September Residential Conference 2026

Thursday 17 and Friday 18 September 2026
Aviator Hotel, Farnborough

High Standards, Healthy Cultures

Leadership for Inclusion, Efficiency and Success

Surrey Secondary Phase Council’s annual Residential Conference brings Surrey secondary headteachers together at the beginning of the academic year for two days of professional learning, reflection and connection.

Shaped by headteacher feedback, this year’s programme explores the national education landscape, leadership, inclusion, SEND, lost learning and the lived realities behind the data.

Speakers

The conference will feature contributions from:

• Tom Middlehurst, Deputy Director of Policy at ASCL
• Evelyn Forde MBE, headteacher, author and leadership adviser
• Mark Vickers MBE, Chief Executive of Olive Academies Trust
• David Blow, Executive Head of SESSET
• Rachel Johnson, Chief Executive of PiXL
• Shaun Brown, Deputy Chief Executive of The Difference
• David Bartram, SEND and inclusion leader
• Professor Katriona O’Sullivan, psychologist and bestselling author

Programme Highlights

Sessions across the two days will explore:

• The education landscape to 2030
• Leadership for belonging, inclusion and success
• The changing national context for inclusion
• Responding to the challenge of lost learning
• Leadership of effective SEND provision
• Trauma, poverty and the possibility of healing
• Surrey data and the experiences behind the statistics

Alongside the formal programme, delegates will have opportunities for facilitated discussion, networking and time to reconnect with colleagues. The conference also includes a drinks reception and dinner on Thursday evening, followed by a barbecue lunch at the close of the conference on Friday.

Bookings Are Now Closed

Online bookings for the conference have now closed.

If you would still like to attend, or have any questions about an existing booking, please contact Faye. Late booking enquiries may be considered subject to availability.