Join us at the Independent Schools Show (ISS) Autumn 2026 on 14 November at RHS Lindley Hall, London, to explore leading independent schools and gain insights from education experts.
Dates
14 Nov 2026
City / country
London, United Kingdom
Venue
RHS Lindley Hall
Event overview
The Independent Schools Show (ISS) Autumn 2026 is set for 14 November at RHS Lindley Hall in London.
This premier event brings together over 70 leading independent schools and trusted education specialists, providing parents with the opportunity to explore educational options, ask questions, and make informed decisions about their child's education.
Attendees can meet admissions teams, discover different approaches to education, and attend expert talks throughout the day.
TL;DR
Attending the ISS Autumn 2026 offers parents a unique chance to meet with leading independent schools and gain insights into the admissions process. With expert talks and a variety of schools represented, visitors can gather valuable information to help make informed decisions about their child's education. Parents will have the opportunity to ask questions directly to school representatives, ensuring they leave with clarity and confidence regarding their educational.
Exhibiting at the ISS Autumn 2026 provides schools with direct access to a targeted audience of parents actively seeking independent education options. This event allows schools to showcase their unique offerings, engage with prospective families, and build relationships that can lead to increased enrollment. Participating in the show enhances visibility and credibility within the education sector, making it an invaluable opportunity for schools to connect with families.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
London, United Kingdom
RHS Lindley Hall in London typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: RHS Lindley Hall in London typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at RHS Lindley Hall for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Who runs the show
Next Step Exhibitions
What's on
1
Seminar
1
Event days
09:15–15:30
Typical time
Saturday, Nov 14, 2026
RHS Lindley Hall, Elverton Street, London SW1P 2QW To support families in navigating key entry points, the show features two theatres with talks tailored to parents ...
How the last edition performed
Last edition
2025
Next edition
Not announced yet
Edition recap
Impact
The most recent completed edition was the 2025 Independent Schools Show Autumn event at RHS Lindley Hall, London. The official show site describes the Independent Schools Show as the world's largest school open day, connecting families with UK independent schools. Post-show news and exhibitor updates are published on the show's blog.
Exhibitor outcomes
The most recent completed edition was the 2025 Independent Schools Show Autumn event at RHS Lindley Hall, London. The official show site describes the Independent Schools Show as the world's largest school open day, connecting families with UK independent schools. Post-show news and exhibitor updates are published on the show's blog.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
Attending the ISS Autumn 2026 offers parents a unique chance to meet with leading independent schools and gain insights into the admissions process. With expert talks and a variety of schools represented, visitors can gather valuable information to help make informed decisions about their child's education.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Latest updates from across the market.
UK Education News | Latest Education News From The United Kingdom
ReadHand curated daily education news from 250+ sources - EdCentral
ReadEducation + UK news - The Guardian
ReadSchools Week | Education news, policy & school leadership insight
ReadEducation Industry - CIO - United Kingdom
ReadThe Assignment Report, insight into the UK Education Industry
ReadPlan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Heathrow is the largest long-haul gateway for London. Use Heathrow Express to Paddington or the Piccadilly line to Green Park and change to the Victoria line for Victoria. Confirm live traffic and fares
Approx. 15 miles / 24 km
to venue
Approx. 45-60 min
by car
London Gatwick
London Gatwick (LGW) is the main commercial gateway serving London; allow Approx. 60-90 min by road or rail to RHS Lindley Hall
Approx. 30 miles / 48 km
to venue
Approx. 60-90 min
by car
London Stansted
London Stansted (STN) is the main commercial gateway serving London; allow Approx. 75-90 min by road or rail to RHS Lindley Hall
Approx. 40 miles / 64 km
to venue
Approx. 75-90 min
by car
London Luton
London Luton (LTN) is the main commercial gateway serving London; allow Approx. 75-90 min by road or rail to RHS Lindley Hall
Approx. 35 miles / 56 km
to venue
Approx. 75-90 min
by car
London City
London City is the closest airport to Westminster for many European arrivals. DLR to Bank plus District/Circle line takes about 35-45 min; a taxi is usually 30-45 min. Confirm live routes
Approx. 9 miles / 14 km
to venue
Approx. 30-45 min
by car
London Southend
London Southend (SEN) is the main commercial gateway serving London; allow Approx. 75-90 min by road or rail to RHS Lindley Hall
Approx. 40 miles / 64 km
to venue
Approx. 75-90 min
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
The Wellington Hotel London (FKA The Rochester)
Four-star option in Victoria/Westminster about 120 m from the hall; breakfast, free Wi-Fi, fitness centre, bar, restaurant and room service; parking at a charge.
hub by Premier Inn London Westminster Abbey
Compact mid-market rooms about 610 m from the hall; breakfast charged separately, free Wi-Fi, bar and restaurant; good for a short walk to the venue.
