Independent boarding school for girls, Downe House, is hosting a high-profile academic conference on Thursday 13 June at its campus in Cold Ash, Berkshire.

This year, the annual conference is themed around maximising pupils’ potential in secondary education, and will be attended by headteachers and educationalists from across the private and state school sectors.

The focus of the conference is how schools can best prepare pupils for their future, while providing outstanding continuing professional development. Delegates can attend a number of breakout sessions throughout the day delivered by leading educationalists covering important topics.

Breakout sessions will include university professors, headteachers and futurists, senior business leaders, authors, and apprenticeship innovators. Topics will include how technology will transform education, reforming the secondary curriculum in the UK, ensuring pupils thrive at university and beyond, degree apprenticeships, and understanding the mindset of the next generation.

Former chief inspector of Ofsted and former chair of Ofqual, Amanda Spielman, is a keynote speaker. Others include Lisa Kerr, principal at Gordonstoun and former business leader, and Jane Boardman, former chief executive at M&C Saatchi Talk.

Spielman said: “I am delighted to be speaking at Downe House’s Conference. I look forward to talking about how we make sure children leave school ready to make the most of their lives.”

Kerr said: “The academic conference will be an excellent opportunity to reflect on how society is evolving and how educators can and should adapt to help our students succeed.”

Boardman added: “It is crucial for employers to understand the mindset of our next generation and I am thrilled to be part of the discussion at Downe House’s academic conference.”

Matthew Godfrey, deputy head at Downe House School, and the organiser of the conference, said: “The combination of Amanda, Ofsted’s longest-serving chief inspector, and Lisa, who has recently been appointed principal of George Watson’s College in Edinburgh from August 2024, not to mention Jane, who has been proactively involved in talent management and culture initiatives at M&C Saatchi Group, really has set the tone for a highly stimulating and thought-provoking conference this year.”

The conference is open to heads and teachers from independent and state schools across the UK as well as anyone involved in the education of children. Tickets are £75 which includes refreshments, lunch, afternoon tea, parking, and shuttle bus transfers from Thatcham train station.

For details click here