This week, I have been reflecting on the complex and sometimes-ambiguous world of partnerships. Looking across the Camden school system, it is easy to identify the layers of partnerships that we directly or indirectly interact with. As school leaders, you are constantly dealing with complexity across the education system. These conditions evolve in line with the variables that exist, such as school budgets, a pending (new) Ofsted framework and a national landscape where there are islands of excellence. I recognise that the partnership challenge going forward is how to adapt our leadership style and approach to meet those changing conditions and to be able to clarify what the purpose of the partnership really is. Does it involve going beyond the ceremonial? Otherwise, nothing will change.

On Tuesday, I was invited to join staff at Torriano Primary school where they were visited by Caren and Rachel from Lifting Limits. They led a stimulating and thought provoking session on a whole school approach to promoting gender equality. This was one out of a series of five sessions Lifting Limits are delivering in Camden’s Primary schools, who are participating in a yearlong pilot. Work will involve a whole school audit, looking at the learning environment, delivering lessons planned with Lifting Limits, and capitalising on opportunities that arise to challenge stereotypes on a day-to-day basis.

I am sure you will be delighted to hear that our Chair, Christine Gilbert received her UCL Honorary Fellowship on Wednesday at the Institute of Education, crediting her enormous contribution to education and her ongoing work for the promotion of equity and excellence across the system.

Jon Abbey

Managing Director, Camden Learning