Last night, Wild Search welcomed individuals from the Arts & Heritage community and sector for dinner at the Royal Albert Hall for an evening of discussion on the opportunities and challenges facing the sector.
Wild Search Education news roundup
Wild Search Education news roundup
28th February 2020
Could Universities scrap the use of predicted grades in their admissions process?
In a move which could help to reverse the growing trend of unconditional offers, options for reform laid out by the Office for Students (OfS) stipulate that universities could withhold offers until students have received their A-level results. It has been argued that a revised entry-system could be fairer for incoming students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds who may not receive as much support with personal statements and UCAS applications. However, there are questions as to how a post-qualification admissions process would affect the current timetable, as results are currently released in August with most universities’ academic year typically starting in September. A growing number of university vice-chancellors have welcomed the proposed changes. However, Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, has expressed concerns that final A-level exams would have to take place before the summer term, thus leaving students with less time to prepare and study. A review of the system is currently underway and several options to reform the process are being explored.
University Strikes
News of the upcoming university strikes have dominated education news this week. Tens of thousands of academic and support staff are set to strike throughout February and March over pay, pensions and working conditions. Staff from a total of 74 universities across the country will be taking part in what has been described as the “biggest ever wave of strikes” by the Guardian. Students from several universities have expressed solidarity with those striking while also pushing for compensation over cancelled classes and lectures.
The debate surrounding three-year GCSEs
The Education Endowment Foundation has commissioned research into whether a three-year GCSE curriculum would be more effective in enhancing grades than the traditional two-year approach. The National Foundation for Education Research has been enlisted to undertake the research. Secondary schools across the UK will be invited to take part in the research project by answering a survey which will look into how schools organise their Key Stage 4 curriculum. Although many schools, particularly MATs, start GCSE studies in Year 9, others have argued that the three-year option forces a narrower curriculum on students too early and thus runs the risk of pushing out subjects in the humanities and creative arts.
MAT bosses salary debate
Our 2019 report, A Sum Greater than its Parts?: Making Education Groups Work, on MAT governance and its intricacies can be downloaded here.
A debate has been sparked this week on the topic of multi-academy trust executive salaries. Earlier this week William Stewart wrote for Tes that MAT “fat cats” have been receiving pay increases of up to 23 per cent in a single year. Mr Stewart went on to argue that excessive annual salaries send the wrong signal that our state education system could be seen as a lucrative way to earn a high salary as a MAT boss, when on the other hand teacher pay freezes and school spending cuts are still very much a point of contention.
Ed Dorrell, deputy editor of Tes, responded that Chief Executives of large MATs deserve a handsome salary due to the array of responsibilities they hold in a complex and multi-faceted organisation. Mr Dorrell also suggested that it would be more helpful to argue for salary increases for teachers rather than single out MAT bosses.
Rudi Eliott Lockhart to join the Independent Schools Association as Chief Executive Officer
Wild Search has advised on a number of Chief Executive appointments for membership associations and trade bodies within education and beyond, as well as for multi academy trusts.
If you would like to work with Wild Search in building your leadership team, please contact Rob Porter to arrange an initial discussion rp@wildsearch.org
14th February 2020
Rudi Eliott Lockhart to join the Independent Schools Association as Chief Executive Officer
Wild Search are delighted to announce the appointment of Rudi Eliott Lockhart as Chief Executive of the Independent Schools Association following a full and rigorous search which attracted wide interest.
He will bring a breadth of knowledge and understanding of the challenges facing independent schools and combines a strong academic background with experience of leading the Religious Education Council of England and Wales for five years.
We wish him and the ISA every success in the future.
Find out more on the ISA website.
Richard Burge appointed Chief Executive of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Richard Burge appointed Chief Executive of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry
6th January 2020
It is with great pleasure that Wild Search can announce the appointment of Richard Burge as Chief Executive of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Richard’s appointment comes at a critical time as the UK prepares to exit the European Union and adapt trading relations with the continent. Bringing with him a breadth of international expertise, having previously fulfilled roles at the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council and Wilton Park, Richard will undoubtedly be a great asset as the LCCI navigates the BREXIT transition period.
We wish him every success in the role.
Wild Search Celebrates its First Decade
Wild Search Celebrates its First Decade
3rd January 2020
To mark ten years of Wild Search, during 2020 we look forward to hosting a series of events to which clients and candidates of past, present and future will be invited. They will range from our inaugural annual education lecture, to a special annual reception, through our regular programme of dinners for the sectors we serve, to fundraising during the course of the year for a charity which will be announced shortly. Details will be published on our website and invitations sent out in due course.
Let’s All Go Down the Strand: Northbank Revealed - latest publication
Please email research@wildsearch.org to request a hard copy.
Let’s All Go Down the Strand: Northbank Revealed - latest publication
4th December 2020
Taking its title from a music hall song, Let’s All Go Down the Strand, celebrates the history and future of The Northbank, the area of London either side of the Strand which links the City of London with Westminster. Acclaimed author Clive Aslet tracks the area’s history from its origins in the early modern period, through to the twenty-first century and looks ahead to some exciting potential developments.
This publication was commissioned by The Northbank BID.