➡ Where: Online (Zoom)
➡ Date: Tuesday 21st April 2026
➡ Time: 12.30pm – 2.00pm (UK time)
We invite you to join us for the next event from the Organisational Reform Research Interest Group, entitled, ‘Privatisation in Educational Settings. Leaders and Organisational Reform’.
This event will play host to two presentations on the topic of Education Leadership and Organisational Reform:
Dr Mark Innes, Dr Louisa Dawes and Dr Elizabeth Gregory, University of Manchester
“In this presentation we problematise the privatisation of teacher development in England, resulting in organisational reform, and its impact. Drawing on our recently published article in the British Educational Research Journal titled, ‘Re-thinking teachers’ professional development: An analysis of National Professional Qualifications for school leaders in England’, we consider how the privatisation of leadership development has driven organisational changes in the sector. Using a framework devised by our colleague, Professor Linda Evans, we then explore the idea that the result has been leadership development for teachers which prioritises behavioural compliance over genuine growth, and discuss what we see as a ‘better way’ forwards.”
Dr Abdishakur Tarah, Nottingham Trent University
“This research examines how headteachers’ roles in low cost private schools (LCPS) differ from those in public schools, shaping the skills and leadership qualities each sector prioritises. Drawing on experiences from Somalia, I explore how LCPS headteachers work within greater organisational flexibility, tighter resource constraints, and heightened parental accountability. These conditions influence governance, financial management, and staffing, requiring leaders to balance educational outcomes with financial sustainability. Consequently, school owners often favour headteachers with strong business management skills over those with traditional educational career backgrounds.”
We hope you can join us.
Please note, this event is free to BELMAS members and £5.00 for non-members. To ensure you receive your free ticket, please log in on the BELMAS website before booking.
If you pay the non-member fee to attend and then become a BELMAS Member within a month of the event taking place, please let us know and we will refund the £5 fee.
Registration will close at midnight (UK) on Sunday 19th April 2026.
Abdishakur Tarah
Nottingham Institute of Education, Nottingham Trent University
Mark Innes
Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester
Louisa Dawes
Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester
Elizabeth Gregory
Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester
Joining instructions will be sent out the day before the event, so please keep an eye on your inbox for these. We look forward to seeing you at the event!
We record our online events for sharing purposes on the BELMAS website and YouTube page. Please tick this box in your registration to acknowledge you are happy for us to record.
The Organisational Reform Research Interest Group (RIG) hosted a seminar on Tuesday 21st April 2026 entitled, ‘Privatisation in Educational Settings. Leaders and Organisational Reform’.
During the event, we heard two presentations on the topic of Education Leadership and Organisational Reform:
Dr Mark Innes, Dr Louisa Dawes and Dr Elizabeth Gregory, University of Manchester
“In this presentation we problematise the privatisation of teacher development in England, resulting in organisational reform, and its impact. Drawing on our recently published article in the British Educational Research Journal titled, ‘Re-thinking teachers’ professional development: An analysis of National Professional Qualifications for school leaders in England’, we consider how the privatisation of leadership development has driven organisational changes in the sector. Using a framework devised by our colleague, Professor Linda Evans, we then explore the idea that the result has been leadership development for teachers which prioritises behavioural compliance over genuine growth, and discuss what we see as a ‘better way’ forwards.”
Dr Abdishakur Tarah, Nottingham Trent University
“This research examines how headteachers’ roles in low cost private schools (LCPS) differ from those in public schools, shaping the skills and leadership qualities each sector prioritises. Drawing on experiences from Somalia, I explore how LCPS headteachers work within greater organisational flexibility, tighter resource constraints, and heightened parental accountability. These conditions influence governance, financial management, and staffing, requiring leaders to balance educational outcomes with financial sustainability. Consequently, school owners often favour headteachers with strong business management skills over those with traditional educational career backgrounds.”
If you missed this event or would like a recap, you can now watch it in full below.
Special thanks to our Organisational Reform RIG Co-Convenors for organising the event, to our speakers for their thought-provoking presentations, and to everyone who joined us. We will see you again at the next one.
Abdishakur Tarah
Nottingham Institute of Education, Nottingham Trent University
Mark Innes
Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester
Louisa Dawes
Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester
Elizabeth Gregory
Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester
