At this year’s Liberal Democrat Party Conference, the Education Policy Institute (EPI) has partnered with the Independent Schools Council (ISC) to hold a public panel discussion: How can independent and state schools work together to improve outcomes for all?
Schools are increasingly working in partnership with one another across England, under various formal and informal arrangements, most notably in recent years through the formation of multi-academy trusts. Partnerships though also often exist between schools in the independent and state sectors. In 2020, 85% of Independent Schools Council schools were in some form of partnership with a state school.
Across the system, schools are facing many challenges, not least of which is the continuing effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and its disparately large impact on disadvantaged pupils’ education. To tackle these challenges, it is critical to consider what role partnerships might play in sharing best practice and improving outcomes for all. In particular, with the future role of independent schools in the political spotlight, it is timely to explore how the independent sector can contribute and alleviate these issues.
This panel will bring together policy makers, school leaders and other education stakeholders to discuss how state and independent schools can work together to build effective partnerships and improve outcomes for all. The panel will also consider how to foster community and share best practice between schools, recognising the opportunities for all involved in a partnership to share their expertise.
We are delighted to welcome Baroness Garden of Frognal; Cllr. Lucy Nethsingha, Cambridgeshire County Council; Leora Cruddas, Confederation of School Trusts; Barnaby Lenon, ISC and Nicki Mattin, Thurston Community College. Natalie Perera, EPI’s Chief Executive will chair the session.
** Note: This event will take place in the conference secure zone. To access the secure zone you will need to obtain a pass directly from the Liberal Democrat Party.**
