ASCL Conference for New Headteachers 2025

Millennium Gloucester Hotel, London

"The event was very useful - the variety of the speakers was excellent and the roundtable discussions were useful. The chance to meet other prospective heads was invaluable." Delegate feedback, 2024

This unique conference combines the experience of established headteachers, the latest policy thinking, and practical tips to help you make a successful transition to headship.

Set in the context of the first 100 days of headship and beyond, the conference will help you establish a firm platform for balancing the creation and delivery of your vision for your school with the everyday challenges and demands of your new role.

The programme features a mix of keynotes and roundtable discussions with serving school leaders on key issues, enabling you to create a toolkit of advice and ongoing support as you start your new role.

This conference is suitable for colleagues taking on their first headship or head of school position from September 2025, and those who started their first headship in the last 6 to 12 months in either primary or secondary. The conference will also be very helpful for colleagues taking on an acting/interim headteacher role.

Feedback from 2024
"Excellent. Very informative and reassuring. Really great networking opportunities and very warm and welcoming environment."

"A great opportunity to meet others in the same position and some really useful sessions."
Speaker
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Pepe Di'Iasio

ASCL General Secretary

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Manny Botwe

ASCL President 2024-25 and Headteacher, Tytherington School, Macclesfield

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Tiffnie Harris

Primary and Data Specialist

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Sue Collings

CEO, The Denbigh Alliance

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Ross Martland

Headteacher, The Fallibroome Academy, Macclesfield

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Emma Harrison

Business Leadership Specialist

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Gary Moore

Headteacher, Regent High School, Camden

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Steve Playford

Leadership and Resilience Consultant

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Mike Smith

Director of Member Support

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Gail Brown

CEO, Ebor Academy Trust

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Keziah Featherstone

Executive Headteacher, The Mercian Trust

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Kat Pugh

Headteacher, St Marylebone School, London

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Sam Henson

Deputy Chief Executive, National Governance Association

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Caroline Barlow

Headteacher, Heathfield Community College

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Lisa McCall

Head of School – Wales High School, Rotherham

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Damian Matthews

Headteacher, The Marvell College, Hull

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Catherine McKinnell MP

Labour MP, Newcastle upon Tyne North

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ASCL reserve the right to amend the programme should circumstances dictate

08.30         Registration, refreshments and exhibition
 
09.30         Welcome and introduction
 
09.40         The Habits of Great Leaders
Pepe Di’Iasio, ASCL General Secretary
 
10.00         What to expect in the first 100 days
Ross Martland, Headteacher, The Fallibroome Academy
 
10.30         Roundtable Discussion Session 1/2
Each session will last 20 minutes and delegates can attend two discussions
 
11.15         Refreshments and exhibition
 
11.45         Keynote
DfE Representative
 
12.10         Keynote
Manny Botwe, ASCL President 2024-25 and Headteacher, Tytherington High School
 
12.45         Lunch and exhibition
           
13.30         Is it really worth it?
Caroline Barlow and Keziah Featherstone, Co-Chairs, Headteachers’ Roundtable

As you step into the best and most important role in schools, it is sometimes easy to feel quickly overwhelmed by the pressures, challenges and attrition. As experienced headteachers, who still love the role, we will share with you how and why you need to keep positive.

14.10         Roundtable Discussion Session 3/4
Each session will last 20 minutes and delegates can attend two discussions
 
14.50         Refreshments and exhibition
 
15.10         Cultivating the culture you want in your school
Kat Pugh, Headteacher, The St Marylebone CE School
 
15.45         Close
 


 

Roundtable topics will include:

  • Managing your reputation - Richard Bettsworth, ASCL
  • Putting disadvantaged students at the forefront - Lisa McCall, Headteacher, Wales High School
  • Primary leadership - Gail Brown, CEO, Ebor Academy Trust
  • Lessons in financial leadership - Sue Collings, CEO, The Denbigh Alliance
  • Working with your Business Leader/CFO - Emma Harrison, ASCL
  • Making school improvement count - Gary Moore, Headteacher, Regent High School
  • Being a resilient head - Steve Playford, Leadership and Resilience Consultant
  • Accountability and Data for new headteachers - Tiffnie Harris, ASCL
  • Getting the best from your leadership team - Gary Moore, Headteacher, Regent High School
  • Handling complaints, grievances and allegations - Mike Smith, ASCL
  • Partners in leadership: building dynamic headteacher-governor and trustee relationships - Sam Henson, Deputy CEO, National Governance Association (NGA)
  • SEND leadership - Damian Matthews, Headteacher, The Marvell College

Members: £290+VAT 
Non-members: £310+VAT 
 

Included in the conference fee is access to a package of further support for you as you start the new academic year:

  • Phone call from an experienced leader within our network (opt in).
  • 10% discount on our Autumn Leadership Conferences: a 'one-stop shop' of updates from our specialist team.
  • 10% discount on ASCL Annual Conference: our flagship leadership development conference taking place 13 and 14 March 2026 in Liverpool.
  • Discounted rate for our New to Headship Development Programme: building your own skills and confidence as you take on the role. Starting in October and led by Steve Playford.
  • Discounted rate for our personal Coaching and Mentoring Support