Summary - This case study is unusual in that it involves a rich mix of education institutions working as part of a limited company and a federation to improve teaching and learning, opportunities at 14-19; staff development; and pupil targeting.   

The Cumbria South Lakes Federation consists of 8 secondary schools, one special school and one further education college. Together they focus on:

• Professional development for teachers
• Creating subject expertise
• Broadening and improving 14-19 provision
• Broadening and enriching experience for pupils
• Improving the achievement of specific pupil groups

A limited company has been formed, as well as a federation board comprising the head/principal of each institution, an executive of lead headteachers, an executive officer and consultants in teaching, learning and ITT. Federation activity is organised on a project basis involving detailed action plans with a clear focus and aims. Details of the projects are disseminated through web-based case studies.

Other initiatives include:

• 14-19 Pathfinder
• 14-19 Increased flexibility programme
• Aim-Higher
• Schools Sports co-ordinator programme

In order to overcome difficult issues such as the number and range of institutions involved, capacity, funding and distance between institutions the Cumbria South Lakes Federation has placed an early emphasis on systematic development, established clear protocols, commissioned special consultants and effected the inception of other funding streams with federation resources.

The collaborative work of the federation has led to improved diversity of the 14-16 curriculum as well as the establishment of subject network groups. There has been a considerable increase in collaboration at both strategic and operational levels.

The federation has impacted on teachers' professional development and support through such initiatives as: the formation of an enhanced federation CPD group of senior leaders; coordinated CPD programmes based on specialist schools; project based inter-school CPD at department/team level and; a co-ordinated system of school self-evaluation and peer review.

The federation has enhanced links between the schools and the local community through the establishment of strategic partnerships involving education business partnerships, the local business education consortium,  Connexions, Aimhigher, the LEA, HE and FE institutions, the LSC and work-based providers.

For further information please contact Chris Clarke, Headteacher. Email c.clarke@queenelizabeth.cumbria.sch.uk Tel: 01524 271 275