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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.

It was good to meet the new CEO of the BCSE, Nusrat Faizullah, during their annual conference this week, held at the new West London Free School.

The event has a nice international perspective, and this year included a delegation of about 40 US school architects, and a presentation from Dr Peter Jamieson from the University of Melbourne, which was extremely well received.

It will be interesting to see how the BCSE evolves under the new CEO, and we look forward to working with them on their extensive range of events during 2012

In association with Waterloo Wines and The Leather Exchange, a fine dining venue off Bermondsey Street, we are organising a special Diwali Dinner and wine matching evening on Saturday 29th September.

To celebrate the upbeat and atmospheric Indian Festival of Lights the special menu will have a spicy theme – with a suitable wine to match included. More information here

The Government has approved 79 new, state-funded schools to open from September 2012 onwards. These include 55 Schools and 13 University Technical Colleges. One of the successful applications is a Secondary School in our own local authority and a Harris Primary School, also in Southwark.

Many of these schools, as well as those applying to open in September 2013, and those already open, will be at the New Schools Network Networking Exhibition and Conference taking place in London on Saturday 12th November.

For more information about the event, which enables companies to have very modestly priced information tables, contact Alaska Events who is managing the exhibition through associate company Method International.

Jay Jopling’s third White Cube gallery previewed tonight in already ‘achingly hip’ Bermondsey Street. Crowds queued in the historic narrow street as this new addition to the creative and gastronomic quarter opened during London’s art week.

The gallery enhances the area’s profile as a new ‘destination’ and will complement perfectly the excellent range of restaurants, cafes and bars in Bermondsey Street.
 
If you’re looking to host an office, corporate or personal event in this accessible, vibrant, and still relatively undiscovered area of London contact Alaska Events. As locals we’ll be pleased to help you find the most appropriate venue.

Alaska’s sister company Method International has been appointed by the New Schools Network to manage the logistics of its forthcoming Exhibition and Conference.

Due to be held in London on Saturday 12th November the event will draw Free Schools opening in 2012, and those applying to open in 2013. Many of the current Free Schools will be present to share their experiences with issues ranging from procurement and governance to premises and company formation. Companies wishing to take a modestly priced information stand are invited to contact Mark Roelofsen at Alaska Events.