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ESHA General Assembly in Rome
We are happy that many members have registered to the General Assembly in October in Rome. In this meeting we will have board elections, an important topic because the role and responsibilities of the board are the backbone of ESHA and the strategic policies. A new president will be elected, and three vacancies are to be filled.
There will be two parallel visionary workshops from the BRIDGES project. Here we will build upon the outcomes of the SYNAPSES project on sustainability citizenship. The Visionary Workshops are meant to engage stakeholders in sharing their insights on Sustainability Citizenship Education, focusing on its implementation and associated policies. It should reflect the views and needs of real-world users. Key topics to be discussed are the current state of Sustainability Citizenship Education, Policies regarding Sustainability Citizenship Education, Identifying Future Challenges in Sustainability Citizenship Education and Co-creating ideas for Effective Education Sustainability Citizenship Education. We will reflect on our Policy networks and activities, the EP Intergroup for the future of education and skills for a competitive Europe where ESHA is actively engaged in the coalition. Specifically, we will talk about the Educational Leaderships Network Europe (ELNE), where input of ESHA members on Collaborative Leadership of the previous General Assembly has been taken into account. We will explain about the main theme of ELNE and activities of the coming schoolyear. We will have time for networking and further development of the ESHA vision and values.
All members are welcome!
Co-operation with EP Intergroup
The future of education and skills for a competitive Europe
On the first of July 2025, ESHA director Petra van Haren had a talk with Victor Negrescu, the Vice President of the European Parliament and co-chair of the EP Intergroup on the Future of Education and Skills for a Competitive Europe.
ESHA has been one of the co-initiators and was a strongly supportive partner in achieving the collaboration that was necessary to have the EP Intergroup initiative carried by the educational field and of course by our ESHA members. Petra pointed out that school heads are a crucial factor in getting policy translated to practices in schools and that they are often a forgotten target group in plans, activities and fundings. She asked for clear leads and requests on how to support the Intergroup as a partner and a school heads professional organisation that has members in 28 European countries. Negrescu thanked her for the enthusiasm to support his work in this matter.
The conversation took place prior to the high level policy debate that was organised by the Life Long Learning Platform, LLLP as part of the activities around the 20 years Anniversary and the General Assembly on the 2nd of July. In this debate Vice President Negrescu and the European Commission’s Executive Vice-President Roxana Minzatu gave their vision in respective keynotes on the future of Life Long Learning and the Manifesto that was presented by LLLP in a draft version for further discussion. During the afternoon several high-level speakers and panellists added to the debate and participants were encouraged to take part in the discussions. Petra van Haren asked questions about the use of data and research on school leadership and stressed the importance of funding education to build upon in Life Long Learning. She mentioned the importance of appreciating practical (vocational) education and that attention for the metacognition of learning as well as experiencing that learning is fun are crucial for life. Overall, it became clear that preparedness for Life Long Learning and pathways to make this accessible for all citizens is crucial to be adaptive and responsive in our dynamic and fast changing society. Democratic values and moral values as well as well-being and an inclusive approach were identified as drivers behind the bigger perspectives.
eTwinning celebrates its 20th anniversary
eTwinning is the European Union’s flagship initiative for online school collaboration. It provides an online space for teachers and schools to work together and develop national and international projects in a safe online environment.
The European School Education Platform and eTwinning go mobile
The new European School Education Platform app helps you stay up to date with all the latest news, articles, events, courses and webinars. Real-time notifications will also make it easy to stay in touch with the eTwinning community.
Find further information on the website of the European School Education Platform. https://school-education.ec.europa.eu/en/discover/news/european-school-education-platform-and-etwinning-go-mobile
Nordic school leadership meeting in Copenhagen
ESHA was invited to the Nordic School Leadership meeting in Copenhagen. Petra van Haren presented the mission, roles and activities of ESHA and pointed out why it matters to be a member of ESHA. In the presence of representatives from Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden and Iceland she outlined how ESHA provides a collective voice for school leaders in Europe – advocating for supportive policies, professional development, and sustainable working conditions.
School leadership has a crucial role, so empowerment and support, positioning, facilitation and professionalisation are very much needed. Even though they can have such high impact school heads are an often-forgotten target group. Where possible, ESHA addresses leadership challenges such as:
Administrative burden
Shortage of staff AND school heads
Working conditions (what leaders need to realise quality education)
Digitalisation/AI-technologisation
Societal transitions (sustainability; diversity; geopolitics; socio economics) and impacts for education
Ethics and values.
Democracy and citizenship
Wellbeing
The collaboration and networking amongst members were valued as a great benefit of being part of ESHA. ESHA members often take part in international activities and studies around school leadership all over the world. ESHA is proud to share activities and accomplishments of her members. The coming Biennial in Rome will be a highlight in 2025.
Current projects where ESHA participates were mentioned such as the DRONE project, SuperCyberKids and EduAId around digitalisation and AI. SYNAPSES, CURIOSOIL and BRIDGES around sustainability and social transitions, Bio-Streams about fighting obesity and special attention was given to the European Leaderships Network (ELNE) where ESHA is one of the lead partners.
