Tom's Travels

Where in the World Is IBSC Executive Director Tom Batty?

Each year Tom travels the globe visiting IBSC member schools on nearly every continent. We learn so much from each other. Please see the list of locations Tom has visited so far this year and check back frequently for updates from our frequent flier.

Find past trips in the years listed in the left navigation.

Please contact us at IBSC@theibsc.org if you have a good idea for Tom's next trip. Thank you for championing boys' education!

July 2026 - June 2027

September 17, 2026

St. Kevin's College

Melbourne, Australia 

Zooming across the Indian Ocean and along the Yarra before a sharp right up Gardiners Creek to join the board of St. Kevin’s College and their inspiring principal, Deborah Barker, to present and discuss research and global trends and priorities in boys’ education, boys’ schools and governance. Privilege to contribute to and be part of the thoughtful conversation.

July 2 – 5, 2026

St. John's Prep and College 

Harare, Zimbabwe

Through kind invitation of Heads of Prep and College, Janine Harvey and Corrado Trinci, a memorable post-conference first visit to St. John’s, where both school leaders are brewing something special. Addressing boys, conversations with staff and attending school gatherings real treats. As always, the opportunity to learn anew burns brightly. In the College’s Da Vinci Centre, providing support, pathways and advancement for the most vulnerable boys, a remarkable a programme giving time, care and opportunity for a group of 14-year-old boys. Our craft at its very best.

June 29 – July 2, 2026

St. Stithians College

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

The beat of change and youthful optimism that drive our great profession resounded throughout the gathering at St. Stithians for the 2026 IBSC Annual Conference. Embracing the powerful, rich cultures of school, city and nation, St. Stithians raised the bar placing the voice of boys at the heart of all workshops, plenaries and collegial interactions, so ensuring, with them, in keeping with the conference theme, we rose, strode forth and found our voice for boys’ education. A special time and enduring thanks go to David du Toit, Celeste Gilardi, Sanele Majola, Graham Johnson and all in the St. Stithians community who, in sharing their stories and hopes made this a conference to remember.