The IAPS Annual Conference is the key date in our calendar and takes place early in the autumn term each academic year – an opportunity for all member Heads to spend time away from the daily challenges of running their school and get together with peers.
Each year we aim to deliver a Conference that delivers the impact, insight and innovation that we know Heads desire.
Spread over three days, Conference offers the opportunity to listen and learn from a range of inspiring keynote speakers and to share thoughts, theories, ideas and good practice during thought-provoking and actionable round table discussions and seminar sessions.
“One of the best parts of Conference is to see other Heads; the only people who know the pressure you are under. You get to share the problems and solutions away from a pressurised situation where you are not talking to parents, to children or to staff. You are talking to people who understand what you are going through, which is quite unique and a really good way to connect.”
Perran Gill, Head at Keble Prep
An opportunity to share time and experience with peers
We know that members greatly value and appreciate the opportunity that Conference affords them to spend time, and share experience, with fellow Heads.
Attending Conference is often the only opportunity during the academic year for members to discuss common challenges, share good practice and explore issues specific to their context with Heads running schools of similar types.
Over and above that, Conferences offers members the chance to socialise with fellow Heads, forging valuable connections that often lead to lasting friendships with supportive and empathetic colleagues.
Key features of Annual Conference:
NETWORKING: Meet and spend quality time with Heads of similar schools, with the opportunity to share good practice and ideas and to socialise
KEYNOTES AND SEMINARS: Hear from an inspiring and motivating range of speakers and join informative seminar sessions led by qualified experts
ROUND TABLES: Participate in engaging discussions and debates on topical issues pertinent to the independent sector and education in general
Watch video testimonials:
Learn more about why IAPS Member Heads, both in the UK and internationally, value and take away from attending Annual Conference each year.
Annual Conference 2026
Join us at Birmingham's International Convention Centre, from Wednesday 23 to Friday 25 September.
We know Annual Conference is valued and appreciated by members and we hope to see as many of you as possible in Birmingham this September.