Headteachers and Deputes: Join SCIS and SLS for a major in-person gathering of school leaders, researchers and education partners.

Looking to the Future Together:

Navigating the Challenges and Opportunities facing Education in Scotland

Conference for Headteachers and Depute Headteachers

📅 21 January 2027

📍 V&A Dundee

🍽️ Lunch included

🎙️ Hosted by John MacKay

We are delighted to announce that John MacKay (https://john-mackay.com/about), former STV journalist and recently appointed BBC Scotland Scotcast presenter, will host this special education leadership event organised in partnership with School Leaders Scotland (https://www.sls-scotland.org.uk/) (SLS) and the Scottish Council for Independent Schools (https://www.scis.org.uk/) (SCIS).

John will bring his considerable experience as a broadcaster and interviewer to a day of lively discussion, challenging questions and conversations about the future of education.

Education is changing. How do we shape what comes next, together?

Join SCIS and SLS for a major in-person gathering of school leaders, educators, researchers and education partners.

Set against the spectacular backdrop of the V&A Dundee (https://www.vam.ac.uk/dundee?srsltid=AfmBOoqYRv6CUp-tSTGgA-hRJo2IUgRLkNhamM4oysEDfFGTRkWSSdBm), this unique event will bring together contemporary voices in education to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping our schools and how school leaders can navigate these challenges.

From artificial intelligence and neurodiversity to staff wellbeing and the changing nature of school leadership, the day will combine research, policy and perspectives from practice

⭐ Why you should be there

Hear from leading voices in education.

Our programme brings together academic experts, experienced school leaders and practitioners working at the forefront of some of education's biggest challenges.

Be challenged and inspired by John MacKay.

As our host, John will guide the day's conversations, bringing his experience as a leading Scottish broadcaster to the programme and helping to turn complex issues into engaging and thought-provoking discussion.

Explore the future of AI in education.

Hear from Dr Serdar Abaci (https://edwebprofiles.ed.ac.uk/profile/serdar-abaci)of the University of Edinburgh, alongside school-based perspectives from Stuart Clark, Headteacher at Mearns Castle School (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuartclarkht/), and Jamie Laycock, Principal Teacher of AI Literacy (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-laycock-8aa879305/) at Mearns Castle and formerly of Glasgow Academy.

Put leadership wellbeing centre stage.

Claire Macpherson, (https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-macpherson-65791b153/) former Director of Pastoral Care at Erskine Stewart's Melville Schools and a qualified Coaching Supervisor, will explore coaching supervision, reflective practice, professional resilience and organisational wellbeing.

Understand the changing nature of headship.

Professor Toby Greany of Manchester Metropolitan Universit (https://www.linkedin.com/in/toby-greany-1975111b/)y, Principal Investigator of the tri-nation Sustainable School Leadership (https://sustainableschoolleadership.uk/)project, will share powerful research and insights into the sustainability of school leadership across Scotland.

Explore neurodiversity and inclusion.

We are also delighted to welcome Harmeny (https://harmeny.org.uk/) to bring an important perspective to the programme on supporting neurodivergent children and young people.

🎤 Featured contributors

John MacKay — Host

Former STV broadcaster and recently appointed BBC Scotland Scotcast presenter, John MacKay will host the event and lead the conversations throughout the day.

Professor Toby Greany (Manchester Metropolitan University)

Principal Investigator of the Sustainable School Leadership (https://sustainableschoolleadership.uk/) tri-nation project, Toby brings extensive research into the changing demands of headship and the factors affecting leadership wellbeing and sustainability.

Dr Serdar Abaci (University of Edinburgh)

An expert voice on AI in education, exploring what artificial intelligence means for teaching, learning, leadership and the future of schools.

Stuart Clark & Jamie Leyton (Mearns Castle High School)

Bringing the school leadership and practical implementation perspective to the AI conversation, complementing the academic perspective from the University of Edinburgh.

Claire Macpherson (Coaching Supervisor)

Drawing on more than 30 years in education and senior leadership, Claire will explore how coaching supervision can support reflective practice, resilience and sustainable leadership.

Harmeny School

Bringing expertise and experience to our exploration of neurodiversity and inclusive education.

🤝 A day to connect, collaborate and think differently

Looking to the Future Together is an opportunity to bring people together in recognition of the same rapidly changing landscape that all education leaders are facing.

Description supplied by the event organiser.