School Leaders Conference 2026

To enrol please fill out this form :  School Leaders Conference 2026 – Fill out form

Date and time

Thursday 3 September 2026, 9.30 am to 3.00 pm

Delivery mode

In-Person at The Academy – 41 St Andrews Place, East Melbourne

Fee: $0. This event is free and exclusive to Member Schools. 

Audience 

Principals, plus one additional senior school leader per school. 

Description

Step back from the day-to-day and connect with peers who are leading across the Independent sector.

The 2026 School Leaders Conference brings together school leaders from across the Independent school sector to explore the theme ‘Leading Sustainable Schools’. The conference will examine the financial, cultural and strategic challenges shaping school sustainability today, while showcasing practical solutions and innovative thinking from sector leaders, economists and school practitioners.

Through expert panels, interactive workshops and real-world case studies, leaders will leave with new ideas, valuable connections and practical strategies to build resilient, sustainable schools for the future.

This full-day event invites more than 235 principals from across the Independent sector to engage with leading thinkers, explore practical leadership strategies, and connect with peers. 

Conference Objective

To share data, experiences and insights that support school leaders to strengthen the long-term financial, cultural and strategic sustainability of Independent schools.

The conference will provide leaders with:

• Insights into the macroeconomic and demographic factors shaping schools
• Practical examples of sustainable leadership from Independent schools
• Opportunities to connect and share experiences with sector peers
• Strategies to improve resilience, innovation and long-term viability

Breakout Workshops

Brand & Marketing:  How Brand Strategy Supports Sustainable Schools.

Employment Relations: Culture that supports the challenges ahead. 

Artificial Intelligence: Driving Costs Out of Schools and Increasing Productivity Through AI.

Financial Benchmarks: Metrics that matter.

International Student Recruitment.

Innovation for Financial Security.