Education Conferences & Events | Schools North East

National Network of Special Schools (NNoSS) Conference 2027

Royal Station Hotel, Newcastle upon Tyne

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Thu 6 May 2027

09:00 - 16:00

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!

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Event Organiser

Event Costs

NNoSS Member£100 +VAT

Non-NNoSS Member£200 +VAT

NNoSS Commercial Partner£260 +VAT

Non School£310 +VAT

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Pauline Aitchison

Deputy Director, Schools North East & NNoSS Network Lead

Pauline joined Schools North East in July 2017 as Business Manager and was appointed Deputy Director in 2020. She also leads the National Network of Special Schools for School Business Professionals (NNoSS), a network representing 400 schools in the specialist sector across England.

Prior to joining Schools North East in 2017, Pauline was a School Business Manager and has more than 25 years experience of working in education. She has a wealth of knowledge with an in-depth understanding of the challenges faced by schools and is committed to making a difference to the learning chances of all pupils.

Pauline is also experienced in school governance having served on various governing bodies and is currently a trustee of a special school trust and a committee chair. She has an MBA in strategic leadership and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management.

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!