Sally Apps

Deputy CEO, Cabot Learning Federation

Sally Apps is Deputy CEO of the Cabot Learning Federation - serving 18,000 students aged 2-19 in 36 mainstream, alternative provision and special schools in the South West. As education lead she holds responsibility for educational performance and school improvement. Sally has worked with the Department for Education in different capacities, from being a member of the Advisory Board to Education Lead in the South West SEND regional board. She co-chairs the education expert community for the Queen Street Group as well as supporting governance in other trusts. She was a Commissioner on the National Oracy Commission in 2024 and continues to hold a passion for developing oracy to enable better outcomes for all learners, particularly those experiencing disadvantage. She is a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching and contributes to a range of professional networks and communities for school improvement, including that of the Confederation of School Trusts.

11:20

1 Main programme

Keynote: Maintaining constructive industrial relations

Join Leora and a panel of sector voices to explore patterns and trends in industrial action, and maintaining constructive relationships.

16:10

1 13 July

Leading with presence and purpose

In this session, Maggie, Sally, and Leora will explore how effective leadership begins with how we relate to ourselves. Grounded in awareness, kindness, curiosity, care, and ethics, this approach positions self-understanding as the foundation for leading others with authenticity and humanity. Particularly relevant to education, the session will examine how these principles shape compassionate, values-driven leadership in schools. Participants will reflect on their own practice and consider how nurturing inner awareness can strengthen relationships, decision-making, and organisational culture.