VNET EDUCATION CIC

Norfolk School Leaders’ Conference 2026

In collaboration with Educate Norfolk

Norfolk School Leaders' Conference | 12 November 2026

Brought to you by Norfolk School Leaders' Association and VNET Education CIC

Keynotes

Keynote: Leadership Resilience – Nicola S. Morgan

Nicola Morgan delivers a powerful keynote on resilience that breaks into four actionable strategies drawing from her grueling solo English Channel swim. First, she focuses on reframing failure, sharing how her initial failed attempt became a roadmap for future success rather than a final defeat. Second, she explores if ‘no’, what next, teaching audiences how to pivot constructively when facing absolute blockades. Third, she emphasises changing old ways that aren’t working, using mindset resets and behavioural shifts to break through rigid patterns. Finally, she demonstrates why attention is a superpower, showing how laser-sharp, disciplined focus keeps individuals steady under immense pressure.

Nicola S. Morgan

A multi award-winning TEDx and keynote speaker, international education consultant, author and teacher, Nicola has spent over 28 years supporting schools to strengthen behaviour culture, improve staff confidence and create learning environments where both adults and pupils can succeed even when emotions run high. She has worked with thousands of educators and school leaders across the UK and internationally, helping staff under pressure reconnect with what they do best: lead with clarity, courage and calm.

Nine Steps to Executive Leadership – Paul K. Ainsworth

In this keynote, Paul guides successful school leaders through the turbulent transition into executive leadership. Tailored for newly appointed executives who find their proven headship strategies no longer apply, the session provides a clear roadmap to navigate this high-stakes shift. Ainsworth systematically deconstructs his “nine steps to executive leadership.” He brings these principles to life using engaging, real-world anecdotes and powerful quotes drawn from his extensive career across multiple academy trusts. Concluding with actionable takeaways, the keynote equips leaders with the mindset, strategic vision, and practical tools needed to thrive at the executive level.

Paul K. Ainsworth

Paul is an experienced education executive, consultant, and author dedicated to long-term school improvement. Over the past eleven years, he has held senior leadership roles across four Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs)—including serving as an Advisor, Regional Director, Interim Executive Head, and Director. His extensive system leadership includes supporting over 40 Ofsted inspections and chairing the boards of numerous primary, secondary, and multi-academy trusts.

More information coming soon!

Workshops

AI Quick Wins for Educational Leaders

Dan Fitzpatrick

This intensive professional development session is designed for Principals, Head Teachers, and senior educational leaders seeking practical AI applications. Addressing increasing administrative demands, the workshop introduces selected Artificial Intelligence tools proven to enhance leadership efficiency and effectiveness. Participants will engage directly with AI platforms capable of significantly optimising communication workflows, streamlining administrative processes, and facilitating creative problem-solving. Emphasis is placed on developing immediately applicable strategies for tasks such as drafting professional correspondence and organising workloads. The primary objective is to empower leaders to leverage AI responsibly, thereby reclaiming valuable time for strategic oversight and core educational priorities.

Progressive Masculinity

Paul Clark

The most impactful work in the masculinity space does not 'teach boys how to be men.' Instead it's about creating safe, nonjudgemental spaces to explore masculinity, giving our boys the agency to design the type of man, friend, partner, father they wish to be and showing them the incredible potential of their masculinties. With four billion men in the world there can four billion different ways of being a man. In this interactive workshop Paul will be exploring three main questions:

1. What are the prevalent views of masculinity amongst many of our young people?

2. What socio-cultural factors are shaping these views?

3. What evidence-based strategies can we employ to challenge regressive, dominance-based models of masculinity and promote a healthier, more aspirational understanding of what it can mean to 'be a man' in today's world.

Creating a Culture of Wellbeing in Schools to Support Staff at All Levels

Education Support

This workshop offers practical strategies and resources to foster a supportive and thriving environment for all school staff. Learn how to implement best practices and leadership strategies to promote wellbeing at all levels of your organisation and build a positive school culture.

