Melrose Education is proud to share the success of its first Senior Leadership Conference, held in London on Tuesday, 22nd April 2025. The event brought together senior leaders from across the Melrose group of schools for a day of professional development, networking, and knowledge-sharing, all centred on improving outcomes for learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the day as “thought-provoking, inspirational, and exciting.”
Claire Dorer OBE, CEO of the National Association of Special Schools (NASS), delivered a powerful keynote that set the tone for a day rich in insight, strategy, and passion for SEND education.
The conference featured a dynamic series of workshops and expert-led sessions, including:
- Safeguarding and Prevent with Sharon Hand (Safeguarding Network)
- Managing Challenging Behaviour with Siobhán Garrett (Trauma Informed Schools UK)
- Online Safety in the SEND World with Traci Gregory (UK Safer Internet Centre)
- Adaptive Teaching for SEND Children with Mark Roberts (Canterbury Christ Church University)
Senior leaders left the day energised and full of ideas to share with their school teams:
“We all enjoyed the day – it was brilliant to network and hear inspirational speakers.”
“It excites me to know that I work for a company that shares my values and really invests in its staff and schools.”
“My senior leaders were ‘buzzing’ on the way home. The day really gave them confidence and helped them see the potential connection and possibilities we have being part of a wider family of schools.”
“Thank you for the amazing experience and opportunity that I was given to attend the SLT conference. I enjoyed seeing other leaders face to face and engaging and sharing ideas and knowledge with them. The training sessions were amazing too!”
“I just wanted to say a very big thank you for the training sessions, lunch and generous bags you provided me with yesterday. The speakers offered insight and experience together with the provision of opportunities for discussion and shared experiences. These events are beneficial for my CPD and my focus on developing good practice. I valued the opportunity.”
Other attendees praised the event as “a superb experience”, highlighting the excellent venue, smooth organisation, and the value of connecting with colleagues from across the Melrose network.
Tracey Storey, Founder, Executive Chair and CEO of Melrose Education, commented:
“We know that when we invest in our leaders, we’re investing in the future of every child across our schools. This conference was about connection, collaboration, and the collective energy that comes from a shared purpose. I’m incredibly proud of our school leaders and the commitment they show every day to improving outcomes for young people.”
As leaders returned to their schools the following day, they did so with renewed confidence and a toolkit of strategies and knowledge to share, ensuring that the impact of the event will be felt far beyond the conference walls.
Melrose Education remains committed to providing ongoing high-quality professional development, enabling its schools to lead the way in inclusive, compassionate and effective SEND education.