Ten days ago, I was delighted to welcome the CEO of the Independent Schools Association, Rudi Eliott Lockhart, to the College – a visit which had been arranged earlier in the year – as part of his busy schedule.
The more that I have been involved in ISA, the more I have grown to admire and value the work of the organisation in promoting fellowship amongst the 674 member schools guided within the umbrella of the institution.
His visit could barely have come at a more challenging time, with the sector under enormous pressure from direct impact of government policy, and the knock-on effects which come with it.
He was happy to visit the College for the entirety of the afternoon, and, though our discussions had the looming shadow of VAT hanging over them, we were able to find a number of positives to talk over, all of which brought to the fore the necessity of schools like ours, and the work we do here.
Most of the schools within ISA are small with some guiding under 100 pupils. Though existing as such a ‘small fish’ in distinctly dangerous waters can seem an unforgiving existence, it is the job of ISA to support these institutions as best they can – and that they do superbly.
Amongst the offering is advice on all facets of running a successful school – from Human Resource Management and Legal Matters to inspection. To know that, beyond the support I receive with the Bellevue Education group, I have contacts who will respond to an email quickly and with an incredibly high level of trustworthy accuracy – and I can not praise Peter Woodroffe enough in this respect – offers tremendous peace of mind.
Beyond this, the regional groups bring together Headteachers to share ideas, seek advice and find solutions in an ever changing landscape. Personally, being able to be part of such a friendly and helpful group has enabled me to look beyond the College to new ideas and new approaches which I’ve brought ‘home’ to enhance what happens at Ealing. Rudi was able to suggest a local school which has a very similar approach to ours in helping students to turn themselves around, and I’m already planning a visit there in the near future – to see what they do and where we might be able to learn from them.
In addition, enrichment opportunities are as plentiful as they are prestigious, and I’ve been very fortunate to help present medals at the ISA National Athletics finals as part of my Executive Council role. This level of competition, and the professionalism of the organisation of it, truly brings out the best in students. Not only are sports well represented, but the performing arts, music and art are showcased and celebrated – in fact, I am looking forward to the London North Art Competition as part of the AGM this Thursday. Enabling students in smaller settings to put forward their work can be an important step towards their realisation of their goals and ambitions.
I have gladly put forth EIC students for the Whitbread Memorial Prize or the Lexden Award. I’m of the opinion that every Headteacher within the membership should in order to champion their students and their own personal achievements, no matter how small, or ‘normal’ it may seem to them. Our students deserve to be showcased.
Where they may need financial support to help fully experience key parts of the school experience, like trips or beyond the classroom experiences, the Deakin Fund, selflessly offered each term, can step in to support parents too.
More recently, the incredibly high quality of the resources and network groups, as part of the continuing professional development offering from ISA, has really shone through. A great deal of recognition must go to Helen Stanton-Tonner for this. Smaller institutions can struggle to find the right support in order to provoke discussions required for improving delivery for students, but this has, again, become a clearly defined ‘go-to’ place for this. Personally, the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion audit tool was indispensable in helping us locate and address any blind spots in our approach.
I have gained many friends, new insights and a sense of belonging within the group, and I am proud to contribute to it as much as I can.
It was really pleasing to hear Rudi’s words after his visit:
“Brilliant to visit @ealing_college this afternoon. It’s a fabulous school getting outstanding results for pupils from a diverse set of backgrounds. I loved the genuinely friendly & inclusive approach that ran through everything I saw.”
During such challenging times, it is vital that we stay true to ourselves, and to the values which we are working hard to adhere to. Rudi summed up the College very well. Friendly, inclusive and diverse, with consistently high standards which empower students to perform to the best of their abilities.
It was clear that he was able to ‘get under the skin’ of the College, and he is welcome any time!