Through being a coalition partner in the European Parliament Intergroup on Future of Education and Skills and the participation of ESHA in European Commission dialogues, there is a direct connection to EU politics where the input of ESHA members is the basis for our policy recommendations.
SuperCyberKids Final Event
The results of the SuperCyberKids project will be presented and discussed in round tables on 28 October prior to the ESHA Biennial in Rome. In the morning program, Mr Villano Qiriazi, Head of the Education Department, Council of Europe will hold a keynote on digitalisation.
Villano Qiriazi is an experienced education policy leader with a long career at the Council of Europe, where he currently serves as Head of the Education Department. With a career spanning over two decades, he has been instrumental in shaping European education policies, advancing democratic citizenship, and developing human rights based digital transformation of education, as well as promoting ethics, transparency and academic integrity in higher education. Over the years, he has led major educational initiatives of the Council of Europe, represented the Organisation in high-level international fora (UNESCO, EU, OECD, BFUG), and managed strategic projects that have shaped European education systems in line with the Council of Europe’s values and principles.
ESHA will offer three new HEADstarts on this topic:
HEADstart 22 (Cyber)bullying
HEADstart 23 Cybersecurity in school
HEADstart 24 Cybersecurity Education in School
In the afternoon there will be offered a tailored 3 hours masterclass for participants around leading on Future Skills, and the relations with Cybersecurity. There will be created an immersive learning experience in a Pop-up Classroom – Presenters are Vicky Bacon, Angelo Dalessandri, Alberto Somaschini, and Philippa Wraithmell. All educators know that learning undergoes an exciting transformation. Equipped with the latest technology, the dynamic space where the masterclass takes place, offers a wide range of teaching and learning opportunities. There is the possibility to explore the many possibilities of iPad and Mac in schools and the classroom and discover how to bring an immersive and accessible learning environment to schools with attention for Cyber security and safe implementation.
The Pop-up Classroom is an initiative by R-Store/Rekordata, an Apple Authorized Education Specialist.
Towards a child-friendly GDPR
On 16th of July ESHA gave input on Children's Rights and GDPR in Education during the EC Implementation dialogue on the application of the General Data Protection Regulation.
The Commission is committed to making EU laws and policies simpler and to implement them better, as set out in the Communication “A simpler and faster Europe”. The dialogue with Michael McGrath, Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection took place in Brussels with a broad group of stakeholders from the public and private sector. The focus of ESHA was towards a child-friendly and workable application of GDPR in European Schools.
Four roundtable topics were discussed:
Further simplification/reduction of administrative burden
Increasing legal certainty, reducing fragmentation and further harmonisation enforcement.
Facilitating compliance with the GDPR
Clarifying the articulation with other digital legislation
The GDPR and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) impose extensive responsibilities on schools in handling students' personal data. This applies to both internal use and external collaborations, such as participating in research. School leaders find themselves in a complex position in this area: they are responsible for ensuring compliance with privacy rules, but also for the educational interests of children. At the same time, fragmented legislation and the lack of harmonization between Member States create administrative burdens, legal uncertainty, and practical confusion.
ESHA highlighted as our objectives:
Reduce the administrative burden for schools.
Increase legal certainty and uniformity within the EU.
Improve communication with children and parents.
Increase the effectiveness of GDPR compliance in schools.
Better align privacy legislation with other relevant laws.
Each Member State applies its own age limits for consent (13-16 years), which complicates European education policy (e.g., exchange programs). So, obligations regarding the provision of information and documentation lead to bureaucratic school life.
There is legal uncertainty and fragmentation, for example a lack of clarity about what exactly constitutes "legitimate interest" or "public interest." Also, Member States interpret the GDPR differently, leading to differences in compliance, interpretation, and oversight. There is a lack of alignment with digitalization legislation such as AI regulations or e-privacy directives. We face language and accessibility issues, e.g. parents and caregivers with low language skills or limited digital literacy often do not understand what they are consenting to. Children are insufficiently involved or do not fully understand their rights, partly due to complex legal language.
There are some practical issues regarding age and consent. Consent systems are often not tailored to the developmental age of children. Children are not always actively involved in decisions about their own data.
ESHA offered the following policy proposals answering the four Policy Dialogue Questions
Simplification and Standardization
Develop standardized and multilingual consent forms that are legally validated at the EU level.
Design clear formats for privacy statements aimed at children and parents with low language proficiency.
Encourage centralized procurement and audit systems for secure digital tools through education ministries or umbrella organizations.
Harmonization at the European Level
Advocate within the EU for a harmonized age limit for digital consent (e.g., 14 years) and support campaigns for this
Promote regulations instead of directives to prevent fragmentation.
Ensure that GDPR amendments are linked to future legislation such as the AI Act or Digital Services Act.
Support for School Leaders and DPOs
School leaders should have access to concrete tools for applying "legitimate interest".
