[ Change in Challenging Times: Leading a Successful Sixth Form

Sixth Form Conference

This conference will bring together leading experts in post-16 education to explore key topics such as curriculum design, post-18 progression pathways, wellbeing, and effective teaching and learning strategies. Delegates will receive valuable updates, practical strategies, and opportunities to attend specialised workshops tailored to their professional development.

The event is ideal for both new and experienced Sixth Form leaders, providing a unique chance to collaborate and engage with pressing issues impacting student attainment and progression.
HFL Education v2
Sixth Form Conference
Key details
Suitable for
Sixth Form LeadersSenior Leaders
When
Monday 7th July 2025
Can’t make this date? Contact us to be notified of the next course date
Where
Roundhay School, Old Park Road, Leeds, LS8 1ND
Price
£227.00 + VAT
Subsequent tickets £180 + VAT
  • Overview
  • Programme
  • Partner
  • Tickets

The sixth form is a transformative period in the lives of young people, marking a crucial stage of personal and academic growth. Providing them with the tools, knowledge, and experiences they need to thrive in their next chapter is pivotal, whether that involves higher education, entering the workforce, or pursuing other opportunities.

Our sixth form conference will bring together leading national experts and practitioners in post-16 education to provide timely policy updates and offer practical tools and strategies to drive higher attainment and academic success for all KS5 students.

In collaboration with HFL, we are able to provide a convenient two-centre Sixth Form conference. The first event on Friday 6th June will be held at the Fielder Centre in Hatfield in Hertfordshire and the second, identical conference will be at Roundhay School, in Leeds on Monday 7th July.

Our event will offer invaluable insights into critical priorities for leaders, with opportunities to explore more specialised areas for personal development. In addition to the exciting line up of keynote speakers, you will have the chance to tailor your professional development by choosing from a range of high-quality workshops on topics such as work experience, and the use of AI in education.

By selecting workshops that align with your schools' and students' specific needs, you can return with a renewed focus on pedagogy, curriculum, and assessment, fostering a high-performing culture for 16-19 students. Our in-person event also presents a rare opportunity for you to collaborate on and engage with your peers.

8:30 - 9am: Registration
9 - 9:05am: Conference welcome and introductions
9:05 - 10am: Key National Updates

A spotlight on key national updates for Sixth Form Leaders

10 - 10:40am: Looking ahead at the UCAS 2025/26 cycle

Led by Ellie Rowley, Fair Access Programme Lead, UCAS

10:40 - 10:50am: Exhibitors
10:50 - 11:10am: Break
11:10am - 12pm: Assessing the current HE landscape to support access and participation

University panel session with:

  • Mike Nicholson, Director of Recruitment, Admissions and Participation, University of Cambridge
  • Louise Banahene, Director of Educational Engagement, University of Leeds
  • Leon Harris, Senior Education Liaison Officer, University of Hertfordshire
  • Louise Carr, Student Recruitment, Admissions and Widening Participation (SRAWP), University of Liverpool
12 - 12:45pm: Workshops

A selection of 3 workshops to choose from.

  • Mismatch in university destinations - why do some students “undershoot” their potential and what can we do about it? Led by Sam Holmes, CEO, Causeway Education
  • Driving your Sixth Form forward: Lessons learned from the frontline. Led by Jamie Gutch. Deputy Headteacher, Ilkley Grammar School
  • Making apprenticeships work for young people. Led by Suki Gill, HFL Education
12:45 - 1:30pm: Lunch
1:30 - 2:15pm: Workshops

A selection of 3 workshops to choose from.

  • Unifrog Insights: overcoming barriers to work experience for all students. Led by Zoe Long, Area Manager, Unifrog
  • Violence against women and girls prevention and digital literacy. Led by Tracey Harper, HFL Education
  • Optimising Post-16 Funding. Led by Suki Gill, HFL Education
2:15 - 2:35pm: Break
2:35 - 3:30pm: Equity in Action: Raising outcomes for all
3:30pm: Close
Sixth Form Conference Header
[ HFL Education
This conference is brought to you in partnership with HFL Education, a leading national provider of school improvement and business support services, training, and resources for schools, settings and trusts. An identical conference is offered on 6th June at the Fielder Centre in Hatfield in Hertfordshire. Click below for further details and to book this conference.
Hatfield Conference Details

Tickets cost £227 + VAT for the first ticket and £180 + VAT for subsequent tickets.

For schools that are members of the Sixth Form Advantage Programme, tickets are £180 + VAT.

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