Late last week the Education Endowment Foundation announced that Torriano in collaboration with Parliament Hill and supported by Eleanor Palmer were successful in their bid to become a research school. Their main role will be to support schools to use evidence to improve teaching practice, providing local and regional support to other schools by communicating research evidence and supporting the translation of this into practice through training, exemplification, and school-to-school support. We are keen that all Camden schools benefit from having a research school in the borough. This will be a fantastic asset, building on our existing strong partnerships and expertise to further grow and develop our offer. Congratulations to all involved.

BBS sets out the ambition for a local school system that constantly develops ideas and approaches, learning from research, and staying at the leading edge of new and effective practice in education by trialling new ways of working.

Even with the many pressures on schools this year, your work has continued to support Camden’s reputation as being a place of discovery and innovation. This term alone some of you are participating in work to explore a new accountability framework, developing guidance for better transition from primary to secondary and helping to finalise a plan for more effective digital learning in Camden schools. Our Deep Mind and the Enthuse partnerships get underway and Acland Burghley and LSU schools have opened their Opportunity Centres. Also, to inspire others about their potential for transformational change, we are about to begin a planned review of the interesting work going on in some of our schools who use the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Camden has much to share. Alongside enhancing educational opportunities for young people, it is hoped this will continue attract and retain teachers and leaders within our borough. Thank you for your continued support and engagement with these projects.

Primary colleagues need no reminding that Year 6 pupils will be taking their Key Stage SATS tests next week. Preparations this year have been steadily disrupted by school closures and bank holidays but the end is now in sight. I wish you all a very successful week ahead.

It is certainly starting to feel a bit more like the Summer. Enjoy a great weekend!

Stephen Hall

Chief Executive Officer, Camden Learning