by Gwyneth Evans, ASCL NI President 2025 and Principal, Cookstown High School, Cookstown 

As this year’s President of the Association of School and College Leaders Northern Ireland (ASCL NI), I have the privilege of opening our annual conference in Belfast today. 

We will be looking at futures in education including advancements in teachers’ professional development, AI technology, and we will hear from one of the country’s top broadcasters on how she navigates the middle ground to ensure listeners have a fair and reflective view.

I will use the president’s address to call for renewed investment in the education system and greater support for teachers and school leaders. It is clear that pressures on schools will continue to intensify unless action is taken to ensure the long-term sustainability of the system. The current pace of change risks becoming increasingly unsustainable for leaders already managing significant and competing demands.

Education Minister Paul Givan will be among several senior figures from across the education sector in attendance at the event, held at the Crowne Plaza hotel. As part of this year’s conference theme, Futures in Leadership, we are inviting school leaders to look beyond immediate challenges and consider the long-term direction of education in Northern Ireland. 

Leading schools, shaping young lives
I will be reflecting on the profound privilege of leading schools and shaping young lives, while also acknowledging the strain placed on those in senior roles. Leadership in education will always be about shaping futures and supporting communities. However, the responsibilities we carry will continue to grow, and leaders will need the right support to sustain this vital work.

The investment from the TransformEd programme is a positive and practical sign of support for the profession, which will strengthen teacher development through collaboration. Likewise, the new teacher bursary schemes will help attract new entrants into the profession.

Honest conversation
We need an honest national conversation about what society expects schools to deliver in partnership. Schools continue to shoulder many of the challenges associated with mental health and poverty, but these responsibilities need clear definitions and proper resourcing if they are to be sustainable.

Financial pressures remain a central concern. Schools are continuing to operate under significant financial strain. However, we look forward to robust debate to enable all sectors of influence to understand how the situation can improve.  

It’s important that school and college leaders remain forward focused as they navigate the changing landscape, as the need for agile, courageous, and collaborative leadership is only going to increase. As I look forward, my final message to those gathered in Belfast will be: “Whatever the challenges ahead, a positive path forward will be possible, and we will shape it together.”