Downe House Academic Conference 2025 – Transforming Tradition

One-day Academic Conference for education leaders and teachers – thought-provoking and outstanding networking and CPD for educators.

WHEN: Wednesday 18 June, 9.45am – 5.00pm

WHERE: Downe House, Berkshire, RG18 9JJ

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?  Heads, Deputies, CEOs, Governors, Curriculum Leaders, Heads of Sixth Form & Careers, Teachers, Marketing & Admissions Professionals, Consultants

COST: Only £100 (+VAT) per delegate – with 50% discounts for maintained sector schools and multiple-delegate packages.

EVENTBRITE: Book tickets here 

We are delighted that The Rt Hon MICHAEL GOVE, former Secretary of State for Education and long-serving Cabinet Minister, and now Editor of the Spectator, will be our keynote speaker. He will be joined by a line-up of outstanding leaders from the education and business sectors who will talk on a range of themes pertinent to the current education landscape. The Conference will also feature a panel session with four young people in the early stages of their careers, reflecting on and evaluating how their schools prepared them for the workplace – this will be chaired by Louise Eccles, Education Editor at The Sunday Times.

The Conference provides excellent networking opportunities along with invaluable CPD, – all with outstanding Downe House hospitality (your ticket price includes a delicious lunch and afternoon tea)!

 

SPEAKERS & BREAKOUT SESSIONS

Full details of our speakers and breakout sessions

Our Conference sponsors

Redwood Collections

Conference Partner Read More

Redwood Collections

Conference Partner

Redwood Collections is an established and trusted name in debt recovery and credit management for independent schools. Authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority, we represent more than 900 schools. A reliable partner when school fees have not been paid, providing both effective recovery with unmatched service and communication. A traditional service, in a modern manner.

Allmanhall powered by Buyers Edge Platform

Conference Partner Read more

Allmanhall powered by Buyers Edge Platform

Conference Partner

Allmanhall powered by Buyers Edge Platform – provides expert food procurement through an award-winning approach. By challenging and transforming food supply, working in collaboration with schools, suppliers and sector experts, allmanhall delivers sustainable and responsible food procurement. Since 2006, schools have benefited from this value, insight, control and support through essential food cost savings, efficiencies in processes and reporting, support for improvements and exceptional nutrition and dietetics advice. Good food shouldn’t cost the Earth!

Rayburn Tours

Sponsor Read more

Rayburn Tours

Sponsor

Rayburn Tours has over 60 years of experience, Rayburn Tours is one of the UK’s most established and trusted school travel organisers. As a family-run, independent company with 120+ staff, we support over 35,000 passengers annually across a wide range of international school tours – covering curriculum subjects, as well as ski, sports, and concert tours. Tailor-made and backed by our ABTOT bond, ATOL license, and ABTA membership, our tours maintain high safety standards and reflect both the needs and aspirations of each individual group.

JCS

Sponsor Read more

JCS

Sponsor

At JCS, our mission is clear: to help schools around the world access high quality academic content to support exceptional teaching, effective learning, and student achievement. JCS supports schools by negotiating with leading publishers to offer a wide range of trusted, high-impact online resources – and securing fair subscription rates for all schools. From academic journals and multimedia databases to international newspapers, magazines, and theatre productions, JCS provides access to trusted and carefully curated resources from the world’s top publishers – helping your students achieve academic success with confidence.

BE Education

Sponsor Read more

BE Education

Sponsor

BE Education established in 2003, is a leading international education consultancy with offices across Asia and a key base in London. Our London team supports students applying to top UK independent schools and universities, providing expert, personalised guidance. As an official UCAS centre and authorised invigilator for UKiset and ISEB, we deliver end-to-end admissions support. Our consultants have extensive experience and a strong track record of helping students gain offers from the UK’s most prestigious schools.

MSP LAB

Sponsor Read more

MSP LAB

Sponsor

MSP LAB is the IT Authority for Independent Schools. We exclusively deliver consistently outstanding IT services to prestigious UK Independent Schools through distinct and attentive counsel. With extensive, lived-experience, we understand the unique needs of Independent Schools—providing Digital Strategy, IT Infrastructure and Cybersecurity Solutions, IT Governance, System Assessments, and Retained Counsel capability, including our Virtual IT Director Service. We ensure Independent Schools are fully equipped to succeed in a digital world.

Keystone Elective

Premium Supporter Read more

Keystone Elective

Premium Supporter

Keystone Elective is a flexible, affordable online service helping schools address staffing shortages, fill curriculum gaps, and enrich learning. We support a wide range of subjects, including Oxbridge prep, EAL, SEN, and extracurriculars taught by UK-based tutors across global time zones. Part of Keystone Tutors, a trusted education provider since 2007, we tailor every programme to each school’s needs. Our experienced team has supported over 10,000 students worldwide through high-quality, personalised education.

Hatchette Learning

Premium Supporter read more

Hatchette Learning

Premium Supporter

At Hachette Learning (formerly Hodder Education), there’s one thing we’re certain about. No two students learn the same way. That’s why our approach to teaching begins by recognising individual needs. Our mission is to enable every learner to fulfil their unique potential by empowering those who teach them. Through our expert teaching and learning resources and digital tools, we provide educational solutions designed to maximise the impact of learning for every teacher, parent and student.

The Leap

Supporter Read more

The Leap

Supporter

For over 20 years, The Leap have delivered safe, purposeful overseas expeditions that combine adventure, cultural immersion, and community contribution. Our School Leaps and Under-18 programmes develop confidence, curiosity, and compassion, while offering real academic value through an International Volunteering Diploma (16 UCAS points). 

Whether you’re looking for a bespoke school trip or interested in linking your students with us, we’ll support you every step of the way. 

Read our Deputy Head's blog for insight and views on topical education issues

Verified by MonsterInsights
A flexible and modern approach – Full Boarding | Flexi Boarding | Day Pupil – what’s your Downe House journey?
Back to top