A new national scheme pairing state and independent schools has been launched in an effort to boost social mobility.
The ‘Counterpoint’ initiative, set up between the Achievement for All charity and the City of London Freemen’s School, aims to link 20 independent schools with state schools and businesses in small hubs across the country, to share best practice and improve pupils’ social mobility during a two-year pilot.
Pupils will have the chance to develop employability skills through the participating businesses, and teachers will receive CPD in leadership and teaching techniques.
“A large proportion of the children we have worked with over the last six years at AFA are missing aspiration, the inner self belief that ‘I can do something’,” said Sonia Blandford, the charity’s founder (pictured right, with Roland Martin, headmaster of City of London Freemen’s School). “Social mobility is about changing the way people think, act and engage. It is about understanding that there is an alternative way to live, one where everyone can succeed.”
The scheme will begin in September 2018. Interested primary and secondary schools can find out more and register their interest by contacting Achievement for All.
My personal view is that this is always context specific for the area and schools. For my school it seems community based partnerships work best.
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