Eton Star Partnership Conference
29th February 2024
Thoughts from Henry Faber on a day spent at the launch of the Eton Star Partnership.
Eton College has partnered with Star Academies, not just to build three Sixth Forms in Oldham, Dudley and Middlesborough, but to lead a ‘think and do tank’ to ‘propose solutions and influence national policy’, showcasing the power of independent-state partnership work. It’s a big moment in the history of both organisations and its ripple effect could be powerful for the wider education sector.
I am hugely proud and feel it’s a great privilege that Oppidan has been trusted to support this partnership with mentoring provision in each of these areas. A team of 12 mentors launched our involvement in Oldham at The Oldham Academy North (E-ACT) and working closely with Eton’s Sean Costello and Tom Arbuthnott, there’s optimism for more to come.
Some informal thoughts from a day spent on the banks of Eton’s Olympic rowing lake at Dorney.
Pressure at 16 = student drift
Research led by Jonathan Simons at Public First gives us fascinating insight into academically high attaining teens with good GCSEs who drift away from Sixth Form and Higher Education. The bottom line is that too many young people feel institutional pressure for grades at GCSE and a self-perception of themselves as a ‘non learner’. Young people with potential are not necessarily fulfilling this potential in adult life.
My takeaway: We must deliberately spend more time helping students to understand who they are, what motivates them, what they want and how they can get there. Grades aren’t enough: we need to focus on the self and improve the consistency of educational outcomes.
The LAE model: something to replicate?
London Academy of Excellence is a beacon for Sixth Form success. With 6,500 applicants for 250 places and an extremely high proportion of Free School Meals students, LAE knows who it wants to serve, and with corporate funding and the backing of some top independent school partners, it’s succeeding. Breadth, super curricular strength and a motto of ‘keep up beats catch up’ makes for an environment where disadvantage is de-stigmatised, hard work is standard, subjects are extended, ambiguity is encouraged and independent thought is celebrated. The results are extraordinary.
My takeaway: It’s ‘the’ example to laud, but not for everyone. With 20% of their funding in excess of standard budget and the helping hand of their Stratford location, I couldn’t help but feel other Sixth Forms regionally might laugh at the idea that this could be replicated in their context. For the right student, this is life-changing. I also felt they’ve taken what I most valued from my independent education and used it to full advantage. A big fan, but interested to see how Eton Star and others might look to replicate this outcome in such different contexts.
Apprenticeships: The future is now
The UK has led the way globally on apprenticeships and there was a sense of huge positivity for the growth of this alternative route.
What are the problems?
Still a prestige gap (university vs apprenticeship)
Still a mismatch of supply and demand
Employers not spending beyond the apprenticeship levy
What’s needed?
Schools need to show young people the employer
More exposure to role models motivates a change in mindset
More education for parents
Increasing awareness of the value of transferrable skills
My takeaway: Though I benefitted from the narrow academic focus of my university degree (because it suited me), I’ve lost faith in UCAS and UK universities’ ability to adequately prepare students for a changing world. Why are we assessing undergraduate applicants through a narrow academic lens when the workplace wants so much more from them? There’s a strong argument that the go-getter 18 year old should hit life early, make money and build experience through an apprenticeship. There’s work to be done to de-stigmatise this and build its prestige, but no doubt this route is going to benefit many. I hope it’s soon normalised for students in independent schools as well.
Summary
I spent the day surrounded by heavy hitters for UK education and the breadth of ideas (and challenges) was overwhelming. It’s clear that education leaders are struggling with the complex interplay of budget gaps, staffing shortages, attainment and regulation - just to name some of it. External provision like that provided by Oppidan is struggling to be heard, to be funded and to be implemented amid louder noise and sector struggles. All that acknowledged, there’s such a need for an increased focus on student readiness (for school, HE, work, life), on oracy and on character itself. Workplace changes and the needs of employers continues to drive this deep need for personal development and mentorship. The juice will be worth the squeeze!