Welcome
The theme I have chosen for both my presidential year and our annual conference is Leading the System. When many of the support networks we have previously called upon are changing their roles, such as: local authorities, The National College, The Specialist Schools Trust - it will be more important than ever that ASCL members take on the responsibility of leading the system and supporting colleagues.
With my own chequered career, leading both failing schools and outstanding schools, I have, at various times, needed support and, at other times, been able to provide support to my colleagues. Mostly, it has been a mixture of the two. Collaboration amongst schools and colleges has replaced competition as the driving force, and school-to-school support is now firmly recognised as the most effective way of raising attainment across communities. There will be opportunities at the conference to hear some of the innovative ways in which schools and colleges are supporting each other. There will be opportunities to share ideas, meet with the decision makers and influence the shape that this support will take.
By March, many of our colleagues will be leading academies in an era of even greater independence and autonomy. The first tranche of Teaching Schools will be up and running. This will be an opportunity for us to discuss how we will continue to work together to ensure that the young people in our care do achieve a world-class education in whatever type of school or college they find themselves.
I have always attended conference with my leadership team and we use this as an opportunity both for networking and learning. I hope that you will join us in Birmingham and contribute to Leading the System and influencing the direction in which we will go for the next decade.
Joan McVittie
President
ASCL Annual Conference 2013
15-16 March, Hilton LONDON Metropole (Edgware Road)