Education Support provide resources and training to support individuals and help educational settings improve the mental health and wellbeing of teachers and education staff. Better mental health leads to better education.They are actively involved in research around mental health hand wellbeing and advocates for change in Government policy for the benefit of the education workforce.

The Questions That Refuse to Go Away

James Heale

In a world and education landscape that is often so volatile and ambiguous, trying to have all the answers is not only nigh on impossible but also a fools errand. Asking the right questions, the 'big' questions, however, encourages strategic thinking, improves decision-making and empowers other leaders in our organisations. Maggie Farrar says 'An organisation will bend itself in the direction of the questions it persistently and consistently asks itself.'

In this workshop, James will use his wealth of experience as an executive coach and system leader to ask the questions that stick around, sharing examples of how high-performing organisations use them to improve the way they develop talent; make decisions; drive strategy and improve the quality of conversations. You will be guaranteed to go away with practical tools that you can use with your teams immediately.

Presentations

These are shorter presentations and workshops taking place across the day.

RISE Programme

Jonathan Taylor, RISE advisor will provide an introduction as to how the RISE system will support school improvement regionally and locally.

Safeguarding Children Missing in Education

This presentation led by Sarah Jones and Jess Balado looks at how we can safeguard some of our most vulnerable children, those missing in education.

Aspiring Leaders Secondment Programme

Gabi Limon, secondee, talks us through her VNET Leadership Secondment experience. From why she really didn't want to do it, through to why she thinks everyone should do it! John McConnell and Hannah Meek as 'host school leaders' reflect on how secondments can support leadership sustainability.

New Writing Framework

Emma Adcock responds to the key messages and outcomes from the DfE Writing Framework, outlining implications for curriculum design and classroom practice. Leaders will be enabled to consider how the guidance might be used across their schools to raise attainment in writing.

Staying Calm in Conflict

Jess Balado, Chair of the Norfolk Leaders' Association will lead this session on the art of successful conversation.

School Governance and Educational Ambition

Helen Wardale will outline how governance plays a role as a key component of achieving the educational ambition that all children in Norfolk should "flourish".

Discount available for bookings of 10 or more tickets. Use coupon code GROUP10.

Conference Schedule:

Norfolk School Leaders’ Association is the Headteachers’ Association for Norfolk primary and secondary schools. In a fragmented and often challenging landscape, they provide support, collaborative opportunities and a collective voice for school leaders in Norfolk.

Their purpose is:

To identify and address the most poignant issues impacting on Norfolk’s leaders and their schools
To improve the wellbeing of Norfolk leaders
To encourage and support system generosity for the improvement of all Norfolk schools
To act as Norfolk’s voice in the wider education landscape
To work with and be a conduit of information to and from local and national organisations including the DfE, local MPs and the LA, furthering Norfolk causes on a national stage
Facilitate and support effective induction for Headteachers.

VNET Education CIC is a wholly independent, not-for-profit, Community Interest Company dedicated to supporting schools’ self improvement journeys.

VNET Education CIC supports schools, academies and MATs across East Anglia and beyond through a vibrant network. They facilitate CPD, training, consultancy, events, conferences, research and longitudinal projects across our community to support education professionals, for the benefit of children and young people. Read more…

The E-Learning Service

Since 2003, The E-Learning Service has been a trusted provider of Alternative Provision in Norfolk, delivering high-quality online education to children and young people across all key stages. Our flexible, student-centred approach ensures that each learner receives tailored support designed to meet their individual needs, helping them to thrive academically and personally. We are fully audited by Norfolk County Council, guaranteeing that our practices consistently align with DfE regulations and uphold the highest standards of educational provision.

Find out more: e-learningservice.org

Exhibitor and Sponsorship
Opportunities

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VNET EDUCATION CIC

Norfolk School Leaders’ Conference 2026

In collaboration with Educate Norfolk

Norfolk School Leaders' Conference | 12 November 2026

Brought to you by Norfolk School Leaders' Association and VNET Education CIC