Date: Tuesday 25th March
Time: 16.00 – 17.30
Online Event: Zoom
We know that strong local partnerships are key to ensuring that every learner, regardless of background, has access to high-quality education and opportunities that help them thrive. Yet, across the country, collaboration between schools, colleges, and communities often happens despite the system, rather than because of it.
At this roundtable discussion, we come together to explore how we can move beyond isolated success stories to create a future where effective place-based partnerships are the foundation of a strong, inclusive education system. This event will develop actionable ideas for long-term policy and practice, ensuring that in 10 years’ time, learners and communities truly feel the impact of sustained collaboration.
This policy roundtable will unpack:
- What systemic changes would make collaboration between schools, colleges, and local partners the norm rather than the exception?
- How should school and college accountability shift to better reflect the success of a place, not just individual institutions?
- What should effective place-based partnerships look like in 10 years, and what needs to change now to get us there?
- What role should education partnerships play in tackling wider inequalities in their local communities?
Who is this event for?
This event is for leaders at all levels across education and the wider community—from school and college leaders, MAT CEOs, policymakers, and local authority teams to learners, families, industry partners, and community organisers—who want to play an active role in shaping the future of education partnerships.
It is a space for collaboration, co-creation, and shared leadership, where participants will contribute ideas and solutions that can drive lasting change. Whether you are leading a school, shaping policy, or advocating for learners and families, your voice is vital in this conversation.
Featuring inspiration from:
Oasis Group: CEO Dave Parr, alongside a young person from the Oasis community, sharing lessons from integrated community support, education, and collaboration.
Bolton Learning Partnership: Philip Britton, Head of Foundation at Bolton School, joined by a fellow leader within the Partnership, discussing how collective action is improving learner outcomes across the region.
Schools Partnership Alliance: Panel chaired by Dr Joe Spence, incoming Chief Executive of SPA, exploring what makes partnerships effective and sustainable.
Panellists:
Philip Britton MBE – Bolton Learning Partnership Founding Member and Head of Foundation at Bolton School. Philip is a founding member of the Bolton Learning Partnership – a collaboration of 28 member schools, colleges and Bolton Council. Together they are dedicated to supporting the personal development, attainment, and achievement of all the 19,000 students in Bolton. He is Head of Foundation at Bolton School and is the Chair Elect of HMC.
Dave Parr – Chief Executive Oasis Group. Dave leads a movement working to build stronger communities throughout the UK. At Oasis, we dream of a world where everyone is included, making a contribution, and reaching their God-given potential. Oasis is a collection of charities working in education, housing, human-trafficking prevention, youth work, healthcare, debt advice and more to provide joined-up, holistic, and warp-around care working to nourish the wholeness of individuals, communities, and society. Dave started working for Oasis in 2005 and since then has undertaken various roles both in the UK and around the world. He’s been Group CEO since 2019.
Dr. Joe Spence – Chief Executive Officer, School Partnership Alliance. Joe joined the School Partnerships Alliance as CEO in January 2025. Joe was Master of Dulwich College from 2009 to 2024 and Headmaster of Oakham School from 2002, having previously taught history and politics at Eton College, where he was also Master in College (housemaster to the King’s Scholars). Joe has been a governor of more than a dozen state and independent schools. A trustee of the Mark Evison Foundation, Art History Link Up and the Keats-Shelley Memorial Association, he is also a playwright and librettist.
Why Attend?
- Gain insights from real-world examples of place-based education partnerships that are making a tangible difference.
- Engage with education leaders, policymakers, and placemakers working to shape the future of collaboration in education.
- Be part of the national conversation on how partnerships can create sustainable, system-wide improvements in education.
- Contribute to discussions on creating inclusive policies and long-term practices that ensure every learner benefits from a stronger, more connected education system.
Let’s shape the future together. Join us for this vital conversation!
Date: Tuesday 25th March
Time: 16.00 – 17.30
Online Event: Zoom
