Central Leeds Learning Federation: raising attainment in low-achieving schools

Summary

The Central Leeds Learning Federation was established to raise levels of attainment in two inner-city secondary schools.

This case study covers the period up to July 2009.

Key learning/outcomes

An Ofsted inspection in 2009 found that both schools were making satisfactory progress, with some aspects of that progress being directly linked to the existence of the federation.
Both schools have achieved improvements in Key Stage 4 results.
The federation has developed effective processes for self review, which are helping to improve the quality of teaching and learning.
A forward-thinking, skills-based Year 7 and 8 curriculum helps to create a smoother transition process between primary and secondary phases.
A number of teachers are involved in action research, in partnership with Leeds Metropolitan University.

Background

The Central Leeds Learning Federation was created in January 2005 and formally launched in September 2005. It started out as a hard federation of two highly-challenged inner-city secondary schools: City of Leeds School and Primrose High School. The federation extends across two campuses.

A private finance initiative project enabled the Shakespeare Primary and Early Years Centre, which is located on one of the campuses, to join the secondary schools in a soft federation.

Key challenges and issues

Choosing a new organisational structure

The governors wanted to create one large organisation that would benefit from economies of scale and formalise the structural future of the two schools.

Attracting an experienced headteacher

The governors needed to attract an experienced headteacher to take on the role of executive head for the federation.

Solution or approach

Forming a federation

The governors chose to establish a hard federation from the two schools in order to achieve the desired economies of scale and create a large organisation that could be led by an executive headteacher.

Leading from the middle

The federation aims to identify strong middle leaders and place them in positions of influence, in order to create authentic leading from the middle.

Improving the transition process

The schools have developed a forward-thinking, skills based curriculum for Year 7 and 8 pupils, with the aim of improving the transition between primary and secondary school.

Further information

For further information contact Central Leeds Learning Federation. You can also read the Central Leeds Learning Federation case study 2008.