Berkhamsted School IT Conference 26 – 27 November 2025

Bringing like-minded schools together

to discuss best practice

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

Wednesday 26 – Thursday 27 November 2025

Crowne Plaza Gerrards Cross, Oxford Road, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, HP9 2XE

Berkhamsted School is proud to invite you to the next chapter of our annual conference series, now entering its fourth year of inspiring innovation in education. Following the success of our November 2024 event—a day-and-a-half gathering hosted off-site in the West Midlands—we’re once again expanding our reach and ambition.

This year, we’re bringing the conference closer to home, while continuing to grow in scale and impact. With a larger venue and a renewed focus on bold, exciting ideas, the event will unite educators, thought leaders, and pioneers from across the country. Together, we’ll explore the evolving role of technology in education, share transformative practices, and spark new collaborations that shape the future of learning.

Keynote Speaker

Jason Bradbury

Jason Bradbury is a former presenter of The Gadget Show UK and co-host of The Gadget Show podcast with Suzi Perry. He has worked as a TV presenter and producer on hundreds of shows in a career spanning more than twenty years.

When it comes to gadgets, science and all things tech, Jason is a force of nature. His own inventions, which include the world’s first working jet-powered hoverboard, have become legendary. He is also a private pilot and is licensed to build transmitters by the Home Office.

With a passion for technology and science that is utterly infectious, Jason brings confidence to his performance on camera rarely seen in factual television. He also boasts excellent comic abilities, developed during his years a performing in a double act with Little Britain star David Walliams.

Jason will bring his trademark energy and insight to the Berkhamsted T Conference 2025 with his keynote session, The AI Decade.

Register your place now to hear from Jason and our various speakers

Delegate Options

Full Delegate Agenda with Accommodation £300 +VAT

26 November 2025

From 15:00 | Arrival and use of facilities

15:00-17:00 | Full Delegate Registration

17:00-18:00 | Roundtable Sessions

18:00-19:00 | Drinks Reception

19:00-23:00 | Networking Dinner Including Entertainment

 

27 November 2025

From 06:00 | Use of the Facilities

07:00-09:00 | Breakfast

09:30 | Conference Start

09:30-10:30 |  Opening Keynote

10:30-11:15 | Breakout Session 1

11:15-11:45 | Networking

11:45-12:30 | Breakout Session 2

12:30-13:30 |  Lunch

13:30-14:15 | Breakout Session 3

14:15-14:45 | Networking

14:45-15:30 | Breakout Session 4

15:30-16:30 | Closing Session

16:30 | Conference Ends

Full Delegate Agenda with no Accommodation £200 +VAT

26 November 2025

From 15:00 | Arrival and use of facilities

15:00-17:00 | Full Delegate Registration

17:00-18:00 | Roundtable Sessions

18:00-19:00 | Drinks Reception

19:00-23:00 | Networking Dinner Including Entertainment

 

27 November 2025

09:30 | Conference Start

09:30-10:30 |  Opening Keynote

10:30-11:15 | Breakout Session 1

11:15-11:45 | Networking

11:45-12:30 | Breakout Session 2

12:30-13:30 |  Lunch

13:30-14:15 | Breakout Session 3

14:15-14:45 | Networking

14:45-15:30 | Breakout Session 4

15:30-16:30 | Closing Session

16:30 | Conference Ends

Day Delegate Agenda £120 + VAT

27 November 2025

08:00-09:30 | Day Delegate Registration

09:30 | Conference Start

09:30-10:30 |  Opening Keynote

10:30-11:15 | Breakout Session 1

11:15-11:45 | Networking

11:45-12:30 | Breakout Session 2

12:30-13:30 |  Lunch

13:30-14:15 | Breakout Session 3

14:15-14:45 | Networking

14:45-15:30 | Breakout Session 4

15:30-16:30 | Closing Session

16:30 | Conference Ends

Agenda

View the Full Agenda with Breakout Session Information

26 November 2025

From 15:00 | Arrival and use of facilities


15:00-17:00 | Full Delegate Registration


17:00-18:00 | Roundtable Sessions


18:00-19:00 | Drinks Reception


19:00-23:00 | Networking Dinner Including Entertainment

 

