44th COBIS Annual Conference Listen. Learn. Lead

The 44th COBIS Annual Conference returns to London from 9–11 May 2026, bringing together leaders and educators from across the global British international schools community.

This flagship event is the highlight of the COBIS professional calendar, providing a unique opportunity for school leaders, educators, and education partners to connect, collaborate, and explore the key issues shaping international education today.

Over three inspiring days, delegates will take part in a dynamic programme of keynote sessions, panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities, designed to spark new ideas and strengthen professional connections across the sector.

The 2026 COBIS Annual Conference will explore how our sector continues to make a positive impact – evolving through connectivity, innovation, and purpose. 

• ensure connectivity, unity and inclusivity shape our sector
• harness optimism and positivity within our sector and our school communities
• sustain and grow impactful education in a changing geo-political climate
• adapt and evolve education for the future, preparing students and schools for a rapidly changing world
• drive innovation, collaboration and impactful educational change
• embrace technology, while retaining human connectivity
• develop leaders and support wellbeing at all levels
• hear and act on student voice
• ensure safeguarding best practice is embedded across our sector
• realise our guiding principles of inclusivity, collaboration and ambition
• lead change and inspire progress
• empower learners and enrich the world

And…

• how we are doing things differently

Exhibition

KAA are delighted to be attending the conference as an exhibitor.

Find us at stand 38. Please call by and say hello, we would love to talk top you about how we can help you.

COBIS Programme

KAA are also contributing to the COBIS programme by delivering a breakout workshop session Listen. Learn. Lead – Sustaining Human Purpose in an Age of Acceleration. A 25 year reflection.

Monday 11th May (at 11.05am) delivered by KAA founder and Managing Director, Karen Ardley and KAA Director of Coaching, Dr David Porritt

School leadership continues to change at pace, influenced by innovation, shifting expectations and the increasingly dominant presence of AI. Yet the work that makes the greatest difference remains unavoidably human. At its heart, leadership is about connection: how we listen, how we understand one another and how we build trust in the midst of complexity.

In this interactive seminar, KAA founder Karen Ardley and Dr David Porritt draw on nearly three decades of senior leadership experience and 25 years of KAA’s work with leaders in COBIS schools across the world. Together they offer senior colleagues a chance to slow the pace, reconnect with the human foundation of leadership and reflect on what truly shapes influence in our schools.

If you are interested in attending, please visit the COBIS website for full details. Annual Conference – Council of British International Schools