From Barriers to Breakthroughs
Join us as we welcome school leaders dedicated to disrupting pupil barriers to success by doing what is necessary for some and useful for all. Together, we will explore practical strategies to dismantle systemic obstacles holding our pupils back and collaborate on visionary approaches to shape a stronger, more equitable future for education in our great region.
Suitable for
Headteachers, Trust CEOs, Senior Trust staff, Governing Chairs, Trustees, Senior LA staff, and those with responsibility for leading school communities.
What to expect
Inspiring keynote speakers, practical workshops, and invaluable networking opportunities with peers who share your drive for transformation.
Professor Sam Wass
KEYNOTE: The science of attention, why so many are losing focus and how to reclaim it
Professor Sam Wass is a prominent British neuroscientist and child psychologist specialising in early years brain development, childhood stress, and concentration. He is a Professor of Early Years Neuroscience and Director of the Institute for the Science of Early Years at the University of East London, having previously completed research at Oxford, Birkbeck, and Cambridge.
Alongside publishing over 100 academic articles, he is widely recognised as the on-screen expert psychologist for Channel 4’s documentary series The Secret Life of 4- and 5-Year-Olds and frequently consults for global brands like LEGO and Disney+.
Marc Rowland
KEYNOTE: From mitigation to success: Lifting the anchors for disadvantaged learners
Marc Rowland is a leading UK expert on addressing educational disadvantage and optimising the use of the Pupil Premium (funding for lower-income students). He currently serves as the adviser for improving outcomes for disadvantaged learners for the Unity Schools Partnership and advises the UK Department for Education, local authorities, and schools nationwide.
Previously the Deputy Director of the National Education Trust, Rowland has authored several influential books on educational equity, including A-Z of Addressing Disadvantage and Learning Without Labels.
Dr Sabrina Cohen-Hatton
KEYNOTE: Rising from Adversity: Trauma, Connection, and True Resilience
Dr Sabrina Cohen-Hatton is a British firefighter, neuroscientist, and author who serves as one of the UK’s most senior female fire officers. After experiencing homelessness as a teenager, she joined the fire service at age 18. While advancing through the ranks, she pursued higher education, earning a PhD in behavioral neuroscience from Cardiff University.
Her research on operational decision-making under high-stress conditions has significantly influenced fire service rescue protocols. Appointed Chief Fire Officer for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (effective 2025), she is also an advocate for homelessness prevention and an ambassador for The Big Issue.
Panel: Multi-Perspective Insights on Special Educational Needs and Inclusion
Featuring representatives from the Department for Education (DfE), school leaders, and a local parent.
During this session, we will explore the current landscape of special educational needs, aligning school priorities with robust inclusion plans, and reinforcing the value of universal provision, Individual Support Plans (ISPs) and support bases. We will also examine the role of specialist support and what a collaborative, community-wide approach to inclusion looks like – including the vital link to specialist bases.
Breakout Sessions
Led by leaders from across our region
- Enhancing Parental Connectivity: Case studies on Year 6 to 7 transition, family engagement, and local community outreach.
- Strengthening Universal Provision: Upskilling staff through high-impact CPD to elevate teaching, learning, and outcomes for vulnerable pupils.
- Inclusion Strategy (Flow vs. Pathway): Practical examples of how schools ensure their inclusion plans maximize student access to universal provision.
- Turning the Tide on Attendance: Actionable strategies to rebuild school engagement and attendance rates.
- Poverty-Proofing the School Day: Regional case studies showcasing how schools act on poverty-proofing audit insights.
- Equitable Enrichment: Strategies for ensuring all students have full access to co-curricular opportunities.
Overnight Accommodation Single-occupancy rooms are available at The Milner for £143 per night on Thursday 11th March 2027.
To secure this preferential rate, please book before 14th January 2027:
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Phone: Call The Milner reservations team on 01904 688615
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Quote: Pathfinder Teaching School Hub – School Leaders’ Conference 2027 – Friday 12th March 2027
Note: Rates are subject to increase after 14th January 2027.
Event Details
School Leaders’ Conference 2027
Date
Friday 12 March 2027
Time
8:30am - 5:00pm
Cost
£159.00
Organiser
Pathfinder Education Partnership
Venue
The Milner York, Station Road, York, YO24 1AA
