Senior leaders from schools across the diocese gathered in Leeds recently to hear about innovation, inclusion and integrity at our School Leaders’ Conference for 2025.
Organised by our Education Team, the conference on Friday, November 14 invited attendees to reflect on how to lead in times of change, how to welcome and serve every child and family, and how to stay true to positive values in the complexity of modern education.
The Revd Simone Bennett, Diocesan Director of Education, said: “It’s always a joy to see our Church school family gathered together.
“There is great strength in this community, rooted in shared vision, mutual support, and a commitment to the flourishing of all.
“Thank you for all you do each day in your schools.
“I hope the conference brought you inspiration, encouragement and space to think about the future of school leadership - not just as a challenge to face, but a calling to grow into.”
The day gave attendees the chance to hear from various keynote speakers, as well as time for discussions to reflect, share insights and process the ideas presented.
The conference began with a welcome from Revd Simone, before hearing from Nia Richards, the Director of Creativity, Culture and Education.
Nia spoke about how schools can nurture creative thinking, and help all rediscover a creative spark.
After this the conference heard from Andy Hill, Director and Co-Founder of Voicebox CIC, an organisation dedicated to challenging harmful male gender stereotypes.
With a background in applied theatre and facilitation, Voicebox lead initiatives that support young people in redefining masculinity on their own terms.
Voicebox provides expert facilitators; their workshops, assemblies and projects are designed to empower participants to promote and embody healthy masculinity, tackle 'toxic masculinity' (or what they call unhealthy masculinity), challenge misogyny, prioritise mental, physical and social well-being and promote gender equality.
After a break the conference heard music from Aidan’s Flame, a choir from St Aidan’s Church of England High School Harrogate, who also lead worship at their school.
Before lunch attendees heard from Dan Fitzpatrick, an expert in the future of emergent technology in the education sector, author and speaker.
Dan spoke about how schools can harness the power of artificial intelligence in education, and how it is transforming classrooms today.
After lunch the conference heard from Ben Walden, Artistic Director of Contender Charlie, who used the story of Shakespeare’s Macbeth to discuss the challenges of leadership, and how school leaders might respond to them.
Contender Charlie is an organization that uses the power of storytelling and mythology to enhance and inspire the creative learning of young people, as well as their teachers and school leaders.
Ben has a background in professional theatre, including taking on leading roles in London’s West End and as an inaugural member of Shakespeare’s Globe.
The final speaker of the day was Tier Blundell, founder of Excluded From School, a nonprofit organisation advocating for students who the education system has marginalised.
With a personal journey marked by early school exclusion, ADHD, and societal challenges, Tier defied expectations to achieve academic success, ultimately earning a PhD from the University of Oxford - the first known person from a Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) to do so.
Tier spoke about his journey, using it to consider the systemic barriers excluded students face and offer a call for equity, inclusion, and hope.
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