We are nearly at the end of a very busy term. There has been the continued challenge of keeping children and education at the centre of activity in the face of ‘broken social contracts’ and tragic events in the Middle East. Nevertheless, we have also seen some improvements in school attendance and less persistent absence. Eight Camden schools were found by Ofsted to be offering good or outstanding provision following graded and ungraded inspections. That means 97% of our schools continue to be judged by Ofsted to offer an Outstanding or Good quality of provision and this is something to be recognised and celebrated. In 2023, our school’s partnership has been able to welcome and offer support to 14 new Heads or Heads of schools, many through internal succession, as well as see a new partnership between Emmanuel, Christchurch and Hampstead Parochial and the launch of the new North London Alliance Research school in Camden. Our subject networks and NPQ courses continue to be well attended. With over 170 Early Career Teachers working in Camden schools, our enhanced early career offer is highly regarded and is a recognition that knowing the context and place creates a coherent offer that ultimately benefits Camden young people.

The review reports from Hubs and a range of innovative work in schools that were published earlier in the term, and the continuing high levels of interest in our SEND, STEAM and Primary Maths hubs are indicators of the power of collaboration and shared expertise, as well as our continued appetite to learn and innovate. So too is the guidance for schools and for parents on better transition between primary and secondary schools. Building on the strengths of previous school-led provision, next term we plan to come back with refreshed early years offer. We will also see the launch of a new Secondary CPD offer, led by the Research School, as well as a series of sessions exploring our approaches to equity and anti-racism, building on the work set in train last year.

The final bulletin of the term will be next Wednesday. Thank you for keeping a sense of hope and ambition for what education can do. Enjoy the weekend!

Stephen Hall

Chief Executive Officer, Camden Learning