What’s Really Going On in the Independent School Sector? | Spring Independent Schools Show 2026

Recorded live at the Spring Independent Schools Show on 28 February 2026, this fast-paced panel brings together leading education journalists and sector experts to unpack the biggest developments shaping the independent school landscape.

Cutting through the headlines, the panel delivers rapid-fire insights into the changes affecting families searching for schools today—from rising fees and leadership moves to new schools launching and well-known institutions merging.

In just 30 minutes, this session provides essential intelligence for parents trying to understand how the independent school sector is evolving and what it might mean for their school choices.

Speakers

Sam Coutinho – Governance, Finance and Risk Adviser to the Independent School Sector, Sam Coutinho Consulting Ltd
Edward Wild – Managing Director, Wild Search
Julie Robinson – Chief Executive Officer, Independent Schools Council
Hero Brown – Founder & Editor-in-Chief, Muddy Stilettos

For all news, tickets and future show updates, go to SchoolsShow.co.uk

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In Conversation: Liz Hewer, St Paul’s Girls’ School | Spring Independent Schools Show 2026

Recorded live at the Spring Independent Schools Show on 28 February 2026, this session features a thought-provoking conversation with Liz Hewer, High Mistress of St Paul's Girls' School.

In this insightful parent briefing, Liz Hewer explores one of the biggest questions facing families today: how do we prepare teenagers for a world we can barely imagine?

Drawing on her experience leading one of the UK’s most respected schools, she discusses the challenges parents face when raising adolescents in the 21st century and what truly matters in modern education, regardless of where your child goes to school.

This inspiring conversation offers valuable perspectives on supporting young people to develop confidence, curiosity, and resilience in an ever-changing world.

Speaker
Liz Hewer – High Mistress, St Paul’s Girls’ School

For all news, tickets and future show updates, go to SchoolsShow.co.uk

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Jane Lunnon on the Changing London Landscape | Spring Independent Schools Show 2026

Recorded live at the Spring Independent Schools Show on 28 February 2026, this parent briefing features Jane Lunnon, Head of Alleyn's School, in a wide-ranging conversation about the evolving education landscape in London.

Under Jane Lunnon’s leadership, Alleyn’s has become one of London’s most sought-after co-educational day schools. In this session, she reflects on the changing nature of education in the capital, the challenges and opportunities facing schools and families, and how independent schools are adapting to meet the needs of today’s students.

This insightful discussion offers valuable perspectives for parents navigating school choices in a rapidly changing city.

For all news, tickets and future show updates, go to SchoolsShow.co.uk

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How Bursaries Transform Lives | Spring Independent Schools Show 2026

Recorded live at the Spring Independent Schools Show on Saturday 28 February 2026, this inspiring panel explores how bursaries can open life-changing opportunities for young people.

Many families worry that their child might not “fit in” at an independent school. In this discussion, three bursary recipients share their personal experiences and explain how an independent school education transformed their lives and opened doors they never imagined.

Together with the Royal National Children’s SpringBoard Foundation, the panel discusses the reality of independent school culture today, diverse, welcoming and far removed from common stereotypes and how schools actively support students from all backgrounds to thrive.

Speakers
Patrick Derham OBE
David Ejim-McCubbi
Mirabel Agyemang

For all news, tickets and future show updates, go to SchoolsShow.co.uk

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Why Board? | Spring Independent Schools Show 2026

Recorded live at the Spring Independent Schools Show on 28 February 2026, this parent briefing explores the realities of modern boarding education and how it has evolved for today’s families.

Hosted in partnership with the Boarding Schools' Association, a panel of experienced school leaders discusses what boarding really looks like toda and why it can be such a transformative experience for young people.

While popular culture often imagines boarding schools through a Harry Potter lens, modern boarding offers a very different reality. The panel explains how living and learning together can create powerful communities that support both academic success and personal development.

The discussion also explores how boarding works for 21st-century families, including flexible options such as flexi, weekly, and full boarding, and the practical benefits it can offer busy or working parents.

If you’ve never considered boarding before, this session provides a helpful introduction to how it might unlock new opportunities for your child.

Speakers

David Walker – Director, Boarding Schools’ Association
Will Goldsmith – Head, Bedales School
Julia Bird – Assistant Head (College), Canford School
Leo Ackerman – Director of Operations, Eastwood Montreux

For all news, tickets and future show updates, go to SchoolsShow.co.uk

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What Makes a Good School? (North of the Thames) | Spring Independent Schools Show 2026

Recorded live at the Spring Independent Schools Show on 28 February 2026, this panel explores what parents should look for when choosing a school north of the River Thames.

With a wide range of independent schools across North London and beyond, families often face difficult decisions about which environment will best suit their child. In this discussion, experienced school leaders share their perspectives on what truly defines a “good” school—from academic outcomes and pastoral care to opportunities beyond the classroom.

The panel also offers insight into the education landscape north of the Thames and helps parents think about how to find a school that matches their child’s interests, strengths, and personality.

Speakers

Lindsey Hughes – Headmistress, Channing School
David Benson – Head, Mill Hill School
Matthew Mostyn – Headmaster, St Edmund's College

For all news, tickets and future show updates, go to SchoolsShow.co.uk

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Heads Changing Places: How Important Is School Leadership? | Spring Independent Schools Show 2026

Recorded live at the Spring Independent Schools Show on 28 February 2026, this panel explores the impact that leadership can have on a school.

When a new head arrives, parents often wonder what will change and what will stay the same. In this discussion, recently appointed school leaders share their perspectives on how leadership shapes a school’s culture, priorities, and long-term direction.

The panel also considers what parents should look for when evaluating school leadership, and how a new head can bring fresh ideas while maintaining the core values and traditions that define a school.

Speakers

Scott Crawford – Head Master, Lancing College
Elizabeth Stone – Headmaster, Winchester College
Ravi Kothakota – Headmaster, Emanuel School

For all news, tickets and future show updates, go to SchoolsShow.co.uk

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Going Private: Moving from the State Sector | Spring Independent Schools Show 2026

Recorded live at the Spring Independent Schools Show on 28 February 2026, this parent briefing explores what families should consider when moving from state to independent education.

Many parents wonder whether an independent school education is the right step for their child. In this panel discussion, leading school heads discuss what independent schools genuinely offer that is different, the level of investment involved, and how families can decide whether the move is the right fit.

The session also covers key entry points such as 11+, 13+, and 16+, what the admissions and assessment process typically involves, and whether pupils from state primary schools can successfully compete in entrance exams.

Speakers

Susan Wijeratna – Head, Latymer Upper School
Rick Clarke – Head, St James Senior Boys' School
Alastair Chirnside – Warden, St Edward's School, Oxford

For all news, tickets and future show updates, go to SchoolsShow.co.uk

Instagram - @schoolsshow