The educational inequalities within this country need little introduction, particularly for those working in the independent sector, which so often becomes an easy target for criticism.
Widening access to places is important, and highly commendable, but it’s definitely not a longterm solution. It opens up opportunities for a small number of students. A recent report by academics at UCL’s Institute of Education suggests it does little to change disparities within the current landscape of education. To begin to properly address educational inequalities, we must first better integrate independent schools into their local communities. This is where outreach programmes are vital.
The Covid-19 pandemic provided a fantastic opportunity for independent schools to step up to the plate, and a great many did. Boarding houses were opened for key workers, and classrooms for their children. Several of the country’s leading independent schools launched astonishingly impressive outreach schemes; these initiatives covered strategies from school partnerships and public access to significant bursaries and financial assistance.
“Successful outreach is about a change in culture.”
However, the harsh reality – which I know comes as an unwelcome surprise to some critics outside the sector – is that many independent schools simply do not have the money or resources to replicate this. My own school was by no means small, but it couldn’t match the substantial outreach programmes of some of the great public schools. Many others will be in a similar situation.
Nevertheless, I’ve come to realise that successful outreach is about something much greater: a change in culture. As a recent independent school leaver, I witnessed first-hand the power of purposeful outreach. My school had the advantage of being fairly firmly rooted in its community; much of the student body came from the local area and a proportion attended on scholarships or bursaries, widening the intake demographic.
However, for a significant period of time I found myself relatively unaware of education beyond the confines of my own classrooms, and perhaps subconsciously guilty of my privilege.
Throughout the years, the relationship with the nearby comprehensive school grew stronger and, in my final year as head boy, I was keen to promote this further. Our prefect teams worked closely together, organising a number of charity and community events, including an annual arts festival where every student in the town had the chance to get involved.
“For a significant period of time I found myself relatively unaware of education beyond the confines of my own classrooms.”
We extended invitations to talks and presentations, and encouraged joint sports, social and team-building activities. A regular joint school council for pupils in the town – allowing them to share their concerns, priorities and ideas – was a popular initiative. Importantly, this ensured that it wasn’t a case of the independent sector propping up the state sector, but rather a mutually beneficial arrangement, allowing each school to bring something valuable to the table. Promoting pupil-led schemes was important for us, as young people will understand their communities as well as anyone and will benefit the most.
These initiatives cost no money and only little time, but widened opportunities and experiences for a great number of pupils. Above all, it was part of a valuable shift towards a truly outward-facing education. Of course, outreach initiatives like these are not the sole solution, but they are small changes which encourage pupils and staff alike to consider the place and purpose of an independent school within its community.
I’m fortunate to be able to visit all sorts of schools up and down the country, and am often surprised to see valuable opportunities for cooperation and partnership being missed. The acceleration of digital education, brought on by the pandemic, offers a fantastic opening to extend schemes further so that schools are no longer limited by geographical barriers. Successful outreach is as much about taking the school out as it is about bringing the community in.
“I am often surprised to see valuable opportunities for cooperation and partnership being missed.”
I don’t feel guilty to have attended a private school, in fact I’m proud of the education that I received. However, like many, I’m highly conscious of the challenges which lie ahead for education in this country and the important role that the independent sector must play in addressing these.
Opening the door for one afternoon a week, however well intended, is now no longer enough; independent schools must be proactive in laying the foundations for innovative and extensive cooperation with state-sector and community partners.
This doesn’t have to be costly or groundbreaking, but should encourage a sense of community and awareness. Whether on a grand scale or something smaller, it’s the impact on individuals that will make the greatest difference.
I have no doubt that every head or governor reading this would like to offer the most generous outreach programme imaginable, yet this will never be possible. But if you can firmly establish an everyday outward-looking culture, and make that a significant part of your purpose, then you have the beginning of something very powerful indeed.