The future direction of the education system was the main focus at the annual Schools North East Academies Conference on Thursday. It was a real pleasure to see, in person again, literally hundreds of academy and Trust leaders attend, representing over 400 schools from the length and breadth of the NE region; almost 40% of the NE’s schools from Redcar to Northumberland and some colleagues from beyond the region as well. The day was specifically about supporting Trust leaders, CEOs, CFOs, Heads of School, Chairs, everyone who is such a critical part of our region’s amazing school system.
The event was our first physical Academies conference since 2020. Despite the chaos of the last 2 years, the context around this year’s conference was very different again to our last two. The recent announcement from the Prime Minister of the dropping of all covid restrictions seemed to herald, if not the end, then at least the beginning of the end of the covid crisis; the sign of much better times to come and a return to something like the ‘normal’ we knew before the pandemic struck. Recent events in eastern Europe, however, dashed those hopes somewhat abruptly.
Rather than taking place in a more optimistic time, focussing on moving forward from the disaster of covid, Academies 22 was taking place in the shadow of some quite horrific events in Ukraine. Opening the event, Schools North East Director Chris Zarraga gave a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to delegates for the hard work they have done – and continue to do – in their schools and trusts, both before and during the pandemic, making the point that If the anticipated refugee crisis does materialise, the NE region, as it already has on many, many occasions over recent decades, will doubtless be asked to host many of those who come to the United Kingdom. As everyone in NE education knows, if refugees do come here, then they will get an amazing welcome. They and their children will find people in our schools who will genuinely welcome, cherish, and support them, whether they are temporary visitors or longer term guests or future fellow citizens.
A major focus of the day was how the covid pandemic had shown that a massive strength of NE schools and trusts is their sense of civic duty and commitment to others; a commitment from all staff to doing whatever has been required to support their students and school communities. Chris stated that he had no doubt that if this new crisis does break upon us, NE schools will do what they have always done, and rise to the occasion magnificently. This was acknowledged by the main keynote speaker, Minister of School Standards, Robin Walker MP, who thanked the delegates for their efforts in the face of a global pandemic.
Another theme of the conference was that the great untold story of the pandemic has been that NE schools (indeed all schools in the country) have been outstanding throughout its course and that the government, parliament, the DfE, policymakers and the media must also reflect on that and place a new trust in what our schools can achieve when they are not ‘micromanaged’. However, the other untold story of the pandemic is that the pandemic is not actually over; as the experiences of the last 3 half terms in particular have more than shown. The narrative currently gives the impression that schools are, or should, be back to ‘normal’. This is most definitely not the case and everyone involved in education, including families and communities, must recognise the enormity of the task facing schools in this academic year and far beyond.
In 2020, at our last physical Academies conference, we welcomed the former Secretary of State for Education, Gavin Williamson, and introduced him to the SNE ‘Manifesto for NE Education’, the apolitical principles to foster policy that will liberate our schools and transform education not just in our region but beyond. On thursday, we welcomed the Minister for School Standards, Robin Walker MP, and used the occasion to remind policymakers that those principles are more important than ever:
That policy must recognise the regional context – some areas have been hit far harder than others pre and post covid and have always lacked the existing infrastructure to make up for this. Even where long term deprivation is not the key issue, infrastructure/ transport/ local opportunities for curricula enrichment can all be very different to other areas of the country. The Arts Council of England spends £21 a head in London but just £9.50 in Yorkshire.
There must be a real commitment to contextual data so that we can understand the actual problems. When we look at the proposed 90% target at primary and the new EIAs, of which the NE has 6, its interesting that 60% of children who didn’t reach that target in 2019 don’t live in EIAs.
Evidence-based policymaking – what does the evidence say we should do, not decide to do something then look for evidence that might agree with you. A long term view of education, a clear plan, and a joined up approach from cabinet to the chalkface and other departments; Greater support for Early Years; ensure all pupils can access an appropriate and broad curriculum; and Targeted support for those with the greatest needs – it has never been more important to recognise that one-size-fits-all won’t get us anywhere, even back to Feb 2020.
And throughout the conference it was stressed that we must actively promote a positive, accurate narrative about North East education. The job that NE schools have done throughout the pandemic has been extraordinary. The region has so much to shout about in education and we must celebrate the many, many positives as loudly as possible.
During the day we were joined by Keynote Speakers Robin Walker MP, Minister for School Standards, Mick Waters and Leora Cruddas CBE. Mr Walker discussed Levelling Up and why it’s crucial for Primary SATs to go ahead and Leora Cruddas, CEO of the Confederation of Schools Trust, informed delegates that, as a White and Green Paper are coming, changes are afoot, with a focus on the full academisation of the system. Leora also listed the essential elements – Expert Governance, Quality of Education, Effective and Efficient Operational Structures, Workforce Resilience and Wellbeing and Public Benefit and Civic Duty – that create a strong Trust, while Mick Waters reminded delegates of the importance of keeping children at the heart of education.