Holiday Inn Express London - Victoria by IHG
Reliable chain hotel in Victoria; breakfast may be included depending on rate; confirm cancellation terms and the exact walk to Elverton Street.
Oban Victoria Hotel
Basic, close-in Victoria option about 710 m from the hall; free Wi-Fi, smoke-free property; listed with a discount versus its usual rate.
a&o London Docklands Riverside
Good-value four-star in Docklands; breakfast at a charge, parking at a charge, air conditioning, bar, restaurant and airport shuttle; add 30-40 min by DLR/Tube to Westminster.
Smart Hyde Park View
Three-star near Hyde Park; breakfast at a charge, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, bar and restaurant; take the Tube to Victoria or Westminster.
ibis budget London Barking
Lowest nightly band in this set; breakfast and parking at a charge; add 30-40 min by Tube to Westminster and check weekend engineering works.
London Kensington Holland Park
Four-star Kensington option with good access to the District and Circle lines; confirm the exact property name and rate for 14-15 November 2026.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
rail
Heathrow Express runs non-stop to Paddington in about 15 min, then continue by taxi or Tube to Westminster.
tube
Piccadilly line to Green Park then Victoria line to Victoria, or Piccadilly to South Kensington then Circle/District; allow 50-60 min.
rail
Gatwick Express is the fastest train option to Victoria, about 30-35 min.
rail
Slower than Gatwick Express but cheaper; journey time about 35-50 min.
rail
Stansted Express takes about 50 min; continue by Circle/District line or taxi to Westminster.
rail
Use the Luton DART shuttle to Luton Airport Parkway, then Thameslink to St Pancras; allow 60-75 min total.
rail
DLR to Bank then District/Circle line to Westminster; allow 35-45 min.
rail
c2c train to Fenchurch Street then Circle/District line to Westminster; allow 60-75 min.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
Weather
London in November is cool and often grey, with typical daytime highs of 10-12 C, night lows of 5-7 C and a good chance of showers. Daylight fades by late afternoon. Pack a waterproof outer layer and umbrella for the short walks between Victoria, St James's Park or Westminster stations and RHS Lindley Hall. Confirm the forecast close to 14 November 2026, as monthly outlooks are indicative only.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
UK prepaid SIM and eSIM plans are available from EE, O2, Vodafone and Three; Heathrow and Gatwick have airport shops, and eSIMs can be activated before travel. Public Wi-Fi is common in hotels and cafes; visitor Wi-Fi inside RHS Lindley Hall is not confirmed, so carry a mobile data plan. EU roaming rules do not automatically apply to UK visitors; check your home operator's terms.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business dress
Smart casual is fine for most parent meetings; school admissions staff usually wear business attire for parent-facing conversations.
Queuing and personal space
Londoners queue for transport and events; stand in line and let passengers off the Tube before boarding, especially at Victoria and Westminster.
Payments and tipping
Card and contactless are standard, including on buses and the Tube; a service charge is often added to restaurant bills, so check before adding a tip.
School fair etiquette
Ask permission before photographing school stands or children; keep conversations concise during busy periods and collect prospectuses in a bag.
Arrival timing
Arrive early on day one for badge collection and walk the school stands before the talks programme peaks.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: LHR
For the shortest transfer, book into London City (LCY) or Heathrow (LHR); Gatwick (LGW) is a good alternative with direct trains to Victoria. Compare arrival times against the show's 09:15 start on 14 November 2026 and allow at least 90 min from landing to the hall. Book 6-10 weeks ahead and check baggage terms.
Attendance at a UK trade fair may be permitted under the Standard Visitor route for business visitors; eligibility depends on nationality and purpose, so verify on GOV.UK before booking travel.
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
GOV.UK's business trip page and the Standard Visitor guidance are the primary sources; visa application centres are operated through VFS Global. Processing times and fees are not stated in the captured pages, so confirm current figures on GOV.UK.
OfficialGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: London Heathrow (LHR): Approx. 45-60 min; London Gatwick (LGW): Approx. 60-90 min; London Stansted (STN): Approx. 75-90 min; London Luton (LTN): Approx. 75-90 min. Allow road or rail time to RHS Lindley Hall; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near RHS Lindley Hall: Victoria / Westminster: The Wellington Hotel London (FKA The Rochester); Westminster: hub by Premier Inn London Westminster Abbey; Victoria: Holiday Inn Express London - Victoria by IHG.
