CISC Annual Conference
5 and 6 February 2026
Eastwood Hall Hotel
Mansfield Road, Eastwood, Nottingham, NG16 3SS
We look forward to welcoming you to CISC Conference 2026, taking place Thursday 5 February – Friday 6 February, in the beautiful Nottinghamshire countryside at the Eastwood Hall Hotel – a wonderful venue to host our customary balance of challenge, discernment and friendship. Delegate and exhibitor bookings are now open.
We’re thrilled to announce that our programme will be led by internationally renowned author and speaker David Wells who, along with other guests, will accompany support, challenge and extend our thinking within the unique spirit of the CISC Conference experience.
So come and join us in Nottingham for our 2026 Conference: Rooted in Hope. There’s a CISC welcome awaiting each and every one of you!
The programme is firming up with the usual mix of keynote addresses, hosted conversations and workshops. Approximate timings and the programme schedule are outlined below.
Outline programme:
Thursday 5 February
9.30am – 10.45am – Exhibition, refreshments and networking
10.45am – Sarah Barreto, General Secretary’s Welcome
10.50am – Morning Prayer, led by Ratcliffe College
11.00am – 11.15am – Matthew Burke, Chair’s Welcome
11.15am – 12.30pm – Keynote Address: David Wells
12.30pm – Lunch and exhibition
1.45pm – 2.45pm – Stone King and Moore Kingston Smith Briefing
2.45pm – 3.15pm – CISC AGM (members only)
3.15pm – 4.00pm – Exhibition and refreshments
4.00pm – 5.00pm – A Hosted Conversation with Fr George Bowen, Paul Barber, Mo Glackin, Philip Robinson and David Wells
5.00pm – 5.45pm – Celebration of Mass, Principal Celebrant Bishop Richard Walker
7.00pm – Pre-dinner drinks for new heads with committee only
7.15pm – Pre-dinner drinks reception with exhibitors
7.45pm – Conference Dinner
Friday 6 February
9.00am – 9.15am – Morning Prayer, led by Ratcliffe College
9.15am – 10.15am – Keynote Address: David Wells
10.15am – 11.00am – Exhibition and refreshments
11.00am – 12.15pm – Conclusion, thanks and plenary session
12.15pm – 1.15pm – Lunch and depart
Bookings for delegates are now open and can be accessed via the link below.
CISC Event Cancellation Policy
2026 Conference Exhibition
The CISC Annual Conference generally attracts in the region of 80-100 delegates, with an exhibition for around 30 businesses. This is one of the most popular educational conferences in the calendar: big enough to be worthwhile in terms of business leads with time enough to allow for meaningful conversations and relationships to be initiated. In addition, CISC organises a programme of short conferences and webinars for key groups of staff in CISC schools, such as heads, governors, deputies, bursars and Heads of RS.
CISC is known for building meaningful and ongoing relationships with sponsors through reciprocally beneficial collaborations. As such, we have three sponsor relationships available across a broad range of cost options. There are also additional opportunities to sponsor key Conference events such as pre-dinner drinks or the Conference dinner, creating additional exposure for your organisation.
Download our Exhibition Brochure
For further information or to talk to us about a year-round sponsor arrangement, please email info@catholicindependentschools.com
2026 Headline and Supporting Sponsors
Stone King
Our legal expertise in the Education and Charity sectors means we are top-ranked by independent legal guides Chambers and Legal 500 and named a best law firm by The Times. Education, Charity and Faith is at the heart of our firm with over 70% of our work being related to these sectors.
Contact: Stephen Ravenscroft
E: stephenravenscroft@stoneking.co.uk
W: Stone King
Moore Kingston Smith
We are one of the leading firms auditing and advising the sector. We work with over 200 organisations including leading Catholic independent schools, academies, multi-academy trusts, performing arts schools and religious orders. We also look after a growing number of Oxford colleges, exam boards, professional training providers and large international commercial groups.
Contact: Anjali Kothari, Head of Education
E: akothari@mks.co.uk
W: Moore Kingston Smith
Gallagher
Gallagher is a leading insurance broker, with a dedicated education team, focusing on the unique insurance and risk management needs of Independent schools. We offer tailored insurance programmes that include essential covers such as Directors & Governors’ Liability, Business Interruption and Terrorism insurance.
Our approach involves visiting your school to understand your specific risks and aspirations, ensuring we provide solutions that not only protect, but also help manage budgets effectively. Our expertise lies in identifying any gaps in your current insurance arrangements, such as cyber liability, to ensure comprehensive protection.
As one of the largest brokers serving the education sector, we combine our extensive specialist knowledge with high professional standards, recognised by our Ethisphere award for ethical business practices. We also keep our clients informed through regular webinars and bulletins, ensuring you stay ahead in this dynamic sector. Gallagher is committed to supporting independent schools and we’re proud to be with the Headline sponsor at CISC 2025.
Contact: Mike Albinson, Client Director, Education Practice
E: mike_albinson@ajg.com
W: Gallagher Insurance
Supporting Sponsors
Furlong
For 20+ years, Furlong has supported independent schools with software that streamlines transforms tasks. The suite of software, consisting of SchoolBase (MIS), FeeMaster (invoicing), TASS Finance (double entry accounting), and Maestro (music management), puts SLTs in control. As the most customisable MIS, Furlong unlocks any Catholic independent school’s full potential.
Contact: Paul James
E: paul.james@furlongsolutions.com
W: Furlong Schoolbase