The Halesowen Education Trust (THET)

Improving learning outcomes for all students within the member institutions particularly across the 14-19 age range.

Ensuring that the 5 outcomes of ECM underpin all strategies and decisions.

This shared trust opened 1st September 2008. Very strong levels of trust and mutual support exist between the respective schools, The Trust status was seen as a way of continuing and formalising collaboration that had been taking place for several years.

Schools: – Windsor High (11-18), Earl’s High (11-16) and Leasowes Community College (11-16).

Partners: Halesowen College of FE, Rathbone Foundation, NCSL, Skillforce, the Black Country Development Agency, Connexions, Dudley LA. and University of Wolverhampton

Each of these organisations has senior representation on the Trust Board along with the Headteacher and Chair of Governors from each school. .
Whilst the external partners give valuable support, time restrictions have prevented greater involvement of these agencies.

Examples of trust impact include:

The Trust has had a significant impact on a range of stakeholders. Due to the presence of the Chairs of Governors for each school on the Trust Board, along with Halesowen College, better co-ordination is developing between the schools and the College.
The formation of two working groups – Curriculum and ECM is having a very positive influence in terms of strategic as well as day to day planning and implementation
The Trust has been very active in developing a range of Diploma lines.
The Trust in association with Worcester University, is offering a foundation degree in Learning Support which is proving very successful.
The remit for the Extended School agenda has been taken on by the Trust and joint planning is leading to cohesion rather than competition.
The schools are currently trialling a common assessment framework using Contact Point.
The work on the ECM agenda has involved primary partners and helped to develop the impetus to work towards a ‘Township’ model of support – and also to move into the regional agenda.

The Trust is working with other support agencies and creating a dialogue with the primary schools and the Special School (Halesbury) to develop an early intervention model which will provide more support to students. The Special School has indicated an interest in joining the Trust. This exciting development will mean that all secondary age students in Halesowen will be represented by the Trust.

THET has appointed a Company Secretary to ease the load on Board Members and provide additional professional help and advice. Developing the role for the external partners and evolving a clear strategy for Post 16 collaboration are the two main objectives as THET continues to build upon its good practice.

‘Collaboration and partnership are at the heart of educational initiatives and the Trust has meant greater and more diverse opportunities for students.’
Keith Sorrell Headteacher.

‘The concept of what we have created has the genuine potential to transform learning and opportunities in Halesowen.’

John Howells Headteacher