About

The Independent Schools Leadership Forum 2026 will bring together Heads, Governors and Bursars for a day of forward-looking discussion shaped by the combined expertise of RSAcademics, Grant Thornton and Withers. This partnership offers a perspective that few other sector events can match.

RSAcademics supports schools through leadership appointments, strategic consultancy and research that informs confident decision-making and strengthens school culture. Grant Thornton adds practical guidance drawn from its work with education clients across the UK, across advisory services including mergers and acquisitions and tax. Withers brings recognised authority in governance, charity regulation and the legal issues that influence strategic decisions in schools.

The programme will explore the pressures and opportunities now shaping the independent school environment, including changing regulatory demands, shifts in parental expectations and the financial realities that leaders are working through.

Breakout sessions will provide space for delegates to focus on topics such as support with banking and business models, VAT in practice, donor engagement or leadership in a more uncertain landscape. The day will close with a collaborative futures session that invites participants to consider priorities for the years ahead.

Time for discussion and reflection is threaded throughout the event so that leaders can share insights and compare approaches with peers who are facing similar choices. The welcome and plenary session will begin promptly at 10:00 AM. The event will conclude at 4:00 PM, followed by a drinks reception.

Places are limited and reserved for representatives of independent schools.

Date

Date

Location

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Grant Thornton
8 Finsbury Circus, London, EC2M 7EA

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