AoBSO Conference for BSO School Leaders

8-10 November 2026 | Richmond Hill Hotel, London

Join us in November for the flagship event of the year for BSO School Leaders. The AoBSO Conference is the only leadership gathering exclusively for leader of DfE-accredited British Schools Overseas (BSO schools). It offers a rare opportunity to connect in person with peers, policy makers, and sector experts, against the backdrop of one of London’s most elegant heritage hotels.

Why Attend?

This three-day residential conference is designed to inform, inspire, and empower school leaders. With high-level keynote speakers, strategic policy updates, hands-on workshops, and time for meaningful collaboration, it’s a chance to step away from daily demands and focus on what matters most: leading your school forward.

Delegates will enjoy:

  • Exclusive briefings from the UK Department for Education (DfE) and the Department for Business and Trade (DBT).

  • A line-up of world-class keynote speakers sharing cutting-edge insights and global best practices.

  • Unmatched networking opportunities with fellow BSO leaders from around the world.

  • A thought-provoking, forward-looking programme designed to energise and empower.

  • Evening receptions and informal forums to build relationships across the global BSO network.

Our Venue: Richmond Hill Hotel, London

Nestled just moments from the famous Richmond Park and overlooking the Thames, Richmond Hill Hotel blends Georgian charm with modern comfort.

Delegates will enjoy:

  • Luxurious accommodation at special AoBSO rates.

  • Stylish conference and breakout spaces.

  • Excellent transport links to central London and Heathrow Airport.

  • An elegant setting for professional learning and reflection.

Confirmed Speakers for Conference 2026

We are delighted to confirm the following speakers for the 2026 AoBSO Conference:

  • Darren Edwards ‘Redefining Impossible’

    Darren is a record-breaking polar explorer whose extraordinary story of resilience, courage and adventure inspires audiences to overcome adversity and achieve the seemingly impossible.

  • Dame Laura Kenny ‘Media, Scrutiny and Communication in the Public Eye’

    Dame Laura is Britain’s most successful female Olympian, whose remarkable career embodies determination, resilience and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

  • Jason Fox ‘Life Under Fire - How to Build Inner Strength and Thrive Under Pressure’

    Jason is a former Royal Marine Commando, Special Forces Sergeant and television personality, best known for SAS: Who Dares Wins, whose extraordinary experiences offer powerful lessons in resilience, teamwork, leadership and performing under pressure.

  • Dr Tom Bates ‘Mindset Defines Performance’

    Dr Tom is a leading performance psychologist, author and coach who has worked with Premier League footballers, Olympians and elite athletes, helping individuals and teams unlock their potential and perform at their best when it matters most.

  • Ruth Buscombe ‘How Elite Teams Drive Success Via Innovation, Data & Marginal Gains’

    Ruth is a renowned Formula 1 race strategist, engineer and F1 TV presenter whose pioneering career has broken barriers for women in STEM and continues to inspire the next generation of female engineers, while offering fascinating insights into data-driven decision making, teamwork and performing under extreme pressure.

and much much more…

Conference Attendance Fees

  • AoBSO members are entitled to one place at Conference at no charge.

  • Member schools can book additional places at a rate of £375 per attendee.

  • BSO schools not yet members of AoBSO are invited to attend at a rate of £475 per attendee.

  • Aspiring BSO schools who have a confirmed BSO inspection in the diary are also invited to attend at the non-member rate. Attendance is non-residential and includes all conference and social events. B&B accommodation is available to book via the Conference hotel.

Member and non-member schools can book to attend the Conference by emailing Mark Bignell, AoBSO Executive Officer on admin@aobso.uk.

In Summary

The AoBSO Annual Conference is where BSO school leaders come together to influence, innovate, and inspire. Set in a beautiful corner of London, it’s more than just a conference, it’s your opportunity to shape the future of British international education, alongside the only association dedicated to your context.

We look forward to welcoming you to Richmond in November 2026.