https://www.bluecoweducation.com/events.html
As ever, I hope that you find all of this of use and that you have a good week.
David
---
David Winfield
Founder, Independent Schools Portal.

Following their 2024 Teach Primary Award win, 1decision has secured additional funding to support even more schools with a brand-new, fully funded service—designed to enhance personal development across primary education.
This opportunity is available to all schools—regardless of the PSHE or RSHE resources they currently use.
Due to overwhelming demand, the team have now opened the waitlist for an additional 250 primary schools to benefit from this free offer.
The fully funded subscription service is powered by innovative software and helps schools identify strengths and uncover areas for improvement in their personal development provision. It delivers insightful pupil data and supports high-quality planning--without impacting school budgets.
The Personal Development Service includes:
Pupil Knowledge Tracker Software
This pioneering tool enables schools to assess the knowledge of pupils in Years 5 and 6 through two short quizzes, offering clear insights into where pupils are excelling and where further support may be needed.
Key features: • 2 × 25-minute personal development quizzes • Cohort-level data reports for year group comparisons • Detailed question analysis reports to guide future planning
Provision Audit Tool
A reflective tool designed to support senior leaders in evaluating their existing personal development provision. The audit offers thought-provoking questions and generates valuable insights to celebrate success and inform strategic improvements. Audit focus areas: • Leadership and management • Delivery • Sex education (if applicable) • Assessment, monitoring and evaluation • Strategic planning for the year ahead
Already making an impact in schools across the country, this fully funded service offers a unique opportunity for primary settings to strengthen outcomes in personal development and prepare pupils for a confident transition to secondary school.
Schools are encouraged to join the waitlist today to avoid missing out on this limited opportunity.
Sign up today - https://www.1decision.co.uk/resources/personal-development-audit

Promoting the ownership of children's writing in Early Years and Key Stage One. Online. Wednesday 11th June 2025 at 1930. This session will look at how we can promote and encourage ownership of writing in children from a young age. The creation of independent writers is so important and encourages life long learning. This session will give you ideas to inspire your children through child led writing activities.
Speaker: Emma Ralph, Founder, Mighty Writer.
Emma Ralph is a highly experienced teacher and Assistant Head with a flair for helping children to maximise their abilities. She developed the highly-acclaimed literacy resource, Mighty Writer, which was launched at The Education Show in 2016. Book your place.

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 on the trends in mental health. This webinar is written and presented by Ollie Welsby from Brightcore who works with schools across the country. He will give you an insight into the current state of affairs, together with tips as to how your school can best handle the current challenges. Watch Now.

Hi Everyone,

just want to begin this newsletter by thanking Ollie Welsby from Brightcore who has delivered some superb free CPD for the ISP this week on The changing landscape of mental health in schools. This timely update is packed full of useful advice and practical takeaways for school leaders - and you can view a full recording of it by clicking the link in the video vault section below.

I'm also delighted that Helen Clare will be giving a talk on Menopause in Schools in June and don't miss Andy Carley's online talk this coming Wednesday (1930-2030) on Learning beyond the classroom - a blueprint for success.

Both of these sessions can also be booked using the links below.

For those of you who attended the ISA conference is Harrogate this week, you will have watched the ISP's very own Alicia Coad presenting on Authentic Marketing. This talk was based on a huge amount of parental feedback that Alicia collected from several hundred independent schools - and I'm delighted that Alicia will be be making this data widely available in the near future... so watch this space!

As ever, I hope that you find this newsletter of use and I wish you a good (and sunny!) week.

David
---
David Winfield
Founder, Independent Schools Portal.

Learning Beyond the Classroom - a Blueprint for Success. Online. Wednesday 14th May 2025 at 1930.
The talk will summarise the key ingredients and elements for success for learning beyond the classroom - from planning, fundraising, site design, installation, resourcing, CPD and progression.

With examples and specific ideas from the many schools that are successfully achieving this within the constraints of budgets, teacher attitudes and a highly prescribed curriculum you will come away with lots of ideas on how to do make these changes within your own school setting.

Presented by Andy Carley, who is the Founder and Owner of School Outdoor Learning (SOuL). The SOuL Team visit and work with hundreds of schools every year across the UK and overseas to support their outdoor learning, play and nature connection. This provides them with a unique perspective on what works in terms of use of space, effective pedagogy and teacher support. As well as creating the right culture for risk taking and embedding a creative curriculum. Book your place.

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 on the trends in mental health. This webinar is written and presented by Ollie Welsby from Brightcore who works with schools across the country. He will give you an insight into the current state of affairs, together with tips as to how your school can best handle the current challenges. Watch Now.

Hi Everyone,
As promised last week, I'm delighted that to be able to announce that we have teamed up with Canva to deliver a conference on AI in Action for School Leaders. It takes place on Wednesday 25th June at the Canva offices at 33 Hoxton Square. As always, the tickets are heavily discounted and are priced at just £35 - and include all refreshments. Click this link to view the whole programme and reserved your space. Many thanks to Jade Parkinson-Hill for helping us put this together.
As well as this high profile conference, we have a number of free Webinars coming up in late April and early May:

• Bursary and admissions policies: Ensuring that they are efficient, transparent and robust
• The science of reading: Actionable insights for UK primaries
• Attracting and recruiting the best staff
• The changing landscape of mental health in schools

I hope that you find all of this of use!
With all good wishes,
David
---
David Winfield
Founder, Independent Schools Portal.

