A group of six state and independent schools in Oxfordshire have formalised a partnership that will see them work together to benefit all students and staff.
The OX14 Learning Partnership involves John Mason School, Radley College, Fitzharrys School, Abingdon School, St Helen and St Katharine, and Larkmead School. The schools have worked together on an informal basis for the last five years.
The aim of the partnership is to raise educational aspirations across the OX14 postcode by providing opportunities for students and staff to be inspired and learn from each other. A range of extracurricular activities and events will encourage collaboration between the schools.
School leaders have agreed on joint aims which focus on opportunity, inspiration and mental health and wellbeing support – with workshops, speakers and events to support the whole community’s wellbeing.
The Mercers’ Company, a livery company focused on being a philanthropic force for good, has provided funding for key roles within the partnership. The appointment of a partnership coordinator, and mental health and wellbeing coordinator, has supported the development and progress to this point.
Each school has also nominated a partnership representative who will help shape the vision and facilitation of partnership activities.
Students will have access to academic coaching, peer mentoring, workshops and guest speakers, as well as the opportunity to contribute to a student voice committee. There will also be CPD and networking opportunities for staff.
Rob Southwell-Sander, director of partnerships at Abingdon School, said: “Each school operates differently but we all have so much to learn from one another by sharing best practice.”
Sarah Brinkley, executive headteacher at the Abingdon Learning Trust, added: “We are delighted to continue working with other local schools as part of this partnership. We have the same vision; that our children access the best learning opportunities and that our staff excel – OX14 is founded on these principles.”
You might also like: Establishing a culture for partnerships post-pandemic
