Hadley Learning Community: a hybrid model of a federation, collaboration and partnership

Case study

An innovative response to long-standing underachievement in a disadvantaged community.

Key learning and outcomes

The unity of vision is a real strength of Hadley Learning Community and they have taken a very pragmatic approach to create a unified whole. They see personal contact and determination to hold true to the original vision as key to their success and everyone associated with the campus is expected to contribute to that vision.

Background

Hadley Learning Community opened in 2006 in an innovative private finance initiative (PFI) project. This is an all-through structure with a 420 place primary school and a 1,200 place secondary school in a hard federation, in collaboration with an integrated special school. There are also partnership agreements in place with a range of other agencies and providers on campus. The campus was created as a response to long standing underachievement in a disadvantaged community. The predecessor schools had considerable issues around standards and the project was a solution to those challenges.

The federation is led by a principal with two headteachers responsible for the day-to-day leadership and management of the primary and secondary schools. The principal has overall accountability for the performance of the two schools and for the success of the collaboration and partnerships.

Key challenges

Structure of the governing body

The governing body doesn’t fit the standard pattern with regards to size and the usual ratios. This was a conscious decision when it was established in the light of the challenges the community faced.

Structure of the leadership team

The leadership structure continues to evolve. A ‘futures team’ has been established to look at changes which may be needed in the future to take the vision forward, especially around cross-phase working.

Raising standards

Standards are rising rapidly but the leadership team recognise that there is still much more to be done.

Solutions

Review governing structures

The governors are reviewing their structures and procedures to better reflect the now established Hadley Learning Community. This process will take place during the academic year 2009-10.

Review the leadership structure

The futures team will make recommendations throughout the year.

Raising standards

This hybrid model was adopted to ensure strong and expert leadership to tackle the long term issues contributing to underachievement in the pupils. It contributes significantly to leadership capacity across the campus and its success is reflected in greatly improved outcomes for pupils at all levels.

Next steps

The working practices for the campus are now well established and provide a good basis for future development. There are no plans to alter the structures for the federation, collaboration or partnerships at the moment. However, processes are constantly reviewed.

Further information

For further information contact Hadley Learning Community.