Annual Conference 2026

Overview

 

Annual Conference in Birmingham is the key date in our 2026 calendar and we are looking forward to welcoming Member Heads from right across the UK, and from further afield, to the iconic International Convention Centre from 23 to 25 September.

We are planning a Conference that delivers the impact, insight and innovation that we know members desire, as well as the opportunity to spend time with fellow Heads, away from the daily challenges of running their schools; a cornerstone of the three days.

From engaging and inspiring keynotes to a range of thought-provoking seminars and discussions, we know that Conference's varied programme is valued by members, as is the scope to explore issues with Heads running schools of similar types. Most important is the opportunity to meet and socialise with each other. 

​Conference details

Registration will open on Wednesday 23 September at 9.30am, with the Conference welcome at 11.00am. The Conference will close at 1.30pm on Friday 25 September. 

We have taken on board the feedback you gave us following last year’s Conference and have made some changes to the timetable and content of the programme, details of which we will be announcing in the weeks ahead. 

Conference sponsor

We are pleased to welcome Perry Uniform, a British designer and manufacturer of distinctive uniform and sportswear for schools, universities and clubs, as our Annual Conference Platinum Sponsor.

Accommodation

Please note that you will need to book your hotel accommodation separately. Please refer to the accommodation information dropdown below for full details. 

International schools

We are once again able to offer an International Day to precede Conference, taking place on Tuesday 22 September. This will be generously hosted by Hallfield School, close to Birmingham city centre and the Conference venue.

Delegates can arrive from 10.30am and join an optional learning walk at the school, followed by lunch and an afternoon of sessions focused on issues relevant to prep schools operating abroad. The day’s content is being finalised with our international District Representatives and Hallfield School.

Exhibition

For businesses, exhibiting at Annual Conference offers a valuable opportunity to engage directly with Heads leading member schools. Across three days, Conference offers a powerful platform to showcase solutions, build meaningful relationships and raise your profile with one of the sector’s most important audiences.

More information about the opportunities available through exhibiting at Conference can be found here. If you are interested in learning more about commercial oportunities at Conference or at other IAPS events, please contact our Exhibitions team.