Welcome back to the second inaugural Conference of PADSIS UAE. After a sellout conferences last year in Dubai and the UK , PADSIS is delighted to be coming back to Dubai In association with DASSA.
This is a specialist event for the leaders of sport in Gulf schools. Its purpose is to enable Directors of Sport, Aspiring Directors of Sport and Heads of PE to stay abreast of current developments and initiatives within the shifting landscape of school sport.
Much is changing, especially in the Gulf and schools have to manage competing demand for competitive success and wider engagement. This is impacting upon the role of the heads of sports – whatever their job title - whose priorities have shifted to leadership, culture building and quality control. This demands new approaches and a changed skill set. The Conference will address the environment of contemporary school sport, and consider the issues currently facing its leaders. The aim is to educate and develop both the programmes and the people responsible for them.
Meeting the requirements and aspirations of curriculum change, demands a wide understanding of sector challenges, and a clear vision of what is best for each individual school. Leading a diverse range of staff from different backgrounds requires inspiring leadership and efficient management. The Conference content seeks to address both of these.
There will also be an opportunity to network with like-minded professionals within the convivial environment of Dubai College.
Neil Rollings was Director of Sport in four independent schools, over a 21-year career. He now works with schools in UK and overseas, developing sports programmes and appointing Directors of Sport. He is a member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on a Fit and Healthy Childhood, was Chairman of the Professional Association of Directors of Sport in Independent Schools, and is Course Director of the University of Buckingham MA programme in Leading School Sport.
Olympian
Cath Bishop is a triple Olympian rower, who won a silver medal in the 2004 Games. She went on to be a diplomat, specialising in conflict resolution, including negotiating peace in Bosnia. She currently works with Judge Business School at the University of Cambridge, and other organisations on leadership, cultural change and building high performing teams. She is the author of The Long Win.
CEO, AfPE
Kate is the CEO of The Association for Physical Education. This is the body which is the official government adviser on PE in schools, and is heavily involved in current discussions on the future of the subject at Key Stage 2 and below. She was previously Head of Physical Education and Achievement at the Youth Sport Trust.
SOCS
James is the founder of SOCS, and currently its Sales Director. This system is used by a majority of schools, for managing all aspects of school sport. This includes logistics, parental communications and match day travel arrangements. He is responsible for liaising with schools to train staff to make best use of the software, and to identify new developments which might enhance the service.
8.00AM
Conference assembles
8.30AM
Addressing Contemporary School Sport Issues
with Neil Rollings, PADSIS
9.00AM
The Long Win: Redefining Lasting Success in School Sport
with Dr Cath Bishop, Olympian and author
10.00AM
Refreshment break
10.15AM
The Next Curriculum: A New Direction for Physical Education
with Kate Thornton-Bousfield, CEO, Association for Physical Education
11.00AM
Discussion Forum: Issues in UAE Sport
12.00PM
Lunch
12.45PM
Seminar Session One
1.30PM
Seminar Session Two
2.20PM
“In it to win it” Draw
with Ed Mosley, Dubai College — sponsored by Twedex
2.30PM
Conference Disperses
PADSIS UAE Conference Dubai 2026
From £148.50
Friday 4th September 2026
Dubai College
with Neil Rollings
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