IAPS

30/09/2026

🎙️ Welcome back to another episode of The IAPS Podcast!

In this episode we are joined by Hayden Wood Head of Qualification and Delivery at ISEB | Independent Schools Examinations Board with contributions from Ian Nicholas Deputy Head Academic at Highfield School and Sophie Banks, Head at Pembridge Hall School.

The conversation looks at how academic topics can be brought to life through applied learning, with a particular focus on how member schools have participated in ISEB’s IPQ programme.

The podcast can be accessed via most major platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts. 🎧

Spotify 🔗 https://open.spotify.com/episode/1MmtrowWuj5vHuumO1XvdQ?si=228ff42b7a474656

Apple Podcasts 🔗 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/project-based-learning-and-rethinking-assessment/id1725972270?i=1000792350097

22/09/2026

We're delighted to have kicked off the IAPS Annual Conference in Birmingham with our International Day, kindly hosted by Hallfield School.

Over 20 of our IAPS overseas Heads from Europe, Africa, South America, Asia and Africa gathered to hear from colleagues from IAPS schools across our global network, with sessions exploring diversity and belonging in the curriculum, collaborative professional learning, approaches to teaching and the powerful pupil voice.

Nick Robinson, Director of International at IAPS shared. "the real strength of IAPS is when our community of Heads, all leading different schools around the world, come to share best practise, and ideas. It was a inspiring, thought provoking and highly engaging day"

A huge thanks to Hallfield School for kindly hosting us, to all of our speakers and delegates for contributing to such a valuable day, and to HarperCollins for sponsoring our International Day.

We can't wait to welcome delegates to the ICC tomorrow as the IAPS Annual Conference gets underway!

16/09/2026

🎙️ Welcome back to another episode of The IAPS Podcast!

In this episode Nick Robinson is joined by two members of the ASCL team, General Secretary, Pepe Di'Iasio and Independent Sector Specialist, Neil Smith. Together they explore the role of unions for Heads in the independent sector.

The podcast can be accessed via most major platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts. 🎧

Spotify🔗 https://open.spotify.com/episode/3M4qAew5cuv5h5Yfa6BuOR?si=yT5GYQdNSmCfNV3y8Rjn5w

Apple Podcasts 🔗 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/understanding-the-role-of-unions-for-heads/id1725972270?i=1000790026656

09/09/2026

🎙️ Welcome back to another episode of The IAPS Podcast!

In this episode, Katherine Bluck, IAPS Head of Professional Development leads the conversation with education sector experts from HCR Law, Sam Coutinho and Krissy Scott.

Together they explore some of the big issues Independent School leaders are navigating, such as strategy, mergers and making confident governance decisions.

The podcast can be accessed via most major platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts. 🎧

Spotify🔗 https://open.spotify.com/episode/3FLqADDTvNssoKBd8XIRfi?si=1d9d96b985da403b

Apple Podcasts 🔗 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/navigating-change-in-independent-schools-in-conversation/id1725972270?i=1000788689616

We're delighted that Krissy and Sam will be joining us at our Annual Conference in Birmingham from 23-25 September. Bookings close tomorrow, so don't miss your opportunity to gain insights from experts and connect with colleagues from across the education sector.

View the full programme and secure your place via our website 🔗 https://iaps.uk/cpd/iaps-annual-conference/annual-conference-2026.html

04/09/2026

We’re looking forward to our upcoming 'IAPS/ISBA/AMCIS Webinar: The Use of Pupil Images in Schools’ on Friday 11 September which is free to attend.

The use of pupil images is an increasingly complex issue for schools, requiring a careful balance between effective marketing, parental expectations, legal compliance and, above all, safeguarding. This joint IAPS/Independent Schools'​ Bursars Association/AMCIS - The Association for Admissions, Marketing & Communications in Independent Schools webinar will explore the legal and practical considerations surrounding the use of pupil images, helping schools understand their responsibilities when seeking parental permissions and using photographs and videos across their communications and marketing activities.

