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Cllr Mason, Bavaani Nanthabalan, Sarah Creasey
6th February 2018 Camden Learning Launch at The Crick Institute Photographer: Justin Thomas
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6th February 2018 Camden Learning Launch at The Crick Institute Photographer: Justin Thomas
London,
07
February
2018
|
17:13
Europe/London

Helping Camden’s schools to be top class

An innovative approach to further drive forward improvement in Camden’s schools has officially been launched.

Camden Learning is an independent not-for-profit company that has been set up by Camden Council and all Camden state schools, looking to build on the strong collaborative work that has always existed within the ‘Camden family of schools’.

The company delivers expert support by schools for schools, maximising the knowledge and skills of partner schools and their respective staff in order to collectively share best practice and improve learning and outcomes for all their pupils. This is in addition to offering bespoke school improvement consultancy services.

A sharp focus on the quality of teaching and development will not only benefit pupils, but will inspire staff, improve retention and also help attract the best talent into Camden.

At an event yesterday evening (6 February) at the Francis Crick Institute, schools, education leaders, councillors, and members of the community, gathered to hear details of the vision and plans for Camden Learning, as well as viewing some of the inspirational activities already happening in our schools.

Chair of Camden Learning, Christine Gilbert CBE, said:

“As an independent, schools-led organisation we are able to draw on a pool of skills and experience within our members, for the benefit of all. Our members have taken collective responsibility for all schools in Camden and have made a commitment to supporting each other’s development. We will also work with a range of partners, whether that be the council, universities, businesses, community organisations, or seeking out the best educational practice from around the world, in order to deliver the best possible education to Camden’s young people.”

Councillor Angela Mason CBE, Camden Council’s Cabinet Member for Best Start in Life, who also sits on the Camden Learning Board, said:

"Camden Learning builds on years of partnership work and future-proofs a way in which the Camden family of schools can work together to support each other and all Camden pupils.

"With support from the council, and with such experience and talent in the leadership team and within each school, Camden Learning is perfectly positioned to deliver our collective aim of having the best schools in the country. There is also an important link between education and other social outcomes and a collective focus on social issues that face our children and young people can only further their development and ensure that no child is left behind in Camden."

Further Information:

Camden Learning is an organisation led by its members, who have elected a Board of Directors (see below). The Board determines the strategic direction of the company and will oversee a management team, responsible for day to day delivery of priorities.

Christine Gilbert CBE, the former Head of Ofsted, is the independent Chair of the Board of Camden Learning. The other Board members are:

  • Managing Director: Jon Abbey
  • Primary: Katy Forsdyke and John Hayes (both local headteachers)
  • Secondary: Julian Turner (local chair of governors), Jacques Szemalikowski (local headteacher)
  • Special: Margaret Mulholland, director of development at Swiss Cottage School
  • Council: Cllr Angela Mason, Cabinet Member for Best Start in Life, and Martin Pratt, Executive Director of Supporting People.
  • Watch: Camden Learning in Action - short film