27 November 2025

From 06:00 | Use of the Facilities


07:00-09:00 | Breakfast


09:30 | Conference Start


09:30-10:30 |  Opening Keynote

Jason Bradbury: The AI Decade


10:30-11:15 | Breakout Session 1

Jo Hughes: Beyond Devices: Crafting a Digital Strategy That Matters

George Greenbury: Breaking the Mould: How Schools Can Drive Genuinely Groundbreaking Innovation

Andrew Constable (Microsoft) and Shaun Myers (BT): Empowering Education with AI and Microsoft Surface


11:15-11:45 | Networking


11:45-12:30 | Breakout Session 2

Adam Brigham: Affordable Cyber Security: What’s Effective in 2026

Jo Hughes: Adaptive Teaching: How Technology Can Enhance Learning

Bianca Farthing: AI and the impact on young people


12:30-13:30 |  Lunch


13:30-14:15 | Breakout Session 3

Anna Chatwin and Carl Pepper: Empowering Growth: Streamlining Professional Development Through Technology

Lex Lang: TBC

Dr Neelam Parmar: Where Are We Today? Gauging Whole-School AI Implementation in the Age of EdTech


14:15-14:45 | Networking


14:45-15:30 | Breakout Session 4

Gary Henderson (Veracross): Think Fast, Act Wisely

Anna Chatwin and Carl Pepper: Empowering Growth: Streamlining Professional Development Through Technology

Will Findlay: Harkness and Student Led Learning


15:30-16:30 | Closing Session

Q&A Discussion with a panel of speakers


16:30 | Conference Ends

AI

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the way we live, work, and interact with technology. At its core, AI is the science of developing computer systems that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making.

Power Bi

In today’s data-centric world, mastering data analysis is essential and our upcoming conference is your gateway to unlocking the potential of Microsoft Power Bi.

Work Smarter, Not Harder

Leveraging the Microsoft Power Platform has been transformational for many schools. See real working examples of Power Automate workflows that frees up masses of time and admin overhead. Hear about PowerApps that allow teachers to spend less time undertaking admin and more time engaging with pupils

Bots in Education: Empowering Learning Through Automation

From intelligent tutoring systems to AI-powered classroom assistants, bots are transforming the educational landscape. These digital tools can personalise learning, automate administrative tasks, and provide real-time support to both students and educators. Whether it’s helping learners revise through chat-based quizzes or streamlining feedback and marking, bots offer scalable solutions that enhance engagement and efficiency. As schools embrace these technologies, the potential to reshape teaching and learning grows. Join us at the conference to explore how bots are being used creatively and responsibly to support educational outcomes—and what the future might hold.

Tech-Enhanced Pastoral Care: Data-Driven Wellbeing in Schools

As schools adopt digital platforms to support student wellbeing, pastoral care is evolving into a more proactive, data-informed practice. From AI-powered sentiment analysis in student communications to predictive analytics identifying early signs of disengagement or distress, technology is enabling educators to intervene earlier and more effectively. Integrated wellbeing dashboards, biometric feedback tools, and secure communication apps are reshaping how pastoral teams monitor, support, and respond to student needs. This session explores the technical frameworks, ethical considerations, and real-world applications of digital tools in pastoral care—highlighting how technology can complement human empathy in safeguarding and nurturing learners.

Session Information

Gary Henderson: Think Fast, Act Wisely

In a time of rapid technological change, especially with the rise of AI, school and IT leaders face the challenge of acting quickly while thinking deeply. This session will focus on reflective questions requiring participants to explore leading change that is both agile and secure. The goal is to create space for strategic thinking, shared insight, and collaborative problem-solving, rather than prescribing fixed solutions.

Jo Hughes: Beyond Devices: Crafting a Digital Strategy That Matters

A digital strategy isn’t about having more technology; it’s about enabling better learning. This session delves into how schools can build a cohesive vision that unites pedagogy, wellbeing, innovation, and compliance. In an era where AI is here to stay, we’ll consider how schools can empower teachers and students to use it ethically, confidently, and creatively. Discover why a digital strategy that embraces AI isn’t optional, it’s essential.

