St Benedict's Hosts Women in Leadership Conference
Inaugural event timed to coincide with International Women's Week
Top left: Nadia Nagamootoo, Founder and CEO of Avenir,
Top right: Fiona Allen, Deputy Head Academic at St Benedict’s School.
Bottom left: Katie Tomlinson, Founder of The Mentorship Hub and Co‑Founder of WISE.
Bottom right: Pavita Cooper, Campaigner, Speaker and Chair of The 30% Club UK
February 11, 2026
St Benedict’s School in Ealing will host its first Women in Leadership Conference on Friday 13 March, bringing together educators, professionals and aspiring leaders for a day of reflection, strategy and inspiration. Timed to coincide with International Women’s Week, the event marks a significant milestone in the school’s commitment to inclusive, values-led leadership.
The conference, titled “Breaking Through: Advancing Gender Equality in Leadership,” is designed for women preparing for leadership roles, current middle and senior leaders, and anyone with the ambition to step forward and lead. It will take place on the school’s campus and is open to professionals of all genders and industries who share a commitment to empowering women and advancing gender equality, with a particular focus on education.
Through keynote talks, practical workshops and networking opportunities, attendees will explore how to strengthen and sustain the pipeline of female leaders. The programme will offer strategies to overcome bias and imposter syndrome, build leadership identity and confidence, and develop tools for influencing and negotiating in professional settings.
Fiona Allen, Deputy Head (Academic) at St Benedict’s School, said the event reflects the school’s belief in thoughtful, inclusive leadership. “Our Spring Conference brings together voices from across sectors to share practical ideas, challenge thinking and support women to step forward and thrive as leaders. Timed to coincide with International Women’s Week, it’s an opportunity to reflect, connect and leave with real strategies to make lasting change.”
The conference will feature a distinguished line-up of speakers. Nadia Nagamootoo, Founder and CEO of Avenir and author of Beyond Discomfort, will deliver a keynote on “The Leadership Imperative: Why the World Needs More Women Leaders.” She will be joined by Katie Tomlinson, Head of Primary at the British School Manila and Co-Founder of WISE (Women in International School Empowerment), who will speak on “The Power of Sponsorship and Strategic Networking.” Pavita Cooper, campaigner, speaker and Chair of the 30% Club UK, will also present, drawing on her experience raising awareness of female CEOs and driving change in corporate leadership.
The event will include workshops focused on leadership identity, self-awareness, and action planning, with opportunities for cross-sector networking and collaboration. Organisers say the conference is designed to leave participants with practical tools they can implement immediately in their own organisations.
St Benedict’s School is a leading independent co-educational school for children aged 3–18. The Women in Leadership Conference is part of its wider commitment to fostering leadership, diversity and inclusion across all areas of school life.
Tickets and further information are available at www.trybooking.com/uk/FSND.
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