Darlington Education Village: raising standards through developing leadership capacity

Summary

Darlington Education Village brings together a primary, secondary and special school in a hard federation which aims to raise standards for children and young people.

This case study covers the period up to July 2009.

Key learning/outcomes

Significant improvements in Key Stage 4 attainment and CVA performance across all groups of students.
Attendance has improved from 86 per cent to 92 per cent, with the number of persistent absentees falling below the national average.
The federation has achieved Investors in People status, with the assessment highlighting a quality of planning, evaluation and professional development.
The number of pupil exclusions has fallen across the federation.
Improvements in levels of staff absence and turnover.
12 senior leaders are following a masters programme in leadership and organisational change with the University of Teeside.

Background

Darlington Education Village is a hard federation of a primary school, secondary school and special school in Darlington. The federation formally opened in a new building in 2006.

Key challenges and issues

Raising standards

The main aim of the federation is to raise standards of teaching and learning for children and young people. One of the main areas of focus has been improving secondary outcomes.

Solution or approach

Personalised learning

The federation has enhanced the 14-19 curriculum through a wide range of accreditations that support personalised learning for all pupils, particularly those in the special school.

Developing leadership capacity at all levels

A number of senior leaders are following a masters programme in leadership and organisational change at the University of Teesside. Other staff are engaged in the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH), Leading from the Middle (LftM) or Certificate in School Business Management (CSBM) programmes.

Strategic oversight

The executive headteacher has monthly meetings with the chairs of each of the governors’ subcommittees, in order to maintain strategic oversight across all activities.

Engaging stakeholders

The federation works hard to engage all stakeholders in its activities. Parents of pupils from all three phases are invited to attend parents’ forum meetings.

Further information

For further information contact Darlington Education Village.