NON-ASSOCIATION INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS ALLIANCE
WHAT IS NAISA?
A new national partnership for English independent schools that do not belong to the associations of the Independent Schools Council.
NAISA brings independent schools together school leaders and professionals to share expertise, develop confidence, and build sustainable approaches to quality, compliance, and improvement.
NAISA is not:
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A regulator
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An inspection body
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A trade union
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A consultancy offering one-size-fits-all solutions
WHO IS NAISA FOR?
NAISA is for:
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New and established non-association independent schools and groups of schools
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Leaders seeking thoughtful, peer-led improvement and support including:
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Proprietors
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Headteachers
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Senior Leaders
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Governors
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Trustees
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WHY NAISA? WHY NOW?
Independent schools often work in isolation, navigating complex expectations with limited opportunities for open professional dialogue.
Support can feel fragmented, reactive, or inspection-driven.
NAISA exists to create a trusted space where schools can:
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Learn from one another
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Share challenges honestly
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Build confidence through collaboration
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Strengthen practice beyond inspection cycles
WHO IS LEADING NAISA?
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Michelle Baker
NPQEL
Founder and Company Director
Independent schools often work in isolation, navigating complex expectations with limited opportunities for open professional dialogue.
Support can feel fragmented, reactive, or inspection-driven.
NAISA exists to create a trusted space where schools can:
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Learn from one another
-
Share challenges honestly
-
Build confidence through collaboration
-
Strengthen practice beyond inspection cycles
Ellen Mukwewa
FCCT FSET MEd
Founder and Company Director
Ellen is an experienced independent school leader and consultant with extensive knowledge of the non-association independent school sector. She has supported a wide range of schools with quality assurance, regulatory compliance, inspection readiness, and sustainable school improvement.
Ellen brings particular expertise in translating inspection frameworks and regulatory requirements into practical, proportionate approaches that support real improvement. She is committed to peer-led collaboration and creating professional spaces where school leaders can reflect openly, build confidence, and strengthen practice beyond inspection cycles.
Loves a cream tea (fruit scone).
MEMBERSHIP
NAISA membership will offer schools:
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Professional Networks & Peer Support
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Representation & Policy Voice
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Compliance, Inspection & Registration Support
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Information & Insight
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Visibility & Credibility
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Events & Early Learning Opportunities
Membership will be launched at a national conference in April 2026!
NAISA will be launched at a national conference in April 2026.
THE INAUGURAL CONFERENCE - APRIL 13 APRIL 2026
NAISA will launch at a national conference in April, bringing together school leaders, sector professionals, and partners.
The conference will include:
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Keynote contributions
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Practical workshops
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Opportunities for discussion and networking
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Time to explore the future direction of NAISA
Venue: Central Birmingham UK (to be confirmed)
FEATURED WORKSHOP
Melanie Callaghan
Head Teacher
Regional Director at Outcomes First Group
Ofsted Inspector since 2014
Independent schools often work in isolation, navigating complex expectations with limited opportunities for open professional dialogue.
Support can feel fragmented, reactive, or inspection-driven.
NAISA exists to create a trusted space where schools can:
-
Learn from one another
-
Share challenges honestly
-
Build confidence through collaboration
-
Strengthen practice beyond inspection cycles
OUR KEYNOTE SPEAKER
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Independent schools often work in isolation, navigating complex expectations with limited opportunities for open professional dialogue.
Support can feel fragmented, reactive, or inspection-driven.
NAISA exists to create a trusted space where schools can:
-
Learn from one another
-
Share challenges honestly
-
Build confidence through collaboration
-
Strengthen practice beyond inspection cycles
EXHIBITORS AND SPONSORS
The conference will bring together decision-makers from independent schools across the sector.
Exhibiting or sponsoring offers opportunities to:
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Engage directly with school leaders
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Build meaningful professional relationships
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Support collaborative sector development
Download the brochure below to find out more!
Express your interest in becoming a sponsor or exhibitor below!