Tuxford Academy, Retford Oaks Academy and Tuxford Primary Academy, all part of Diverse Academies Learning Partnership, were today visited by Alastair Land, the recently announced next Headmaster of the prestigious independent school Harrow – as part of a mutual desire to share best practice across the education sector.
Mr Land is currently Headmaster at Repton School in Derbyshire, and his visit to the Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire based multi-academy trust came ahead of taking up his new post at Harrow, which commences in April 2019.
Diverse Academies – a mixed-phase trust of 14 academies – and Mr Land share the belief that all children and young people should be given access to a high quality education, and afforded the very best chance in life to progress and develop into further or higher education, employment or a more independent adulthood – regardless of their background.
Louise Davidson, Executive Principal at Diverse Academies said: “We were delighted to meet with Alastair and showcase a number of academies from within our group. We are justifiably proud of the innovative practice that takes place within the Diverse Academies – from how we attract and train people into the teaching profession, to the way we engage and develop our young people.
“As a trust we firmly believe that developing best practice does not happen in isolation – and we are committed to fostering professional networks between the state and independent sectors, to the benefit of all our students.”
Alastair Land, the incoming Harrow Headmaster added: “We share a mutual passion to offer our students an environment in which they thrive both academically and as individuals. Regardless of background, this is something we should and do expect of all our schools.
“While Harrow has an exemplary academic heritage, it is also a place of innovation. I am keen to foster close working relationships with fellow educationalists across the sector, ensuring all our young people are able to leave school with the skills necessary to contribute fully in society.”
Debbie Clinton, Diverse Academies Acting CEO summed up the day: “At Diverse Academies we are renowned for our outward-looking approach to education, looking to other schools and academies across the UK to share best practice. Collaborating across a diverse portfolio of academies is fundamental to our vision and values.
“Alastair Land is an exciting and innovative practitioner, with a wealth of experience and knowledge in high quality education. Likewise, we have a large team of educational and operational experts who work across the sector to provide support and guidance, and challenge accepted professional thinking.
“It is important that we, as leading educational professionals, form these mutually beneficial relationships and ensure our children and young people are offered the very best educational experience, whichever school or academy they happen to attend.”