Spring Conference 2025 - in Partnership with Whole Education Leading Beyond The School - Reconnecting School and Community We are thrilled to invite you to our Spring Conference 2024 on March 6th, where we will explore the pivotal role of schools as centers of community. This one-day event, held in collaboration with Whole Education, will bring together thought leaders and school innovators to discuss how schools can serve as agents of positive change within their communities. Keynote speakers: Jon Yates and Darren McGarvey will offer fresh insights on this topic: Jon Yates has two decades of experience in the youth and community sector. He has founded and scaled a number of youth programmes, including the National Citizen Service - which became the fastest growing youth programme in Europe working with over half a million young people over the past decade. Darren McGarvey, also known by the stage name Loki, is a writer, columnist and hip hop recording artist, who has made regular media appearances as a social commentator. n November 2017 his first book “Poverty Safari”. Darren’s latest book “The Social Distance Between Us” was published in 2022, serialised on BBC Radio 4 and led to him giving a prestigious '“Reith Lecture” in November 22 on the “Freedom from Want.. Why Attend? Schools remain among the most vital civic institutions, uniquely positioned to foster community bonds and lead meaningful change. This conference will offer valuable perspectives on the leadership needed to make schools true hubs of community engagement, as well as practical strategies for creating stronger, more connected schools. Conference Highlights: Understanding School-Community Connection: Gain insights into the unique role of schools in building social capital and how effective leadership can make this possible. Practical Strategies for Strengthening Community Bonds: Learn actionable methods to foster a sense of community among students, staff, and stakeholders and to influence the broader community positively. Reflective and Developmental Sessions: Take time to assess your current efforts and identify opportunities for growth within your own school or trust. Next Steps for Community Cohesion: Develop a roadmap for continuing your community-centered work at both the individual and institutional levels