Satis Education brought together over 80 senior figures from across the education sector to discuss what the future has in store in schools.
The event saw Estelle Morris, the former Secretary of State for Education, and Sam Freedman, political commentator and former senior policy adviser at the DfE, discuss the challenges and opportunities that are faced by school leaders and what, if anything, the General Election may mean for the sector.
Helen Stevenson, Satis’ Co-Founder, said: “Chaired by Michael Pain from Forum Strategy, there was an incredibly insightful and thought-provoking debate.
“As was pointed out, on the one hand our education system has gone up the PISA rankings over the last couple of decades. Yet, on the other, are we now at a juncture where we need to relax some of the accountability measures in order to help schools support young people to thrive in the world that awaits them? Is it time to rethink our direction of travel?
“With a possible change in Government just a few months away, it was an important moment to have such a discussion.
“There was one comment by an audience member that really summed up the conversation. They simply said “school leaders are a very resourceful and innovative group of people, and if you set them a target they will do all that they can to achieve it. Whoever is in power, people will try and make it work if it is the right thing for our communities.
“That is because education is about people, purpose and connection – and that is why we do what we do! If we can bring great people together, who all share similar values and moral purpose, then that is only going to benefit the schools we are fortunate enough to support.”
The event was held at Jubilee Campus at The University of Nottingham, the former home of the National College, and students from the Greenwood Academies Trust also wowed guests with the choral performance.
At the end of the night, one guest simply said: “Such a privilege and inspiration to listen to Estelle and Sam, as well as the opportunity to network with colleagues. The whole event was well considered and spoke to the values-driven, people-centred heart of Satis. Thank you!”