Ride-hail: Uber, Bolt and FreeNow operate in London alongside black cabs; use the app for a fixed quote before booking. Expect congestion and low-emission zone charges on some routes, which may be added to the fare. For RHS Lindley Hall, set the drop-off to Elverton Street or Victoria and walk the last few minutes.
Public transit: Nearest Tube stations to RHS Lindley Hall are Victoria (Victoria, Circle and District lines), St James's Park (Circle and District), Westminster (Jubilee, Circle and District) and Pimlico (Victoria). Contactless or Oyster is standard and fares are capped daily. Use TfL's journey planner for live routes and check step-free access and weekend engineering works before travelling.
Parking: RHS Lindley Hall sits in central Westminster with very limited on-street parking. Use nearby commercial car parks or travel by Tube and rail. Confirm any venue parking arrangement and daily rates directly with the Royal Horticultural Halls before driving.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: November 2026
Temperature: Typically 6-12 C, with daytime highs around 10-12 C and night lows around 5-7 C; confirm the forecast before travel.
Seasonality: November is often grey and wet in London, with short daylight hours and a higher chance of showers; carry rain protection for walks between stations and the hall.
Packing: Pack a waterproof coat, umbrella, warm layers and comfortable shoes. Indoor halls are heated, so wear layers you can remove; bring a small bag for prospectuses and school brochures.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Independent Schools Show (ISS) Autumn 2026 usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
Register for the Independent Schools Show 2026 and open the talks programme page on schoolsshow.co.uk — The organiser publishes a talks programme for the November show; use it to shortlist sessions before booking travel.
Build a shortlist of schools from the official exhibitor directory — The directory filters by boarding/day, gender, setting and distance from London, which helps narrow the 39 boarding and 53 day-school listings.
Note entrance assessment and registration deadlines for 2027 entry — Ask each shortlisted school about test dates, registration cut-offs and required reports before the show weekend.
Check whether your nationality needs a UK Standard Visitor visa and apply if required — Use GOV.UK's Standard Visitor business guidance; visa nationals should allow time for biometrics and processing.
Book Westminster or Victoria accommodation — The Wellington Hotel London is about 120 m from the hall; hub by Premier Inn London Westminster Abbey is about 610 m; Oban Victoria Hotel is about 710 m.
Book flights into Heathrow, Gatwick, London City or another London gateway — Heathrow and London City give the shortest transfers to Westminster; Gatwick has direct trains to Victoria.
Plan the airport-to-venue leg and buy contactless or Oyster arrangements — Use TfL plan-a-journey and the Heathrow journey planner for live routes, fares and weekend engineering works.
Download the TfL app or save the TfL journey planner to your phone — The nearest Tube stations to RHS Lindley Hall are Victoria, St James's Park, Westminster and Pimlico.
Prepare questions for school admissions staff and gather your child's school reports — Bring current reports and any assessment dates if you plan to discuss entry for 2027.
Confirm talk session times and theatre locations on the schedule page — The show uses two theatres with parent-focused talks; check the schedule for the 14 November 2026 programme.
Pack for cool, wet November weather in London — Waterproof layer, umbrella and comfortable shoes for walking from Westminster stations to RHS Lindley Hall.
Save tickets, venue address and a offline map before travelling — The venue is RHS Lindley Hall, Elverton Street, London SW1P 2QW; keep a screenshot in case mobile signal is patchy.
Registration and hall orientation at RHS Lindley Hall
Supplier meetings and product demos
Final negotiations and follow-up
Independent Schools Show (ISS) Autumn 2026 registration concourse
RHS Lindley Hall
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
RHS Lindley Hall
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Use this quick check to decide whether Independent Schools Show (ISS) Autumn 2026 fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For Independent Schools Show (ISS) Autumn 2026, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You are choosing a school for 2027 entry and want to meet admissions teams from 39 boarding and 53 day-school exhibitors in one hall.
Best for
Parents and guardians comparing UK independent boarding and day schools, plus international families relocating to the UK.
Timeline
2-4 weeks to shortlist schools and book Westminster accommodation.
Risks
The 2026 talks timetable should be checked before booking travel, as sessions are published on the organiser site rather than at registration.
exhibit
Your school or service wants direct parent conversations at a Westminster open-day format rather than a B2B education trade fair.
Best for
Independent schools, tutoring providers, education consultants and relocation or enrichment services targeting fee-paying families in London.
Timeline
2-3 months for stand booking, collateral and staff scheduling.
Risks
Stand pricing is published only in the organiser's prices and dates PDF, so confirm current costs directly.
skip
Your product is sold to school business managers rather than to families choosing a school.
Best for
Suppliers of school furniture, edtech hardware or curriculum software with no parent-facing admissions offer.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.
