Granted, there are times when going alone is necessary. Considering the current pressures for rapid achievement and improvement, many are forced into that last-minute sprint. However, long-term isolation cannot be sustained. So, how do we find the right balance between ‘soldiering it’ alone for the immediate benefits and developing, supporting and encouraging collaboration & partnership for the greater good?

All the evidence around school improvement shows the most effective and long-lasting way to do it is by schools working with schools. Therefore, what can be more important than taking time out to be together, to think together, to be challenged and inspired? Both strategic and operational across two days, this year’s Conference will seek to encourage schools to build strong, supportive and mutually beneficial local and city-wide partnerships, delivering sustainable self-improvement, ensuring that no school is left isolated.

BEP, Link2ICT and Services for Education partner again this year to explore:

• Partnerships for challenge and intervention
• Partnerships for good to great & sustainability
• School partnerships for increasing inclusive capacity
• Partnerships for wider learning and enrichment
• Building the system for City Wide School Improvement

This year’s day 1 keynote speakers come with local, national and international expertise, including Christine Gilbert, Steve Munby, Suzanne Zeedyk and Professor Dame Alison Peacock. We are also excited to welcome back internationally acclaimed speaker, Andy Hargreaves, a world expert on effective collaboration and school improvement, discussing the whole city aspects of educating a child.

On day 2, we are offering high quality CPD for Headteachers and their wider leadership team and key staff through a programme of masterclasses and workshops.

Our conference, as always, offers us all the opportunity to connect with colleagues from across our city. We look forward to seeing you there.