The Science of Reading
Join us for an enlightening webinar designed specifically for UK primary school head teachers and educational leaders, focusing on the Science of Reading. This session will delve into the comprehensive research and evidence-based methods that underpin effective reading instruction. Our expert speakers will guide you through the critical components of the Science of Reading, and demonstrate how these principles can be seamlessly integrated into your school's educational framework to enhance reading outcomes and foster a love of reading among students. Book your place.

Hi Everyone,
It was terrific to meet so many old friends - and make new ones! - at the 5th Annual Independent Schools Portal Marketing Conference on Friday. It was the first time that we've had over 100 schools in attendance at one of our events and I'd like to thank Queen Ethelburga's for hosting us so magnificently in North Yorkshire, to the speakers who gave so freely of their time and expertise and to Alicia for organising and delivering such a fabulous event.
We're also planning an additional live event on AI in Education in the summer term - it's currently still in the development phase - but will be held in the Canva offices in London. I'm hoping to be able to share the date and programme with you very shortly.
The Easter break seems to be somewhat staggered this year, so whether you have already broken up, or still have a week or two to go, I hope that you have a great week and that you get to enjoy some of the sunny weather that has been forecast!
With all good wishes,
David
---
David Winfield
Founder, Independent Schools Portal.

Is your SEND team overwhelmed by admin? Are you struggling to evaluate the impact of your SEN provisions? SENCOs work tirelessly to ensure SEND students get the support they need. But the growing workload and administrative demands can be overwhelming. Introducing ProvisionVue – a powerful, time-saving online tool designed by SENCOs, for SENCOs. Seamlessly integrated with your school’s MIS, ProvisionVue will reduce admin burden and help your team focus on what really matters: supporting students.
Key Features:
• Plan-Do-Review Process built in • Access to comprehensive Interventions, Resources, and Strategies for student plans • Automatically generate Provision Maps and Intervention Groups • Monitor interventions with ease • Evaluate the impact of your provisions Let ProvisionVue handle the admin, so you can focus on what truly matters – helping students succeed.
Arrange your free demo today at www.schoolvue.co.uk/contact
Exclusive Offer for ISP Newsletter Readers: Sign up by April 30th and get 10% off your first subscription!

The Science of Reading
Join us for an enlightening webinar designed specifically for UK primary school head teachers and educational leaders, focusing on the Science of Reading. This session will delve into the comprehensive research and evidence-based methods that underpin effective reading instruction. Our expert speakers will guide you through the critical components of the Science of Reading, and demonstrate how these principles can be seamlessly integrated into your school's educational framework to enhance reading outcomes and foster a love of reading among students. Book your place.

Hi Everyone,
The Independent Schools Portal has always been a way for the rest of the team and I at BlueCow Education to give back to the sector, to support schools and provide high-quality CPD such as the 2025 UK Schools Employment Law Update which was delivered online last Wednesday evening and which you can watch in full here.
As everything we do at the ISP is either free of charge or delivered below cost, the work that we do is funded by the online market research and supplier showcases that we deliver under the BlueCow brand. These showcases are also extremely useful to school leaders in of themselves; they allow SLT members the opportunity watch 6 education product presentations over 90 minutes on weekday evenings from the comfort of their own home. This helps to keep schools up to date with the latest innovations without attending trade shows - and in return for filling in a short feedback form, we are also able to email a £40 Amazon voucher to each school leader on the night as thanks for their time.
What we have created is quite unique and I'm as proud of the fact that the market research and showcase evenings have a 100% recommendation rate - and 92% class them as CPD in their own right - as I am of the work that the ISP undertakes. They really do help school leaders to stay ahead of the game.
If you'd like to join us at one of these showcases so you can see how good they are (as well as claiming your £40 Amazon voucher and supporting the work of the ISP) - you can sign up here. Hope to see you at one of the sessions soon!
With all good wishes,
David
PS - MyBodyIsMyBody (MBIMB) is delivering a Strengthening Communities by Safeguarding Every Child conference in Barnsley on Wednesday. The conference programme and speakers are simply outstanding; the ticket price is only £15 so if you are in Yorkshire / North Midlands, I can strongly recommend attending what will be a superb event. Find out more and book.
---
David Winfield
Founder, Independent Schools Portal.

ISP Marketing and Admissions Conference 2025: in-person and online
The speaker lineup includes:
Two keynote addresses: Sarah Cunnane, Head of Media and Communications at the ISC and Mark Brealey, former BBC Journalist and advisor to some of the most high profile public sector individuals on how to handle press and crisis situations.
Two case studies: Hear from fellow professionals - Jo Phillips from Giggleswick School and Laura Booth from Hymers College will be sharing their experiences.
Two topical sessions: We will hear from Sophy Walker as to how AI can aid your admissions  and marketing. Sally Alexander will also look at what we can do to drive admissions in the current period of economic uncertainty.
Two sessions of your choosing:  An opportunity to choose the topic causing your school most consternation, from SEO to Social Media to Research to websites. These sessions will enable you to tailor your day to suit YOUR school
This really is an excellent opportunity to ensure your marketing and admissions is at the forefront and available for just £45. Sign up now to benefit from an early bird ticket.

The Science of Reading
Join us for an enlightening webinar designed specifically for UK primary school head teachers and educational leaders, focusing on the Science of Reading. This session will delve into the comprehensive research and evidence-based methods that underpin effective reading instruction. Our expert speakers will guide you through the critical components of the Science of Reading, and demonstrate how these principles can be seamlessly integrated into your school's educational framework to enhance reading outcomes and foster a love of reading among students. Book your place.