DSLS Annual School Leadership Conference 2026

Bookings are now open for the Annual School Leadership Conference 2026.

View the outline programme here.

 

***  Keynote Speakers now confirmed ***

 

Returning by popular demand, and with new content:

Ben Davies, Psychological Skills Mentor, Chimp Management

Since joining Chimp Management in 2015, Ben has been a valued member of the team, known for his passion and enthusiasm in helping people develop a deeper understanding of their minds.

His experience spans a diverse range of industries, including elite sport, finance, education, military services, HM Prison and Probation services, and the NHS. Read more.

 

Lieutenant Colonel David Love MBE

David is a serving Lieutenant Colonel in the British Army whose career has focused on developing leaders who can perform when pressure is at its highest, whether on operations, in the classroom, or in extreme environments. His experience spans some of the world’s most high-threat regions, including multiple deployments to Afghanistan, Sudan, Libya, Mali and Somalia, as well as peacekeeping operations with the United Nations, where leadership decisions carry immediate and tangible consequences. Read more.

 

Beryce Nixon OBE, CEO of Exceed Learning Partnership

Beryce Nixon OBE is the CEO of Exceed Learning Partnership, dedicated to delivering high-quality education across Doncaster. From classroom teacher to system leader, her career focuses on school improvement and professional growth.

Beryce spearheaded the Exceed Leadership Framework, a progressive model defining effective leadership at all levels. Awarded an OBE for services to education, she is a recognised expert in developing leaders with intention to create lasting organisational change and improve outcomes for children.

 

Jonny Uttley, Leadership, Culture, Inclusion

Jonny Uttley has nearly 30 years’ experience in education, including senior roles as a Headteacher, Director of Sixth Form and CEO of a multi-academy trust in Yorkshire.

He is driven by a clear purpose: to improve the lives of young people, staff and communities. As CEO, he built a successful trust centred on a simple idea – great teaching in every classroom, alongside a culture where staff can do brilliant work without sacrificing family life. Read more.

 

 

Nathan Arnold, Associate of Independent Thinking Ltd

Empowerment and Well-Being – Navigating Challenges – Being at Your Best

You wouldn’t be alone in thinking that life in education has got that much harder in recent years. And that’s the same whether you’re a teacher, a school leader or a student in a classroom.

Fortunately, what schools and colleges are getting better at is knowing they need to support all members of the community to access the expertise and knowledge to help them be at their best a whole lot more of the time. Which is where Nathan Arnold comes in. Read more.

 

Katherine Templar Lewis, Human Scientist

A human scientist and science communicator at the intersection of neuroscience, creativity and change.

Katherine is an expert in the way humans navigate this modern world full of uncertainty and change. With a background in human and cognitive science, she is dedicated to interdisciplinary research, bringing scientists and creatives together to solve the complex and very human challenges we face today. Her mission is to equip people with the tools needed to not just thrive in an uncertain society but to drive innovation, seize opportunities and unlock their own potential. Read more.

 

 

 

DSLS Annual School Leadership Conference 2026

15 & 16 October 2026 at Saunton Sands Hotel, North Devon EX33 1LQ

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
(if applicable)
(if applicable)
Please provide your work email address - this is the address that joining instructions will be sent to prior to the event:
Delegate booking options*
If Option B selected above, please indicate who you wish to share accommodation with here. Note that each delegate must submit an individual booking form.
This information will be stored on our database and shared with the venue in advance of the event.
All maintained schools are required to provide a purchase order (PO) number. Academies and Trusts should supply one if applicable. If a PO number is not relevant to your institution, please indicate N/A
Terms and conditions of booking: The Annual School Leadership Conference is open to all school leaders of primary and secondary schools and MATs. Booking is essential. Please submit one booking form per delegate. Joining instructions will be sent shortly before the event. CANCELLATIONS: Cancellations received between 22 May 2026 and 17 July 2026 - 50% fee applies. Cancellations received between 18 July 2026 and 7 September 2026 – 75 % fee applies. Cancellations from 8 September 2026 onwards - 100% fee applies Alternatively, schools are able to transfer their booking to another named delegate. Non-attendance on the day will still incur the full fee unless exceptional circumstances apply (e.g. Ofsted visit). An alternative delegate may attend. The decision of DSLS Board of Trustees will be final. Please contact the DSLS office for further details should you wish to cancel or amend your booking - office@devonsls.co.uk. INVOICING: an invoice will be raised by Devon Schools Leadership Services CIO before the end of the summer term 2026.
Terms and Conditions*
Privacy*
Consent for the sharing of contact details, applicable to participation in the Annual Conference 2026*
As part of our commitment to data privacy, we will only share delegate details with third party exhibitors and delegates if explicit consent is provided. Please note: If you opt in, only your name, job title and organisation will be shared. We will not share your email address or any other personal contact information. Your details will be used solely for the purpose of this event and will not be passed on for marketing or other purposes. You may withdraw your consent at any time by contacting office@devonsls.co.uk. Tick any that apply.