Blog

New think tank the Centre for Market Reform of Education (CMRE) hosted its inaugural proprietorial schools conference on Saturday.

The event, held at Fulham Prep School proved to be a lively opportunity for private school owners to look at issues ranging from performance related pay, the history of private education, Free Schools, inspection and curriculum issues. The CMRE also launched its second report on the private school market which provides an objective commentary on the sector for owners, investors and policy makers

Alaska Events appointed to work with The Quest on a series of events taking place in November based on the book by US clinical psychologist Alan Downs.

Called The Velvet Rage the book looks at the impact on the health and well being of people growing up gay in a straight man’s world. The events will include a performance piece, a workshop and a panel debate. See www.gayutopia.co.uk for more information.

The British Council for School Environments is inviting nominations for its Board of Trustees. Representatives from industry, education (school level to HE), and local authorities are equally welcome to apply.

See the website www.bcse.uk.net for more information or contact me for general information about the BCSE who Alaska Events is delighted to have as one of its clients.

March has seen us involved with the delivery of the International and Private Schools Education Forum (IPSEF) in both Dubai and Malaysia.

Attracting very senior people from governments, private and international schools, investors, awarding bodies, publishers, ICT firms, lawyers and the school design sector the events delivered unprecedented content and networking opportunities for all those involved in the funding, planning delivery and management of private educational projects.

Yesterday saw the close of another highly successful IAA Annual Conference and exhibition.

Held at the Park Plaza Riverbank hotel in London the event drew Principals and other senior figures from the Academy movement. The 2 day event combined plenary sessions, workshops, an evening awards ceremony and an exhibition. Key note speakers included Sir Michael Wilshaw and Lord Adonis. Companies interested in participating in future IAA events are invited to contact us for more information.

www.iaa.uk.net

For schools, governments and companies keen to learn about the approaches to private education in two of the fastest growing markets for private and international schools, the UAE and Malaysia, IPSEF Asia has secured the most senior officials to talk about their thoughts on this important and developing subject.

From Dubai the Head of the KHDA, Dr Abdulla Al Karam will speak (also speaking at IPSEF Middle East), and from Malaysia the Director General of the MOE Dato Sri Abdul Ghaffar Mahmud will speak. IPSEF Asia on 6-7th March follows IPSEF Middle East in Dubai on 1st March. This is co-located with GESS, the regional education equipment exhibition (gesseducation.com). See ipsef.net for more information and to book for either event.

UK companies attending IPSEF Asia will secure an educational briefing from the British High Commission, 2 days of conference and 2 days of school visits for just £475. School Heads from outside Malaysia can also secure 2 nights’ accommodation at the Intercontinental hotel. For more information see ipsef.net or

The Independent Academies Association, the voice of the Academy movement, will be holding its annual conference in London on 23-24th February. The event is growing both in terms of size and importance, and companies are now able to take exhibition stands at the conference.

Delegates are Heads, Bursars and Business Managers at IAA member academies. Stands cost just £1500 which entitles companies to 2 places (entry to all conference sessions included) and seats at the annual IAA Awards Dinner.

For more information contact Alaska Events who are managing the exhibition arrangements.

We are now close to capacity for IPSEF, with independent and international schools attending from as far away India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Spain and Switzerland.

The growth of the conference has encouraged the organisers to branch out in the Middle East and Asia next year.

More information: IPSEF flyer

I was delighted to present this important award to Brighton College, Beijing, at the Independent School Awards on Wednesday evening.

The schools runs a programme with ‘migrant schools’ — those set up by Beijing parents who, because they have migrated from elsewhere in China have to set up and manage their own schools.

The students at Dulwich get involved in the migrant schools in areas as diverse as music, gardening, drama and tutoring. The experience helps both the local Chinese students, and the Dulwich students who are on the IB programme which features ‘international mindedness’ in the programme. I was there as the Co-founder of IPSEF, who sponsored the award.

The first major exhibition and conference hosted by the New Schools Network was successfully delivered by our sister company Method International.

Around 350 people attended the event, aimed at groups of Free Schools who will open in 2012, and those applying to the DFE to do so in 2013. 2011 openers were present to encourage and impart their experience of the whole process.

There was a real buzz in the venue and it was exciting to sense the enthusiasm of the people behind the schools. I am sure this movement can only go from strength to strength. Importantly the school representatives were very active in engaging with the 30plus exhibitors we brought on board.