Annual Conference 2027
Royal Station Hotel, Newcastle upon Tyne
Thursday 6th May
One day. National expertise. Practical answers to the challenges facing specialist settings.
Working in a special or hospital school, or alternative provision, brings distinctive pressures and complexities and for School Business Professionals, the demands on your role continue to grow. Against a changing national landscape for SEND and specialist education, effective leadership of finance, HR, operations, estates and wider school business functions has never been more important.
The National Network of Special Schools (NNoSS) Annual Conference 2027 is the only national conference of its kind dedicated to School Business Professionals and senior leaders working across special and hospital schools, and alternative provision.
Bringing colleagues together from across England, the conference is a day to connect, upskill and share expertise with professionals who understand the realities of working in specialist settings.
Through inspiring keynote speakers, practical and interactive workshops, expert-led discussions and a focused exhibition, you’ll explore the latest policies, challenges, practices and solutions affecting specialist education and school business management, with ideas and insight you can take back to your setting immediately.
Join School Business Professionals from across England for the only national conference dedicated to the realities of working in specialist settings.
Secure your place today!
The National Network of Special Schools Conference is the only conference of its kind in the country, exclusively designed for School Business Professionals working in special and hospital schools, and alternative provision settings.
This conference brings together colleagues from across the country who are involved in the business management of specialist schools. It's an unparalleled opportunity to be inspired, share practice and network with peers.
The conference will feature a blend of keynote speeches and practical sessions, ensuring you stay informed about the latest policies, practices and procedures impacting your settings. This annual conference also offers a prime opportunity to network with fellow professionals and engage with leading provider organisations at our focused exhibition.
Why attend?
- Understand what’s changing – keep up with the policy and sector developments affecting specialist settings.
- Find practical solutions – learn from experts and fellow School Business Professionals tackling similar challenges.
- Build your network – connect with SBPs from other special schools, hospital schools and alternative provision across England.
- Develop professionally – strengthen your knowledge and bring new ideas back to your setting.
- Meet specialist providers – discover organisations and solutions relevant to the needs of specialist education.
You don’t have to navigate the challenges of specialist education alone. Join School Business Professionals from across the country to learn, connect and leave better equipped for what comes next.
Who should attend?
The conference is open to all School Business Professionals working in or with specialist settings, including:
- School Business Managers and Leaders
- Head Teachers
- CFOs and Finance Leaders
- COOs and Operations Leaders
- HR Professionals
- Business Development Professionals
- Administration and Business Support Leaders
You do not need to be a NNoSS Member to attend, but discounted tickets are available to those who are. Want to join the NNoSS community? Learn more about becoming a member, here.
FAQs
Tyne Bridge Restoration – Travel Information
If you are planning to travel by car, please remember that the Tyne Bridge is currently undergoing major restoration works and is down to one lane each way.
We recommend avoiding the Tyne Bridge as there are expected delays of up to 40 minutes at peak travel times. Heavy congestion is expected on the Quayside route, Swing Bridge and routes to and from Redheugh Bridge and all approaches to the Tyne Bridge from both Newcastle and Gateshead sides.
Public transport is strongly advised when travelling to and from Newcastle city centre and Gateshead town centre, whether or not you now drive over the Tyne. For those who can’t use public transport, other river crossings that drivers could use include the A19, with the Tyne Tunnel connecting North Shields and Jarrow. Further west, motorists could cross the Tyne via the A1 on Blaydon Bridge or Scotswood Bridge, which connects the A694 and A695.
Whichever route you decide to use, we advise planning ahead, allow more time for your journeys, and expect delays.
More information about parking, public transport & journey here!
Major Roadworks Newcastle City Centre – Travel Advisory
Please be aware that major roadworks will affect the A167(M) Central Motorway in Newcastle from mid-August 2025 for approximately 18 months. This includes daytime lane reductions and overnight full closures between the Great North Road and New Bridge Street roundabout, due to urgent viaduct repairs. These works may impact journey times for delegates travelling by car. We recommend checking live traffic updates and considering alternative routes or public transport where possible.
Public Transport
If travelling by train, Central station is just next door - 1 minute walk away.
Accommodation
We have confirmed a reduced bedroom rate for anyone wishing to stay at the venue the night before the event. The cost of this is £112 bed & breakfast for a single occupancy room.
Further information on how to book your room will be shared with you in your booking confirmation.
Parking
There are 20 parking spaces available on site at the hotel, which are offered on a first come, first served basis.
Additional parking is available at the train station car park, located behind the hotel. A parking ticket can be purchased at the car park on arrival. Please note that this car park is separate from and not affiliated with the Royal Station Hotel, so any parking arrangements or charges are managed independently.
If you require any further recommendation with parking, please don’t hesitate to contact our Events Team at events@schoolsnortheast.com.
Arrival
Please register your arrival at the NNoSS registration desk.
Name badges are arranged alphabetically by last name—find yours, grab a drink, explore the exhibition, and take a seat!
TESTIMONIALS
For more SNE events, visit Schools North East