The Permanent Secretary of the Department for Education paid a visit to two CLF schools this week – and heaped praise upon the trust’s ‘passionate and dedicated’ staff and ‘articulate’ students.
Susan Acland-Hood, the DfE’s Permanent Secretary, visited Wallscourt Farm Academy, Bristol Metropolitan Academy, and the CLF Institute alongside her team on Thursday.
At Wallscourt, Ms Acland-Hood met Principal Charlotte Black and a group of pupils who were keen to talk to their visitor about their curriculum and learning that is progressive, purposeful, and inspiring. The main vehicle for their learning at Wallscourt is enquiry-led learning, which sees pupils absorb important lessons by becoming authors, mathematicians, engineers, and artists.
A meeting with Cameron Shaw, Principal at Bristol Metropolitan, was the next stop on this whistlestop tour. The visit began with Cameron explaining the transformative history of Bristol Met and the journey the academy has been on. Next, Year 7 students led visitors on a tour of the academy, answering questions articulately and eloquently as they showcased some students’ work.
The visit culminated at the CLF Institute, where CLF CEO Steve Taylor guided Ms Acland-Hood through a comprehensive tour, introducing her to key members of staff and providing deeper insights into the CLF’s vision and initiatives.
Susan Acland-Hood, Permanent Secretary at the Department for Education, said: “It was a pleasure to meet all the teachers and leaders at Wallscourt Academy and Bristol Metropolitan Academy, who are a credit to their schools and the CLF.
“The dedication and passion you all share for your students was clear in everyone I met, and it was wonderful to meet so many articulate children across both schools.”
Steve Taylor, Chief Executive of the Cabot Learning Federation, said: “Thank you to Susan Acland-Hood for visiting us an engaging so openly in discussion with pupils and colleagues. It was a pleasure to host Susan and her team.”
