Successful schools demonstrate a great understanding of, and trust in, what the Head, Senior Leadership 
Team and Governors bring and what those different parts make up.
That is the opinion of David Hanson, Chief Executive of the Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS), who will be among the speakers at a new Heads and Governors Conference, being hosted by Trent College, and its Junior School, The Elms, Nottingham, later this year.
Themed ‘A Time to Lead’, Heads and Governors from across England are invited to attend the conference, which will explore the best ways that Heads and Governors can work together for the common good of their school and pupils.
Education is currently coming under intense scrutiny in Whitehall, especially with regards to curriculum and exam reforms and the government’s Academies programme, with significant subsequent knock-on effects on both the independent and state sectors.
Accordingly, strong, co-ordinated leadership is critical in ensuring that schools, and their pupils, can continue to prosper and flourish both in the immediate and long-term.
David Hanson insists schools boast a wealth of talent, skills and expertise to build sustainable models to create the future, but success only comes from working together.
He believes schools can only benefit when Heads and Governors take advantage of dedicated time outside of school hours to reflect on the current issues in education, and the opportunity to network and share ideas with other Heads and Governors.
He said: “Education is facing enormous challenges, not just economic but also political pressures on our schools. Strong leadership is a key factor in all successful schools yet leadership can be a very lonely job. In the challenging environment we’re experiencing it shouldn’t be one group of people going it alone but everyone working together.
“In successful schools people can be open, share ideas and listen to and learn from each other for the common good of the school. The governors can take care of the strategic issues but trusts the Head to get on with the day-to-day running of their school. Any joint events for Heads and Governors, such as this inaugural ‘A Time to Lead’ conference, are hugely-valued experiences.”
Joining David Hanson in speaking are Christine Ryan, Chief Inspector of the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), who will examine what excellent governance looks and feels like in outstanding schools, renowned educationalist Bruce Potts, who will focus on ensuring schools are thriving, happy places where children love to be, and leadership expert, Humphrey Walters addressing the value of building high performance teams in schools.
Humphrey Walters, who to study teamship in hostile environments spent 11 months completing the BT Global Challenge round-the-world yacht race, has since worked with the England rugby team and in Premier League football.
Identifying ‘pride in the badge’ and a team knowing its cause as paramount in fostering success, he said: “It’s all about trying to get people to do things to world class levels. People have to feel emotionally attached to their cause.
Leadership is important but followship is twice as important. It’s the duty of the Heads, Governors and senior school leaders to support each other, to be encouraged to ask questions and support the boss.”
The inaugural ‘A Time to Lead’ conference takes place on Friday 7 June 2013, with an optional black tie dinner – with comedian and writer Rory Bremner the after dinner speaker – the previous evening.
For more information about ‘A Time to Lead’ and/or to express an interest in attending contact Lorraine Broughton on 0115 8494977 or email lorraine.broughton@trentcollege.net