21 January 2022
After several years of informal partnerships between the secondary schools in Abingdon and the OX14 postcode, it was felt that the time had come to formalise the relationship as an official school partnership. St Helen and St Katharine, John Mason, Fitzharrys, Radley College, Larkmead and Abingdon School have come together to form the OX14 Learning Partnership. After a year of discussions and planning, the partnership was officially launched on Friday 19 November with a signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the schools.
State and independent school partnerships are becoming more common and are encouraged by the DFE as they provide opportunities for collaboration and mutual benefit. The aim of the partnership is to raise educational aspirations across the OX14 postcode by providing opportunities for students and staff to be challenged, inspired and learn from each other. A range of extracurricular activities and events will encourage collaboration between the schools as well as providing opportunities for widening horizons.
A student voice committee will play a vital part in the development of the partnership, not only in the planning and running of events but also as an opportunity for students to have their views heard and to collaborate with students from across the partnership.
Activities such as academic coaching and peer mentoring across the six schools have already been established, giving students and staff the opportunity to collaborate and share ideas as well as to develop leadership skills. Involvement from the Abingdon Science Partnership will also provide opportunities for challenge and inspiration. The Partnership will look to work alongside local organisations to provide opportunities for students across the schools. An example includes The Oxfordshire Academy of Broadcast Journalism which will run media workshops. Plans are also being made for opportunities in sport, music, languages and the arts as well as teacher networks and CPD opportunities for staff and Higher Education support for students.
Mental Health and wellbeing will be at the heart of the partnership with workshops, speakers and events to support the whole community. Plans for a youth space in collaboration with The Abingdon Bridge are also being explored.
We do hope that you and your child feel that the partnership provides opportunities that will enhance their time at school. Please feel free to get in touch with the Partnership Coordinator Jessica Burns with any questions.
To keep up to date with events and news please follow us on Twitter @OX14_LP or check the events calendar on the website ox14lp.org.uk.
