National Conference for Directors of Sport in Independent Schools
6–7 March 2025 at Leonardo Royal Hotel, Oxford
Dates & Venues
This is an unprecedented time in the history of independent school sport. Everyone involved is acutely aware of the unstable nature of the sector in the wake of politically-inspired financial pressures. Within this turbulent landscape, sport presents both opportunity and issues. On the one hand, it is the principal point of difference and an integral part of the DNA of independent schools. On the other, it has never been more costly to run, and the number of participants in traditional games continues to fall.
These factors present a complex combination of issues for Directors of Sport to navigate. However, it has never been more important that there is strong, dynamic and imaginative leadership. This year’s Conference is focussed upon addressing various dimensions of the challenges which schools face. It also considers the style of leadership required and how those at the helm can best prepare themselves for the challenges ahead. It will consider what the future of School Sport and Exercise might look like, and how Directors of Sport can work with their schools’ leaders to deliver a high quality, stable programme within constrained circumstances.
At times of change and uncertainty, there is reassurance in facing the future with a knowledge of what is happening across the sector. The opportunity to meet, discuss, update, problem-solve and collaborate has always been a feature of the Conference: this year, it will be more important than ever.
Programme
Thursday 6 March 2025
12.00pm
Conference Assembles. Light Lunch. Refreshments
12.30pm
Discussion Forum One: Whole Sector Issues
Presentation of 2025 Survey results
1.45pm
Discussion Forum Two: School Group Sessions
1 Girls’ Schools
2 Small Schools (under approx.500 pupils)
3 Predominantly Boarding Schools
4 Co-educational schools
5 High Performing Schools
2.45pm
Keynote Speech
Leveraging Neuroscience to Become a Better Leader
Dr Sally Needham
3.45pm
1 Working with your Head to Shape School Sport
Kevin Knibbs
Headmaster, Hampton School, Chair, HMC Sports Committee
Rachel Owens
Head, St George’s, Weybridge
2 Working with your Head to Promote Girls’ Sport
Sarah Rollings
Headmistress, Heathfield School, Chair, Cross-Associations’ Sports Committee, Chair, GSA Sport and Wellness Committee
4.30pm
Sector Update Sessions One
1 What New Research Reveals about the Impact of Kit on Keeping Girls Active
Limitless and PeBe
2 Getting More out of VEO and Providing Feedback
Veo
3 The Emerging Science of Smart Mouthguards
Opro
4 Creating a Modern Fitness Gym
Perform Better
5 New Possibilities in Developing Outdoor Sports Facilities
S & C Slatter
5.00pm
Refreshment break
5.15pm
Sector Update Sessions Two
1 Making the Most of the New SOCS Functions
James Kershaw-Naylor
2 The Modern Touring Landscape: Where, What, When and How Much?
Edwin Doran Sports Travel
3 Understanding Developments in Head Injury Management
Return2Play
4 Promoting Participation Through the Inclusive Sportswear Charter
Tess Howard, OLY
5 Beginner’s Guide to Using Artificial Intelligence in Sports Coaching
Dr Chris Howe, AI.io
7.00pm
Drinks for New Delegates
8.00pm
Conference Dinner
Friday 7 March 2025
9.30am
Conference assembles, refreshments
10.00am
Facing the Future of School Sport
Neil Rollings
PADSIS
10.30am
Legacy: Leading Through Adversity
James Kerr
Organisational Scientist and Author
11.15am
Refreshment break
11.45am
Challenges for School Sport in a Difficult Financial Climate
Sue Woodroofe
Principal, The Grammar School at Leeds, Vice-Chair of HMC
12.30pm
Lunch
1.30pm
Seminar Session One
1 Supporting High Performing Female Athletes to be their Best
Olivia Murphy & Harriet Bates
Deputy Director of Sport & Female Athlete Group Lead, Loughborough University
2 Working with your Head to Lead School Rugby
Guy Ayling
Headmaster, Mount Kelly, HMC Lead on Rugby
3 The Future of Netball Competitions – and your Feedback
Victoria Knights & Jennifer Fields
Sisters n Sport
4 Integrating Physical Literacy into the Sports Programme
Dr Ffion Thompson
Leeds Beckett University Centre for Child and Adolescent Physical Literacy
5 Maintaining a Team Games Culture in an Environment of Choice
Neil Rollings
PADSIS
6 Championing Growth and Maturation: Enable Students to Thrive Through the Growth Spurt
Kat Jones & Dr Gemma Parry
Podium Analytics
2.15pm
Refreshment break
2.30pm
Seminar Session Two
1 Physical Education in Independent Schools: Balancing Tradition and Innovation
Professor Ashley Casey
Professor of Physical Education and Pedagogy, Loughborough University
2 Staffing School Sport and Managing Heads of Sport
Neil Rollings
PADSIS
3 Managing the Student Athlete
Dr Ffion Thompson
Leeds Beckett University Centre for Child and Adolescent Physical Literacy
4 Be Your Best: Improving your Mindset, Morale and Performance
Phil Greenaway & Martin Fairn
Red2Blue
5 Working with Parents in School Sport
Sarah Murray
6 Understanding Sports Scholarships at US Universities
Jono Santry
Head of Futures, Millfield School, ISFA U18 Manager
3.30pm
Conference closes
Prices
Friday Conference Only
PADSIS Members £289
Non Members £329
Two Delegates from the same school £499
Thursday and Friday Full Conference
PADSIS Members £449
Non Members £499
Two Delegates from the same school (to include one PADSIS Member) £729
PADSIS Membership £99 (Join PADSIS when booking to enjoy member’s discount)
Call to discuss rates not listed, or additional requirements. All prices include resources, refreshments, lunch on Friday and merchandise.
All prices exclude VAT
All prices exclude VAT.