Andrew Constable (Microsoft) and Shaun Myers (BT): Empowering Education with AI and Microsoft Surface

Andy will showcase the latest range of Surface devices and demonstrate how Microsoft is leading the way in the next generation of AI-powered PCs and features. He’ll explain why Surface continues to be the most impactful device for engaging the next generation of learners. Shaun will share insights on BT’s services and their experience supporting independent schools. He’ll highlight how many schools are benefiting from Surface devices through BT.

Dr Neelam Parmar: Where Are We Today? Gauging Whole-School AI Implementation in the Age of EdTech

This session invites school leadership and key stakeholders to critically assess their current standing when it comes to AI adoption. Utilising the inspection framework for AI school transformation, participants will evaluate their progress across six strategic domains of whole school transformation.

Traditionally, schools have been auditing their digital landscape, but AI presents new challenges and opportunities. With the RAG-rated self-assessment tool,  this session will help participants to pinpoint both the visible strengths and hidden gaps in their organisation’s AI readiness.

Adam Brigham, MSP LAB: Affordable Cyber Security: What’s Effective in 2026

We explore the evolving cyber risks that make security critical for protecting students, staff, and your school’s reputation. This session covers today’s threat landscape, including ransomware, extortion, and data breaches, as well as emerging trends like AI-driven attacks. We share practical strategies for implementing effective security within budget constraints and introduce our Cyber Gap Analysis, which identifies vulnerabilities, benchmarks security readiness, and provides a clear roadmap for resilience, compliance, and protecting your school community.

Bianca Farthing: AI and the impact on young people

Bianca will be discussing AI and the impact on young people. More information on the session to be announced soon.

Jo Hughes: Adaptive Teaching: How Technology Can Enhance Learning

Discover how technology can transform learning by meeting each student exactly where they are. This session explores practical AI-driven strategies to support adaptive teaching, demonstrating how digital tools can personalise challenge, pace, and feedback; all without increasing teacher workload. Join us to see how technology is reshaping adaptive teaching and creating classrooms where every learner can truly thrive.

Geogre Greenbury: Breaking the Mould: How Schools Can Drive Genuinely Groundbreaking Innovation

More information on the session to be announced soon.

Anna Chatwin and Carl Pepper: Empowering Growth: Streamlining Professional Development Through Technology

This session showcases how a bespoke Professional Development Plan app can transform the way schools capture, track, and celebrate staff development. Explore how intuitive design and thoughtful integration can make reflection, feedback, goal-setting, and progress tracking effortless—turning data into dialogue and development into impact. Join us to see how technology can make professional learning more personalised, purposeful, and powerful, while helping to build a school-wide culture of continuous improvement.

Will Findlay: Harkness and Student Led Learning

This session will be an interactive exploration of Harkness teaching. It will look at how the teacher can facilitate effective discussion, how we can adapt for SEND needs within a Harkness model, and how we can ensure progress is made by all. We will also explore the importance of Oracy skills for our students’ futures. When done well, Harkness teaching can be a tremendous asset—join us to explore it in further depth.

Find out more

Watch this video to find out more about how we use devices in our classrooms

Speakers

Bianca Farthing

Founder of AI Edify Read

Bianca Farthing

Founder of AI Edify Close

Bianca Farthing is the Founder of AI Edify and The Initiative for Conscious AI (ICAI), a non-profit organisation promoting youth opportunity and ethical innovation in a digital era. She is a Doctoral Researcher at the University of Durham, exploring the impact of artificial intelligence on young people. A former history teacher, Bianca completed her MSc in Learning and Teaching at the University of Oxford, where she researched AI in education. Through AI Edify, she supports schools in developing responsible AI strategies and training. Her work focuses on ensuring AI strengthens, rather than replaces, the human elements of learning.

Dr Neelam Parmar

Director of Digital Education and Professional Learning at AISL Harrow Schools Read

Dr Neelam Parmar

Director of Digital Education and Professional Learning at AISL Harrow Schools Close

Dr Neelam Parmar is an educational consultant and advisor, currently serving as the Director of Digital Education and Professional Learning at AISL Harrow Schools in Southeast Asia. She has served in the capacity as Chief Digital Officer at E-ACT Multi Academy Trust in the UK and has collaborated with Stellar, Education Beyond Limits (previously Emkaan Education) and PwC in the UAE, spearheading education disruption and transformation initiatives. Dr. Parmar actively supports global edtech startups with EdTech Impact in partnership with Mastercard, advises governments on digital transformation and AI strategies, and champions innovation in education governance and policy development.  An award-winning researcher, author, and speaker, Neelam serves on prominent boards across K-12, colleges, universities and commercial sectors, cultivating the growth of organisational culture and shaping the future of education globally.