Designed for both leadership and operational teams, the session will provide practical guidance to help schools review their policies, procedures and marketing strategies, ensuring they remain compliant while continuing to promote their school effectively in a competitive marketplace.

📍Online
📅 Friday 11 September 2026
🕛11.00am-12.00pm

A recording of the webinar will be available on all three associations websites after the session has taken place, for those who are unable to attend.

For further information and how to book, please visit our website here 🔗 https://iaps.uk/cpd/ems-event-calendar/iaps-isba-amcis-webinar-the-use-of-pupil-images-in-schools.html

The use of pupil images is an increasingly complex issue for schools, requiring a careful balance between effective marketing, parental expectations, legal compliance and, above all, safeguarding. This joint IAPS/ISBA/AMCIS webinar will explore the legal and practical considerations surrounding the....

02/09/2026

Welcome back to all of our members! 🎉

The start of a new academic year brings fresh opportunities, new goals and exciting possibilities. As we prepare to come together at our Annual Conference in just three weeks' time, we look forward to another year of collaboration, professional development and shared success across our growing international network of schools.

Photo credit: Notting Hill and Ealing High School 📸

13/08/2026

We are thrilled to announce our first keynote speaker for our upcoming Independent Schools SEND Conference- Amjad Ali!

Amjad's keynote will explore how inclusive teaching can benefit all learners in the classroom. Drawing on the latest evidence, delegates will leave with practical strategies to take back to school.

We look forward to welcoming Amjad and our brilliant delegates to the conference.

📅 Friday 27 November 2026
📍 Park Plaza Victoria London,SW1V 1EQ

Further information as well as how to book can be found on our website here: https://iaps.uk/cpd/ems-event-calendar/independent-schools-council-send-conference-in-association-with-iaps2026.html

Thank you to our Headline Sponsor, Quest Assessments for their support with the Conference.

11/08/2026

We're delighted to announce that Quest Assessments will be joining us as Headline Sponsor of our Independent Schools SEND Conference this November.

Quest gives schools accessible, standardised assessments that are built to work for every learner - saving staff time while surfacing the insights that make a real difference to pupil support.

Beatrice Watson and the Quest team will also deliver a short presentation, sharing case studies on how schools are using Quest's accessible assessments to identify needs early and support every learner with confidence.

You can book your place for the Conference, and access the full programme here on our website 🔗 https://iaps.uk/cpd/ems-event-calendar/independent-schools-council-send-conference-in-association-with-iaps2026.html

07/08/2026

📢 Save the date!

We are thrilled to announce that the annual Independent Schools SEND Conference will be taking place this year on Friday 27th November 2026 at Park Plaza Victoria, London.

We are delighted to be working in partnership with Independent Schools Council for the Conference, and look forward to welcoming delegates back for another day filled with engaging keynotes and seminars and important conversations.

We are also excited to welcome Quest Assessments as our Headline Sponsor.

Visit our website to view the full programme and secure your place! 🔗 https://iaps.uk/cpd/ems-event-calendar/independent-schools-council-send-conference-in-association-with-iaps2026.html

See you there!

31/07/2026

At the start of the Autumn term Katie Paynter - IAPS EYFS Specialist - will hold two free briefing sessions to demystify the changes being made to the EYFS Statutory Framework for 2026-27.

Katie will present on the upcoming changes and then answer any questions.

The sessions will be running on Friday 4 September, from 10.00am to 11.00am, with the second on Monday 7 September, between 2.00pm and 3.00pm.

You do not need to book into these sessions, simply follow the link on the day!

Friday 4 September ➡️ https://iaps.uk/cpd/ems-event-calendar/eyfs-statutory-framework-update2.html

Monday 7 September ➡️ https://iaps.uk/cpd/ems-event-calendar/eyfs-statutory-framework-update.html

We hope to see you there!

📸 Photo credit - Notting Hill & Ealing High School GDST