Class 13 exists to place equity and relationships at the heart of education, inspiring the transformation of the education system. Our approach centres community, critical thinking, and democracy.
www.Class13.orgNational Governance Conference for Schools and Trusts
Welcome from NGA’s Chief Executive
Welcome to the National Governance Conference 2025!
We are so thrilled at the opportunities today’s event holds. Bringing together our members from across the country, valued partners, honoured guests, and the dedicated NGA staff team, this event is such a valuable opportunity to pause, share ideas, exchange views and experiences and learn from each other.
Emma Balchin
Chief Executive, NGA
The ‘Case for Governance’
The theme of this year’s conference is about celebrating the role governance plays in the system – our ‘case for governance’ is about gaining recognition for the critical role you play in ensuring schools and trusts are accountable, responsive to local needs, and crucial in improving outcomes.
Our ambition is to ensure all planned reforms hold governance at their heart and that policymakers see you as a critical cog in system change.
Leadership & Research
Our Annual Survey report, launched today, provides evidence to support the changes we advocate for. We also champion ‘distributed leadership communities’ that recognise the shared responsibility between governance, educational, and business leadership.
We will also reflect on recently published research demonstrating a strong appetite for community-focused collaborations.
Today's Reflections
As you listen to our speakers, we invite you to reflect on:
- ➔ What has changed and how your board responds pragmatically?
- ➔ What will change in the future and how you can prepare?
- ➔ What changes should NGA actively lobby for, and why?
Esteemed Guests & Panellists
Frank Norris MBE Catherine McKinnell MP Sinéad McBrearty Jon Howlin Bethan Cullen
Reception sponsored by Browne Jacobson
Let’s make today a great day as we embrace updates and adapt in our ever-changing context.
A word from our partner: Browne Jacobson
"I am delighted that Browne Jacobson is again collaborating with the NGA on this important conference, the National Governance Conference for Schools and Trusts. Effective governance provides strategic leadership and is central to the promotion of high standards and efficient allocation of resources. The particular challenges and opportunities that arise in the context of governance in the schools and trusts sector continue to merit the specialised focus of this conference."
"This year, the conference will again offer an engaging and diverse range of keynotes and workshops delivered and hosted by expert speakers, as well as providing valuable networking opportunities for attendees."
Mark Blois, Partner, Browne Jacobson
Exhibitors
The Climate Ambassadors scheme provides free expertise and support to nurseries, schools and colleges to develop and deliver impactful climate action plans.
www.climateambassadors.org.uk
Governors for Schools is a national charity dedicated to strengthening governance. We connect schools and trusts with highly skilled, diverse governors and trustees.
www.governorsforschools.org.uk
The Association of Education Advisers envisions every school having access to high-quality, independent support focused on improving outcomes.
www.aoea.co.uk
A free programme that embeds nature and climate education across the curriculum through creating a network of green spaces.
www.educationnaturepark.org.uk
A leading trade union representing more than 25,000 school and college leaders across the UK, providing expert policy and professional advice.
www.ascl.org.uk
Non-profit missioned to support schools and help children achieve their best through expert data and literacy tools.
www.fft.org.uk
Legal experts trusted by schools across the country for HR support, academy conversions, and strategic legal advice.
www.brownejacobson.com
The UK’s professional body for school business professionals, providing strategic development tools and consultancy.
www.isbl.org.ukConference Agenda
09.00
Registration and Networking
Local Associations and Governance Professionals networks meet in syndicate rooms.
09.45
Opening Address
With Casey Bailey (Compere) and Lawayne Jefferson (Chair of Trustees, NGA).
10.30
Voices that Matter: Keynote Panel
Exploring accountability with Emma Balchin, Sinéad McBrearty, Jon Howlin, and Bethan Cullen.
11.20
Breakout Workshops (Session 1)
- MATs: Empowering leaders through good governance
- Legal Update: Philip Wood, Browne Jacobson
- Safeguarding: Strengthening board oversight
- Technology: Governing through rapid acceleration
- Single Schools: Intelligent forms of accountability
12.30
Frank Norris MBE: Ofsted Keynote
An existential crisis or just a passing phase?
14.00
Minister Catherine McKinnell MP Keynote
15.15
Breakout Workshops (Session 2)
- Equity: Levers to reduce exclusion and support staff
- Cybersecurity: Led by Secure Schools experts
- Innovation: Multi-tiered MAT governance potential
- MAT Accountability: Working within the system
16.00
Emma Balchin: Closing Remarks
Key Speakers
Frank Norris MBE FCCT
Keynote Speaker
Read Full Bio
Former senior HMI manager and CEO of Coop Academies Trust. Frank has advised the Northern Powerhouse Partnership and chaired multiple Education Improvement Boards. In 2024, he was ranked 23rd most influential in education by Education Business.
Catherine McKinnell MP
Minister for School Standards
Read Full Bio
MP for Newcastle North since 2010. Catherine serves as the Minister for School Standards and is a leading campaigner on child poverty, public services, and educational excellence.
Casey Bailey
Conference Compere
Read Full Bio
Birmingham Poet Laureate (2020–22) and Greater Birmingham Future Face of Arts and Culture 2020. An award-winning writer, Casey wrote "The Ballad Of The Peaky Blinders" for the BBC and holds an honorary doctorate from Newman University.
Panel Speakers
Sinéad Mc Brearty
View Bio
CEO of Education Support, focusing on systemic wellbeing for the education workforce.
Jon Howlin
View Bio
Senior Responsible Officer for RISE at the DfE with 20 years in education policy and delivery.
Bethan Cullen
View Bio
Deputy CEO of ISBL and highly experienced Trustee and former Chair of Governors.
Annual School and Trust
Governance Survey
This year’s key findings
The SEND system has broken
Supporting pupils with SEND is a top priority for 53% of boards, with 84% struggling to access vital funding.
Financial Breaking Point
70% cite balancing the budget as a top challenge—the highest level ever recorded by the NGA.
Confidence in Impact
85% of boards report a positive impact on strategic direction, particularly in financial oversight (57%).
Stepping up at a cost
Nearly 60% of schools deliver services beyond their core remit, placing 20% under significant pressure.
Private School VAT
Just 3% report an admissions rise now, but 8% anticipate a secondary school influx soon.
Falling Rolls
36% are planning for falling pupil numbers, up 6% from last year, mainly in the Primary sector.
Safeguarding Pressure
Concerns continue to rise for 50% of boards, specifically around bullying (61%) and neglect (51%).
MAT Interest Up
A record 29% considered joining a MAT this year, though only 15% plan to proceed immediately.
Government Neutrality
An 11% rise in neutral views shows a "wait-and-see" approach as the sector looks for signs of change.
Optimism in Recruitment
Recruitment difficulty dropped by 10%, and board vacancies fell to 39% this year.
Staffing Nature
Beyond pay, workload and wellbeing (64%) remain key issues, with a call for flexible working (11%).
Local Tier Shift
Functions are condensing: local monitoring of academy budgets dropped from 48% to 35%.