The country's most successful educational partnership with the private sector had a boost this week (April 1st) when Islington Council renewed its contract with Cambridge Education - the company charged with improving school performance in the borough.
Cambridge Education provides the full range of school improvement services to schools in Islington via
CEA@Islington.
Since the council started its partnership with Cambridge Education in 2000, GCSE results (5 A* - C passes) have improved from 26% to 44%.
Education is at the heart of the improvement agenda in Islington - the country's fastest improving authority.
Islington Council Chief Executive Helen Bailey said:
"We are the envy of many local authorities - working with an education partner that has an international reputation for academic achievement.
Our confidence in the partnership has grown, initially with school exam improvements and now across a range of childrens services.
Together, we can continue to deliver improvements to services for young people and children in Islington."
And it's not just Ofsted who are noticing the difference - across the borough satisfaction in education has doubled in recent years and amongst parents, nearly three-quarters of parents were satisfied with the education service last year. This high level of satisfaction extends to governors and headteachers too.
The new contract is designed to be challenging, building on the strengths of the existing arrangements, whilst recognising CEA@islington's role in the wellbeing and attainment of Islington's young people. Robust monitoring of clear targets will focus on achievement.
The strategic objectives of the partnership with CEA@islington's will also support key aims including:
- more children attending their local comprehensive school
- transform the experience of education and levels of attainment through the Islington Schools for the Future rebuilding and refurbishment programme
- to increase the number of young people staying on in education
- to promote inclusion and social cohesion in Islington's diverse community
Paul Curran, Director of Childrens Services at Islington Council said: "The first day of our new partnership coincides with the launch of our new Children and Young People's Plan in which we describe how we will help every child in Islington to make the most of their opportunities and fulfil their potential.
We are already transforming education in Islington with new schools and new facilities delivering a first class learning experience.
We are proud to retain CEA as our education provider - the improving quality of education in Islington is testimony to
our faith in the successful and mature partnership we now have."
Richard Birch, Managing Director of Cambridge Education, said: 'Cambridge Education are naturally very pleased to have renewed our partnership with the Borough for a further five years. There is no question that the past six years have proved very demanding for Cambridge Education and we have no illusions that the next five will prove equally challenging.
However, we have taken real encouragement from the progress achieved in strengthening the educational opportunities offered to the young people of Islington and look forward with both enthusiasm and genuine optimism.
The relationship with Islington has been very positive and we know that we can rely on their continued support."
Notes:
Data sources
2003/4 - 48% of all residents were satisfied with education services in Islington (up from 26% in 2001/2) Source: BVPI survey
2004/5 - 73% of primary education users and 71% of secondary users (parents) were satisfied with the service Source: Measuring Customer Perceptions Survey.
Page Last Updated: 29 July 2008