Seminar Programme ICEF Secondary Education

This introductory session is a perfect fit both for first timers wishing to learn more about forming partnerships; and for regular event attendees, who can share their valuable experience in the field. It provides practical tips and strategies for making the most out of any ICEF event, and ICEF Secondary Education in particular. 

The international education sector is built on close relationships, and is at its best when professionals are able to share best practice and learn from one another. This session represents a unique opportunity for attendees to pool their knowledge in a supportive environment, ensuring a more productive event experience for all. 

Topic areas include: 

• Making the most of your time during the event
• Developing effective post-event follow-up strategies and agent contracts
• Building a mutually beneficial relationship with providers and agents 
• Tips for breaking the ice in meetings  

A key policy of the Labour government elected in 2024, the imposition of VAT on public school tuition fees has affected not just domestic students but also international students, with schools scrambling to lower fees and increase bursaries in order to offset the increased costs. Nevertheless, the impact has been substantial, with the May 2025 annual census showing approximately 13,000 students, both domestic and international, to have left public schools in the last twelve months - well above government estimates. 

This panel discussion offers a wealth of insights into the impact of VAT on independent school fees in the UK, identifying the steps that schools have taken to counter the issue and considering what else might be done. With reference to the latest enrolment data, which is already showing a small but significant decline in international students, the session will identify potential competition for the UK independent school sector, and detail the likely impact as schools adjust, looking at both the financial implications and the ability of affected schools to offer the same high-quality education in the coming years. 

With an age range from 5 - 18 years old, the secondary sector caters to international students who are almost certainly away from their home and family for the first time and who are uniquely vulnerable. As a result, a number of countries have introduced stringent codes of practice, requiring the schools who recruit within this age range to adhere to the very highest standards in terms of ethics, transparency, and rigour - both through the recruitment process and across their programme delivery. 

In this panel discussion, we look at what safeguarding means in the context of secondary education; we detail some of the codes of practice that have been introduced; and we provide an overview of how safeguarding may be embedded into the recruitment process to ensure that the sector continues to offer a safe, sustainable experience for international students. 

Join Jonathan Hill (Senior Manager) from Fragomen LLP who will explore the latest UK immigration system and the evolving requirements in relation to UK visas & compliance. This session will demystify the latest UK immigration system and explain what’s involved in obtaining a Child Student / Student visa for study in the UK along with key information needed to stay compliant with visa requirements upon a student’s arrival in the UK. With over 20 years of UK immigration experience Jonathan will use his immigration knowledge and sector-wide engagement, to provide clear guidance to help ensure that your student(s) UK immigration journey is smooth and seamless.

Born between 2010 and 2024, Gen Alpha are widely considered to be the first generation to have been born entirely within the 21st century. Unlike previous generations, Gen Alpha’s exposure to digital technology started early and has been sustained throughout their lives, with schools and universities still coming to terms with their needs. 

In this panel discussion, we look at how early access to digital technology has shaped the interests, preferences and learning approach of Gen Alpha. With a focus on the student journey, we start by looking into the marketing approaches that are most likely to appeal to the ambitions of Gen Alpha. We then consider the adjustments that have already been made in the classroom to meet their needs, and what still needs to happen if institutions at all study levels are to remain engaging and effective in preparing students for the world of work. 

As distinct from a panel session or keynote, the roundtables provide a space for a less-structured discussion but with guidance from an informed specialist. To provide that guidance, each table is led by a host whose role is to moderate and animate the discussion around the topic at hand.

- There will be two sittings of all tables, each lasting 25 minutes. The first begins at 18:00; the second at 18:30.

Roundtables' topics:

1. How can we best prepare secondary students for further study? - Bethan Hudson
2. Differentiating your message: How can we tailor our social media channels to reach both students and their parents?
3. Recruiting international students to the USA: Overcoming obstacles and maintaining consistent partnerships in a time of change - Katy Nicketakis
4. How can we maximise recruitment opportunities in the K-12 in Canada? - Bonnie McKie
5. Destination Europe: Exploring emerging destinations across the continent - Sofia Branca
6. Focus on Oceania: Opportunities and challenges recruiting international students to Australia and New Zealand - Myriam Marchand