WANDSWORTH STATE AND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL CONSORTIUM

Recognising the benefits of state and independent school partnerships, Wandsworth Council’s Children’s Services Head of Participation and Performance, Andy Hough, reached out to independent schools active in the partnership space with the view of establishing a borough-wide partnership programme. The aims of the initiative are to:

• Share good practice and improve teaching and learning across both sectors.

• Provide opportunities for pupils across both sectors to work together collaboratively.

• Target disadvantaged pupils to support their creative and academic development.

• Raise the aspirations of disadvantaged pupils.

Emanuel School is a founding partner, coordinating Battersea schools as well as working with key schools in Tooting and Roehampton.

A borough-wide art project, ‘Place to Call Home’ was the first collaboration including 13 independent and over 50 state schools and pupils across the borough. We hosted professional development sessions for partner school art subject leads and supported marketing and development efforts. The project culminated in an art installation, facilitated by local artist, Alexander Mourant, at Southside shopping centre.

We are continuing to explore how we can share best practice, professional development and develop and execute further cross borough initiatives.