The Halesowen Education Trust (THET)
Improving learning outcomes for all students within the member
institutions particularly across the 14-19 age range.
Ensuring that the 5 outcomes of ECM underpin all strategies and
decisions.
This shared trust opened 1st September 2008. Very strong
levels of trust and mutual support exist between the respective
schools, The Trust status was seen as a way of continuing and
formalising collaboration that had been taking place for several
years.
Schools: – Windsor High (11-18), Earl’s High (11-16) and
Leasowes Community College (11-16).
Partners: Halesowen College of FE, Rathbone Foundation, NCSL,
Skillforce, the Black Country Development Agency, Connexions,
Dudley LA. and University of Wolverhampton
Each of these organisations has senior representation on the
Trust Board along with the Headteacher and Chair of Governors from
each school. .
Whilst the external partners give valuable support, time
restrictions have prevented greater involvement of these
agencies.
Examples of trust impact include:
- The Trust has had a significant impact on a range of
stakeholders. Due to the presence of the Chairs of Governors
for each school on the Trust Board, along with Halesowen College,
better co-ordination is developing between the schools and the
College.
- The formation of two working groups – Curriculum and ECM is
having a very positive influence in terms of strategic as well as
day to day planning and implementation
- The Trust has been very active in developing a range of Diploma
lines.
- The Trust in association with Worcester University, is offering
a foundation degree in Learning Support which is proving very
successful.
- The remit for the Extended School agenda has been taken on by
the Trust and joint planning is leading to cohesion rather than
competition.
- The schools are currently trialling a common assessment
framework using Contact Point.
- The work on the ECM agenda has involved primary partners and
helped to develop the impetus to work towards a ‘Township’ model of
support – and also to move into the regional agenda.
The Trust is working with other support agencies and creating a
dialogue with the primary schools and the Special School
(Halesbury) to develop an early intervention model which will
provide more support to students. The Special School has
indicated an interest in joining the Trust. This exciting
development will mean that all secondary age students in Halesowen
will be represented by the Trust.
THET has appointed a Company Secretary to ease the load on Board
Members and provide additional professional help and advice.
Developing the role for the external partners and evolving a clear
strategy for Post 16 collaboration are the two main objectives as
THET continues to build upon its good practice.
‘Collaboration and partnership are at the heart of educational
initiatives and the Trust has meant greater and more diverse
opportunities for students.’
Keith Sorrell Headteacher.
‘The concept of what we have created has the genuine potential
to transform learning and opportunities in Halesowen.’
John Howells Headteacher