Mainstream
The annual WISC conference always provides an exciting programme with important updates, essential for school leaders across Wales. It is a wonderful opportunity to network with colleagues and meet with sponsors providing valuable services to the Independent sector.
It is reassuring to know that WISC is always there to support, guide and provide essential updates to the Independent sector in Wales. Emma is instrumental in fostering a sense of collegiality and is proactive in ensuring that the independent schools in Wales are given the voice they deserve.
Shaun Moody- St John’s College Cardiff
WISC is an invaluable source of information and support to us. With timely updates, relevant advice, and sound support, coupled with a forum for debate, the Council is a sage partner to our school. They help us to remain informed and make timely organisational decisions.
The Annual Conference is a one-stop shop to catch-up on best practice, new developments, and ideas. It is a meeting of supportive minds, who gather not as competitors, but industry colleagues, to support our sector. We have developed beneficial partnerships as a direct result of the conference.
Nicola Parry-Belcher- Kingsmonkton School
Our annual membership with WISC has proven to be one of our most beneficial resources.
We first subscribed as a new school and it helped so much regards policies, legislation and general information. This was made easier for us with the regular emails and information from WISC. WISC also helped arrange a visit to another school to observe good practice.
Any queries we have had have always been dealt with promptly by Emma.
As a school I feel the WISC membership has aided us to be up to date with the latest news and information, which in turn has helped enhance our school. The recent workshop on anti-racism was very beneficial and thought provoking.
Thank you WISC!
The annual conference is something that my colleague and I look forward to every year.
As it’s delivered at the beginning of the academic year, it provides you with excellent preparation and encouragement for the upcoming year.The topics covered are wide ranging and always relevant.
The attendance of Estyn is very beneficial and helpful as they go over different topics.
The atmosphere is always welcoming and WISC are always on hand to help with any questions. The sponsors are varied in their expertise and there is a good balance of information available.
Last but not least, the food is delicious!
Ummul Mumineen Academy
WISC has developed into an essential partner for independent schools in Wales. It is accessible and carefully consults and represents members on a local and national level. WISC provides excellent networking, CPD and holds excellent conferences every year.
Campbell Harrison- St Gerard’s School
Being a member of WISC has given Howell’s School access to an incredibly useful range of educational information, advice and training. Regular emails keep us up to date on any new developments including safeguarding and examination board updates and the response to any educational issues is timely and supportive. WISC is a great organisation to work with and has been an invaluable partner for us over many years.
Regular attendance at the WISC conference is a highlight for us. The two days is always well-organised, offering a wide range of sessions that both stimulate thought and encourage dialogue. Recent highlights such as the LGBT+ presentation by Shaun Dellenty, the updates by Estyn and the regular safeguarding sessions have been excellent. Emma Verrier does an amazing job of putting together a truly enjoyable and worthwhile event.
Rachel Eling- Howell’s School
Being a member of WISC was very important to us during the Covid restrictions, with the opportunity to discuss the effect on the school community and compare notes as to how we were all managing the barrage of requirements coming from the government. Since then, the organisation has continued to help us as a source of knowledge and support.
Llangattock School
WISC is such an important organisation for me personally and for Haberdashers Monmouth Schools. Firstly, it is an important forum for Heads and other senior staff to meet, share ideas and experiences and to discuss how we are all meeting the challenges of the day. I took over as Headmaster during the first Covid lockdown and the online WISC meetings were vital for me in getting to know fellow heads and giving me a sense of the collegiality and mutual support during a difficult time for schools everywhere that WISC provides. It is critically important for us to discuss educational issues from a Welsh perspective and to lobby on behalf of Welsh independent schools, which are relatively few in number compared to their English counterparts. WISC gives us a voice at national level and lobbies Welsh government on our behalf. At a time when there are so many challenges for independent schools in Wales and elsewhere in the UK, this has never been more important. By working collaboratively through WISC we are stronger individually and collectively.
Simon Dorman- Haberdashers Monmouth Schools
As an international, boarding school, our reach and scope is wide but we are firmly rooted in Wales and regard ourselves as champions of exceptional education in its capital city, Cardiff. For that reason, our membership of WISC is fundamental to our identity. We seek to contribute to the ongoing debate over the value of independent education in Wales while benefiting from the thoughtful dialogue and meaningful representation that WISC offers it members. Beyond the technical expertise, however, lies the friendship, support and collaboration of individual members which is equally invaluable.
This year’s Conference offered expert updates on changing guidance as well as an opportunity to network with outstanding school leaders from across Wales. That balance of technical expertise and collegiality is the hallmark of WISC’s excellent approach.
Tom Arrand- Cardiff Sixth Form College
Special
Although we are new to WISC we have found the support informative and helpful. We have attended events which have been very useful both for knowledge and networking.
Lisa Mellen- Birribi
Membership of WISC has helped debunk the notion that independent special schools are somehow in ‘competition’ and that collaboration is impossible. All pupils and colleagues in Wales benefit from the opportunities WISC membership facilitates through the annual conference, training events and the excellent relationship with Welsh Government and Estyn. Sharing best practice between skilful and dedicated professionals is integral to the WISC community and I can honestly say that WISC has been central to the success of my school.
Of all the conferences I attend during an academic year, WISC’s is the most impactful and the most enjoyable. The sessions are breeding grounds for school improvement and the development of strategic objectives. Spending time with colleagues across the independent sector is inspirational and the opportunities to develop impactful links with schools or indeed relevant organisations has huge value.
Paddy Prendegast- Bryn Tirion Hall School
WISC is an invaluable resource to Orbis Education, it gives educators access to training and peer working opportunities that strengthen practice and keep senior leaders up to date with changes and legislation. During these difficult times WISC and the community it has created provides educators with a support network and offers practical solutions to problems currently facing independent schools.
Danielle Coakley- ORBIS
The WISC conference is always well organised, informative, and fun. It covers a wide range of topics and gives all independent schools a platform to network and develop practice alongside other educators. The recent conference alongside ESTYN gave schools practical advice to ensure opportunities for all independent schools to succeed.
Danielle Coakley- ORBIS
Thank you for your support during my time as head, I will always be grateful that I discovered WISC in the early days of my headship, your guidance and advice has been invaluable.
Your dedication to the learners and staff within the independent sector is inspirational.
David Gregory
The WISC conferences are an excellent opportunity to network with colleagues, gain information on new developments in education and to hear the most recent updates from Estyn. The conferences are always well organised, in great settings with everyone receiving a hearty welcome from the WISC team. I particularly enjoy the guest speakers – always from a variety of backgrounds.
Fiona Davies- Bettws Life House
Others
The WISC annual conference is an important event and a highlight of the year, bringing heads from across Wales together for professional development, top level briefings and fellowship.
Julie Robinson- CE of ISC
