King Edward VI High School for Girls is one of only 100 schools in England, and the only independent school in the country, to be granted teaching school status– a new designation entitling it to lead the training and professional development for staff.It was selected by the National College for School Leadership which had about 1,200 expressions of interest in the first recruitment round.
The milestone marks a shift towards school-centred training and development. Teaching schools will be responsible for leading a group of schools, working with other partners including at least one university, to deliver high quality support for teachers and leaders at all stages in their career.
Principal Sarah Evans said: “We have long worked with other schools in both the state and independent sectors believing in the huge benefits to everyone in sharing ideas and practice. We have been able to put together a very strong group of partners with whom we shall enjoy working to deliver the teaching school objectives.”
The National College has responsibility for the designation and quality of the teaching schools programme, working closely with the Department for Education (DfE) and Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) as the national network grows to 500 teaching schools by 2014.
Steve Munby, Chief Executive of the National College, said: “To take on this role, teaching schools like King Edward VI High School for Girls need to be among the best in the country – outstanding in their own performance and have a track record of raising standards through school-to-school support.
“Over time teaching schools will harness the finest teaching talent in the profession to drive school improvement, and bring real benefits to pupils. Trainees will learn from the best teachers in action and those who want to step up to more senior leadership positions will be exposed to excellent practice within and beyond their immediate school.”
The first year of the programme will be a design and development phase. As they develop, teaching schools working with other schools and universities will help to provide a strong supply of new teachers, develop leaders and the next generation of heads, and support schools in challenging circumstances.