Jo Hughes

Group Director of EdTech, Berkhamsted Schools Group Read

Jo Hughes

Group Director of EdTech, Berkhamsted Schools Group Close

Jo Hughes is the Group Director of EdTech at Berkhamsted School.. With a robust background in educational innovation and technology integration, Jo brings a wealth of experience and a passion for enhancing learning through digital tools.

Jo’s most recent role was at Northwood College for Girls GDST, where she served for nearly six years. As the Assistant Head of Innovation and Learning, she led initiatives to incorporate innovative teaching methods and technologies. Prior to this, Jo was the Head of Cognitive Learning, focusing on strategies to boost student engagement and cognitive development.

Before her tenure at Northwood, Jo was the Head of Philosophy, Religion, and Ethics at Sandringham School for four years. Her career in education began at Brislington Enterprise College as a Teacher of Humanities, followed by a brief period as a Teaching Assistant at Cathays High School.

Jo holds a strong commitment to advancing educational practices and is excited to bring her expertise to Berkhamsted School, aiming to further develop their EdTech capabilities and foster a cutting-edge learning environment.

George Greenbury

Assistant Head Digital Education at Clifton College and co-founder of Inkling Read

George Greenbury

Assistant Head Digital Education at Clifton College and co-founder of Inkling Close

George Greenbury is Assistant Head Digital Education at Clifton College and co-founder of Inkling, the world’s first edtech startup spinout in AI from a secondary school, backed by educationalists including Sir Anthony Seldon. George sits on the board of the US-UK Fulbright Commission, advises organisations as diverse as the University of Amsterdam, King’s College London, and Seneca Learning on technology in the classroom, and provides resources to thousands of teachers and students of philosophy and religious studies via George Teaches.

George started his career with Teach First in one of the country’s most challenging schools. He has worked in both public and private education, middle management and senior leadership, and on both sides of the Atlantic. Most recently at Epsom College, Independent School of the Year 2022-2023, and before that at the Community Charter School of Cambridge, a blue ribbon award recipient and one of the best charter schools in the United States.

George holds a MA in Theology and Religious Studies from the University of Cambridge, an EdM in School Leadership from Harvard University, which he attended as a Fulbright Scholar, and a PGCE and MA in Educational Leadership from the University of Warwick. You can listen to George’s views on technology in education in his TEDx Talk, Schools Without Classrooms.

Anna Chatwin

Deputy Head: Teaching, Learning and Innovation, Berkhamsted Schools Group Read

Anna Chatwin

Deputy Head: Teaching, Learning and Innovation, Berkhamsted Schools Group Close

Anna Chatwin serves as the Deputy Head of Teaching, Learning, and Innovation at Berkhamsted School, leveraging a wealth of experience from her extensive career in education. Before stepping into her current role, Anna acted as an Assistant Head Teacher, where she played a pivotal role in supporting the transition to an evolved system of pastoral care in the Sixth Form.

Anna’s journey at Berkhamsted School began in September 2018 when she took on the role of Deputy Head of House. Her leadership skills and dedication quickly propelled her to the position of Head of Department in January 2019, where she successfully led the Politics department for over four years. Throughout her tenure, she has been instrumental in implementing innovative teaching strategies and enhancing student engagement. This has included designing and leading on the delivery of the Learning Pathways Programme, a Key Stage 4 curriculum initiative.

Before her time at Berkhamsted, Anna was a Teacher of History and Politics at Presdales School from September 2015 to July 2017. Her passion for these subjects and her ability to inspire students have been evident throughout her career.

With seven years of progressive experience at Berkhamsted School, Anna Chatwin remains a driving force in educational innovation and leadership. She is dedicated to advancing educational practices and fostering a dynamic, engaging learning environment.

