Bedales and Bohunt celebrate partnership

Partnership leads from Bohunt Education Trust (BET) and Bedales Schools attended an event at the Houses of Parliament with Right Hon. Damian Hinds MP to celebrate joint activities between state and independent schools across the UK.

With speeches from key educational parliamentarians including Lord Agnew, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the School System, and Layla Moran MP, Spokesperson for Education for the Liberal Democrats, the event celebrated the numerous initiatives taking place across the country working across sectors to engage and provide opportunities for students from both sides of the education spectrum. Guests were presented with copies of a report published by the Independent Schools Council entitled Celebrating Partnerships, which showcases just a handful of the many meaningful partnerships that exist today.

Damian Hinds, who has taken part in an annual ‘Question Time’-style event with students from his local constituency, was joined by Polly Sharpe from BET and Rob Reynolds from Bedales, the partnership leads responsible for the coordination of the programme of events set up by the two schools.

Following a successful two-year collaboration of local partnership activities, Bohunt and Bedales schools will shortly embark on a new ‘Game Changer’ programme of opportunities for selected students from across BET to develop skills in leadership, aspiration, independence and resilience.

Speaking at the event in Westminster, Damian Hinds said:

“It is a delight to see two such innovative and high-achieving schools as Bohunt and Bedales working together for the benefit of students, regardless of sector. I look forward to taking part in this year’s event in March 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.”

Magnus Bashaarat, Head of Bedales Schools commented:

“We really enjoy our partnership with Bohunt and continue to learn so much from each other. Our programme of joint initiatives continues to expand, creating many excellent learning opportunities for students and teachers from our schools.”

Neil Strowger, Trust Leader at Bohunt Education Trust commented:

“We’ve worked in partnership with Bedales for the last two years. Our successful collaboration and growing programme of activities has enabled us to build strong relationships between school communities, and to share valuable resources, knowledge and expertise for the benefit of our students and staff.”

The cross-sector partnership between the two schools 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.

Bohunt Education Trust | Independent Schools Council | Celebrating Partnerships | Bedales and Bohunt Partnership activties | Damian Hinds MP