Establish support networks where DPOs and school leaders can share expertise.
Offer mandatory basic training for all staff on GDPR and children's rights.
Strengthening the Role of Children
Develop child-friendly materials to inform them about their rights (UNCRC Articles 12, 13, and 16).
Ensure that children have a say in giving consent, even when parents give formal consent.
Place more emphasis on involving children in evaluations of research projects and media use at school.
Better coordination with other laws
Ensure coordination between the GDPR and laws on digital security, monitoring, AI use, and student tracking systems.
Make impact analyses mandatory when implementing new digital applications (such as proctoring software or biometrics).
We emphasised the responsibility of school leaders and topics where School leaders play a central role in
Applying the GDPR principles in daily practice.
Assessing research requests and ensuring ethical compliance.
Creating a privacy-friendly culture at school.
Ensuring that children know and can exercise their rights.
They are the gatekeepers of ethical and legal integrity and must be given sufficient authority and support to perform this task effectively.
A workable, child-friendly, and legally transparent application of the GDPR in schools requires political decisiveness, European cooperation, and local professionalization. By reducing administrative burdens, harmonizing legislation, and taking children seriously as rights holders, schools can function better as safe learning environments in a digital age and properly execute the GDPR.
To support school heads we are offering the following HEADstarts to work on the topic in your school:
HEADstart #20 The impact of GDPR and children’s data rights and
HEADstart #21 The impact of GDPR and the UNCRC on conducting research in schools: considerations for school principals
To download these HEADstarts, visit https://esha.org/academy/headstart
Join Us in Rome for the ESHA Biennial Conference 2025!
From 29–31 October 2025, the heart of Rome will become the gathering place for school leaders from across Europe and beyond. The ESHA Biennial Conference invites you to be part of a transformative three-day experience under the theme:
“Powerful Leadership in Changing Times: Cultivating Sustainable, Innovative and Healthy Learning Environments.”
The conference is co-hosted by ESHA and Italy’s ANP (Associazione Nazionale dirigenti pubblici e alte professionalità della scuola), one of Italy's leading associations for school heads giving the event an authentic valuable local context, while ESHA ensures a strong international flavour.
This isn’t just another conference – it’s an opportunity to explore how education can flourish in the face of today’s shifting societal, technological, and cultural landscapes.
Why This Conference Matters
Every two years, ESHA brings together principals, headteachers, administrators, policymakers, and educational visionaries to learn, connect, and inspire one another. In 2025, Rome will provide the perfect backdrop for tackling some of the most pressing issues in education today:
Sustainability & Responsibility – How schools can lead the way in preparing students for a more sustainable future.
Innovation & Growth – What it takes to foster a learning organization that thrives on creativity and continuous development.
Wellbeing for All – Strategies to prioritize mental, emotional, and physical health across school communities.
Diversity & Complexity – Embracing mobility, multiculturalism, and the complexities of today’s classrooms.
A World-Class Program
Expect more than lectures. ESHA Rome 2025 offers a dynamic blend of keynotes, workshops, and immersive experiences designed to spark both professional and personal growth:
Inspiring keynote sessions with international thought leaders.
Hands-on workshops on AI in education, citizenship, sustainability, cybersecurity, mobility, and more.
School visits and learning tours through Rome’s educational and cultural landscape.
Unforgettable cultural moments, from a glamorous gala evening to the charming Vacanze Romane dinner – and perhaps even the once-in-a-lifetime chance of “A Moment with the Pope.”
This unique mix ensures that every participant leaves with not only fresh insights but also unforgettable memories.
What You’ll Gain
By joining us in Rome, you will:
Grow professionally through exposure to cutting-edge leadership strategies.
Expand your network by connecting with peers and partners from across Europe.
Stay ahead of the curve on emerging trends like AI, wellbeing, and sustainability in education.
Enrich your perspective with cultural immersion, Italian hospitality, and shared experiences that go far beyond the lecture hall.
A Tradition of Collaboration
The ESHA Biennial Conference has a proud history of uniting school leaders. Past events in Dubrovnik (2023), Limassol (2022), Tallinn (2018), and Maastricht (2016) welcomed hundreds of participants who left energized, inspired, and connected. Rome 2025 is set to raise the bar even higher.
Why Rome? Why Now?
Rome isn’t just the host city – it’s a living classroom. Its history, culture, and vibrancy provide the perfect stage for reflection, dialogue, and innovation. Against this inspiring backdrop, you’ll join colleagues in shaping the future of education.
Don’t Miss Out
The ESHA Biennial Conference in Rome is more than an event – it’s a movement where sustainability meets innovation, wellbeing meets diversity, and leadership meets opportunity.
Mark your calendar now for 29–31 October 2025. Whether you’re eager to explore new leadership frameworks, forge international partnerships, or simply experience the magic of Rome while growing as a leader, this is the conference you won’t want to miss.
If you haven’t registered yet, use the link to register: www.esha2025rome.eu
We look forward to welcoming you to Rome.