federation to federate or not to federate?. introduction more and more schools are realising the...

Federation

To federate or

not to federate?

Introduction• More and more schools are

realising the advantages of developing their school-to-school partnerships through formal models of collaboration

• All schools face challenging times in the future

Working in isolation is no longer a sustainable

option

What is a federation?

It is not a takeover or an amalgamation

Soft federation – Two schools, 1 headteacher, 2 governing bodies, separate budgets, a joint committee comprising governors from each school

Hard federation- Two schools, 1 headteacher, 1 governing body, separate budgets

This can change in either direction

Rutland Federations

There are already 5 federations working successfully in Rutland:

• Empingham and Great Casterton• English Martyrs and St Augustine in Stamford• Oakham C of E and The Parks• Catmose College and Catmose Primary• Whissendine and St. Nicholas, Cottesmore

What is being proposed?

• A federation between Brooke Hill Academy and Edith Weston Primary School• One Headteacher • Two governing bodies• Separate budgets• A federation leadership team/governing committee• Current admission arrangements that exist for each school will continue• Proposed start date for the federation of 1st September 2013

The benefits of forming a federation• There are many excellent examples of schools

raising their standards, increasing pupil numbers, and improving teaching and learning opportunities through partnership and federation.

Benefits for pupils• Needs to be central to any decision made• They will gain an understanding of the wider world• Development of social and communication skills• Opportunities to share learning – technology, art and

drama, shared project experiences• Different sporting opportunities including increased

opportunities for competitive and team sports• Increased resources • Teacher expertise

• Continued Professional Development opportunities and collaborative working

• Developing leaders• Succession planning • Job security in an increasingly difficult economic

climate• Working as part of a larger team• Gaining an understanding of a world beyond each

school

Benefits for staff

Additional benefits• Greater financial flexibility and value for

money/buying power

• Retaining community identities

• Sustaining excellence – motivation and enthusiasm is maintained

• Sharing outstanding teaching and learning

Brooke Hill Academy

Edith Weston Primary School

Headteacher

School Leader School Leader

Senior Leadership Team

Initial thoughts on Leadership organisation

Q. What has been done so far? The journey towards federation

Q. What happens next? The journey towards federation

Questions

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