Carl Pepper

Power Platform Developer, Berkhamsted Schools Group Read

Carl Pepper

Power Platform Developer, Berkhamsted Schools Group Close

Carl Pepper is a skilled Power Platform Developer currently working full-time at Berkhamsted School and Berkhamsted Enterprises Consultancy. With a tenure beginning in October 2023, Carl has been instrumental in leveraging the Power Platform to enhance educational technology solutions within the school and beyond. His role is hybrid, allowing him to blend on-site and remote work effectively.

Before joining Berkhamsted, Carl served as the Lead Consultant at SchoolsBi for over two and a half years, from April 2021 to October 2023. Based in Somerset, England, he played a crucial role in guiding schools through the implementation of business intelligence solutions. Carl’s expertise in data analytics and his dedication to improving educational environments make him a valued consultant for various educational institutions.

In his consultancy work, Carl focuses on optimising the Power Platform to streamline administrative processes and enhance data-driven decision-making in schools. His commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology in education underscores his passion for empowering institutions to achieve their goals efficiently.

Will Findlay

Head of Incents Boarding House, Berkhamsted Schools Group Read

Will Findlay

Head of Incents Boarding House, Berkhamsted Schools Group Close

Will Findlay serves as the Head of Incents Boarding House and a Teacher of History and Politics at Berkhamsted School. Having been part of the Berkhamsted community for eight years, Will brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of both pastoral and academic life at the school.

Throughout his time at Berkhamsted, Will has witnessed the transformative power of technology in education. From adapting to the needs of all students to making the administration of teaching more manageable, he has been an advocate for the effective and purposeful integration of IT in the classroom. Drawing on this experience, Will is offering valuable insights into how technology can continue to drive innovation in pedagogy and improve outcomes for students across the school.

Adam Brigham

CEO of MSP LAB Read

Adam Brigham

CEO of MSP LAB Close

Adam Brigham is the CEO of MSP LAB, the IT authority for prestigious independent schools. With over a decade of experience in digital strategy, he is dedicated to helping schools define and achieve their vision, ensuring technology drives success and positively impacts student outcomes. Adam has served in an advisory role for more than 150 independent schools, guiding them through the complexities of IT and digital transformation. A proud father of three boys, he enjoys scuba diving in UK waters and clay pigeon shooting in his spare time.

Gary Henderson

Director of IT at Millfield Read

Gary Henderson

Director of IT at Millfield Close

Gary is an established education and technology professional with over 25 years of experience as a teacher, senior leader, and consultant across the UK and the Middle East. In 2025, he was recognised as a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching for his contributions to the profession.

Currently serving as Director of IT at Millfield, Gary leads the technology strategy and oversees the technology services team. He also chairs the ISC Digital Advisory Group, is a member of the Digital Futures Group, and an Ambassador for the Association of Network Managers in Education (ANME).

As an IT professional, Gary holds multiple industry-recognised security certifications, including Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC).

In 2025, Gary was honoured with the Edufuturists Outstanding IT Professional Award, having previously been a finalist in the 2022 Edufuturist Network Manager of the Year Awards and the 2023 Global EdTech Awards, Most Impactful Senior Member of Staff category.

A regular speaker at UK and international conferences, Gary shares insights on cyber security in schools, AI in education, digital citizenship, and technology strategy, helping schools navigate the evolving digital landscape with confidence and clarity.

If you missed our last conference

You can hear from the following Berkhamsted colleagues covering the same topics

Who should attend?

This conference is aimed at senior leaders of schools and IT personnel who are responsible for strategy, adoption, or deployment. Data specialists both academic and non-academic.

Register your place now

We look forward to welcoming you to our IT Conference. To register your Full Delegate with Accommodation, Full Delegate with no Accommodation or Day Delegate place, please click the link below.

Register here

If you have any further questions, please contact us at events@berkhamsted.com

Location

 

This year, our conference is being held off-site, at Crowne Plaza Gerrards Cross, Oxford Road, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, HP9 2XE

2 miles

Nearest station is Gerrards Cross station

Easily accessible

by car from M40 & M25

Hotel stay

available for Full Delegates

Crowne Plaza Gerrards Cross

Oxford Road
Beaconsfield
Buckinghamshire
HP9 2XE

Sponsors

Click the logos below to view our sponsors websites