Summary - there are a number of existing models of partnership working. This section looks at the nature of Federations and how  they could form the basis of an effective Federation. 

Federations are groups of schools that come together and set up joint governance arrangements, either through establishing a joint governing body or an executive committee which could include headteachers, representatives of local FE colleges, employers and service providers. Joint governance arrangements enable groups of schools to work together more effectively, to take a coordinated and strategic approach to raising standards of teaching and learning across the federation and to develop strong mechanisms for joint accountability. Federations will be well placed to develop into Education Improvement Partnerships, and a number of them already have contracts with their local authorities to deliver services.

Publication Date: May 2005

Last Updated: July 2006