With speeches from key educational parliamentarians including Education Minister Baroness Barran and Andrew Lewer MP, Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Independent Education, the event celebrated the numerous initiatives taking place around the country working across sectors to engage and provide opportunities for young people. Guests were presented with copies of a report published by the Independent Schools Council entitled ‘Celebrating Partnerships’, which showcases many of the meaningful partnerships that exist today between schools.
Through the Bohunt/Bedales partnership, Damian Hinds will be taking part in a ‘Question Time’-style event next term with students from his East Hampshire constituency, together with Neil Strowger, CEO of BET and Will Goldsmith, Head of Bedales who both joined him in Westminster.
Speaking at the event in Parliament, Damian Hinds said:
“It is a delight to see two such innovative and high-achieving centres of educational excellence as Bohunt and Bedales working together for the benefit of students, regardless of sector. I am looking forward to taking part in our next panel discussion event and responding to the burning questions of the day from young people. This is just one example of the opportunities being offered to students through this very successful collaboration.”
Neil Strowger, Trust Leader at Bohunt Education Trust commented:
“We have enjoyed developing such a successful collaboration and programme of activities between our school communities, sharing valuable resources, knowledge and expertise for the benefit of our students and staff.”
Will Goldsmith, Head of Bedales Schools commented:
“We really enjoy working with Bohunt to create the many excellent learning opportunities for students and teachers from across our schools. We learn lots from each other, and through partnerships like these, we are able to serve the wider sector by being a beacon for progressive approaches to education in this country.”
The cross-sector partnership between Bohunt and Bedales has, to date, included: student voice meetings; staff professional development sessions in areas such as wellbeing and sustainability; Oxbridge interview preparation; joint expressive arts performances; shared facilities; ‘Question Time’ panel events and teacher training.
