What if... we really wanted to support schools facing the greatest challenge?

IOE Public Debates: Some schools have made a name for themselves in performing ‘against the odds’, their pupils chalking up impressive achievements in national tests and exams. But still there remains a link between schools’ circumstances and their performance, and some glaring geographical disparities. Breaking that link has been a focal point for education policy and many high profile organisations in education over the past two decades. There are occasional signs of progress, but they have often been modest and faltering. How far can we get with school-based interventions, and are there any such interventions, existing or hypothetical, that we should pursue with greater vigour? Speakers include: - Sir David Carter, National Schools Commissioner, Department for Education - Vic Goddard, Headteacher of Passmores Academy, Harlow - Lucy Heller, Chief Executive, Ark - Sam Freedman, Executive Director of Participant Impact and Delivery, Teach First - Chair: Becky Francis, Director, UCL Institute of Education #IOEDebates