National Conference for Directors of Sport in Independent Schools
Leading into the Future
2–3 March 2023 at Leonardo Royal Hotel, Oxford
Book online
Please note, all bookings are handled through our partner Independent Coach Education.
The landscape of school sport is a rapidly changing one. Assumptions of only a decade ago are now under threat, as expectations shift. The primacy of school teams has weakened, with fewer children playing traditional games than at any time previously. Ambitions of schools for sport and exercise are broader than they previously were, which can create conflicting priorities and increasing pressure on resources.
The challenges facing Directors of Sport are therefore greater than ever before. Attempting to satisfy the requirements of a wide range of increasingly vocal parents requires a different type of programme from previously, and a more credible justification for its benefits.
The principal keynote speakers will focus on these twin priorities: the Director of Sport as the leader of a relevant sports culture, and the benefits that participation in team games brings.
As usual, there will be a wide range of further sessions to address particular issues and trends in the sector.
The Thursday Discussion Forum has become an important focus of the Conference. This year, it will be divided into two sessions; the first will be a general one to consider issues that impact all schools, with a second one dividing into school types and specific topics for more targeted debate.
The Conference always provides an opportunity to connect, network and socialise with like-minded professionals in a convivial environment. The content and structure of the event may shift from year to year, but this will be happily consistent throughout.
Thursday 2 March
1.00pm – 1.30pm
Arrivals/Refreshments
Please note that check in to rooms is not available until 3.00pm
1.30pm – 2.30pm
Discussion Forum: Issues in Contemporary School Sport
2.45pm – 3.30pm
Specialist Forums
Choose one of the following:
1 Girls’ schools
2 Small school issues
3 Boarding school sport
4 Co-educational day schools
5 The future of school Rugby
3.30pm
Refreshment break
4.00pm
School Sport and the Law
Katie Fudakowski, Farrer and Co Solicitors
4.45pm – 5.15pm
Sector Information Updates
Choose one of the following:
1 Developing outdoor sports facilities
Jason Douglass, S+C Slatter
2 Getting More out of SOCS
James Kershaw-Naylor, SOCS
3 Restoring School Travel
Travelopia
4 The Video Analysis Revolution
Veo Technology
5 Understanding the Kit Industry
Peter Kennedy, O’Neill’s
6 Contemporary Concussion Management
Pete Richards, Return2Play
7.00pm
Pre-Dinner Drinks
8.00pm
Conference Dinner
with Guest Speaker
Friday 3 March
9.30am
Conference assembles. refreshments
10.00am
Introduction: The Landscape of School Sport
Neil Rollings, PADSIS Chairman
10.30am
Leading a Culture of Excellence
Allistair McCaw
11.30am
Refreshment break
11.50am
Building Belonging; the Potential of Team Games
Owen Eastwood
12.45pm
Lunch
1.45pm
Seminar Programme One
Choose one of the following sessions:
1 Achieving High Performance in Girls’ Schools
Louise Fitzroy-Stone MBE
2 Working With Your Head to Develop Sports Strategy
Richard Biggs
3 Managing Heads of Sports
Neil Rollings
4 Building a Culture of Health and Fitness
Asha Riley
5 Operating a Sports Scholarship Programme
Paul Askew
2.30pm
Refreshments
2.45pm
Seminar Programme Two
Choose one of the following sessions:
1 Supporting Female Athletes
Dr Emma Ross
2 Staffing the Sports Programme
Neil Rollings
3 Building a Culture of Commitment to Team Games
Richard Biggs
4 Creating an Athletic Development Programme
UKSCA
5 What does Co-educational Sport Really Mean?
Asha Riley
3.30pm
Conference closes
Friday Conference Only
PADSIS Members £259
Non Members £299
Two Delegates from the same school £469
Thursday and Friday Full Conference
PADSIS Members (single room) £399
Non Members (single room) £449
Two Delegates from the same school (two single rooms, to include one PADSIS Member) £699
PADSIS Membership £99 (Join PADSIS when booking to enjoy member’s discount)
Call to discuss rates not listed, or additional requirements. Attendance at the Thursday Forum only is FREE.
Prices include resources, refreshments, lunch and merchandise. Excludes VAT.
Book online
Please note, all bookings are handled through our partner Independent Coach Education.
