Our Partnerships

We believe one of the greatest strengths of Chrysalis MAT is the extensive number of partnerships we have with local, national and international organisations to benefit our schools, pupils and staff.

These partnerships enrich our member schools’ curriculum offer, providing pupils with unique opportunities to enhance their learning, cultivate their character and skills, develop their cultural capital, and make memories to last a lifetime. Some collaborations allow our staff to progress in their careers and widen their expertise - which is then shared amongst others within our Trust.

Our partnerships are far reaching and cover a range of sectors. Find out more below.

Educational

Challenge Partners

We are exceptionally proud to work with Challenge Partners, an education charity led by practitioners, through which schools collaborate to improve each other and the education system so that all children benefit. Programmes are created to facilitate school improvement and leadership development and share great practice.

We are leading one of the strongest hubs within the network - The Chrysalis Hub was established in March 2018 with Claremont High School Academy as the lead school. Since then, we have grown from 5 schools to 18 – a mix of primary and secondary and one sixth form college. In total we are supporting over 15,000 pupils through the Hub.

 

Primary	Secondary	Sixth Form College
Avanti House Primary Esley Primary Kingsbury Green Primary Mount Stewart Infant Mount Stewart Junior Mora Primary Salusbury Primary Sudbury Primary Uxendon Manor Primary Leopold Primary School	Claremont High Park High Preston Manor Rooks Heath The Sydney Russell School Queensmead School	St Dominic’s Sixth Form

Our Executive Headteacher, Ms Nicola Hyde-Boughey is a Strategic Partner, working closely with the Challenge Partners Central Team. Ms Alice Toft, Deputy Headteacher at Claremont High School, secured Hub Manager Accreditation against the Hub Gold Standard. Whilst Shalina Patel, History Teacher and Teaching and Learning Lead at Claremont High School, is the Deputy Hub Manager who delivers the Outstanding Teacher Programme. Ms Patel was herself recognised for her excellence in the classroom when she was awarded the Silver Pearson Teacher Award in 2018.

Programmes:

Through Challenge Partners, and the hub funding we receive, we are able to train our staff to deliver a number of programmes to benefit our schools and staff within Chrysalis MAT as well as other schools within the North West London Hub and Challenge Partners network.

Programmes and training include:

• Outstanding Teacher Programme
• Outstanding Teaching Assistant Programme
• Creative Teacher Programme
• Power of Coaching Programme
• OSM – a bespoke programme developed with OLEVI
• Growing the Top Programme for stand-out schools
• Mental Health First Aid Training
• Level 3 Safeguarding Training
• SEND Training
• Pupil Premium Training
• Quality Assessment Training
• Positive Handling in Education
• Curriculum Development Programme and/or coaching approach to Middle Leadership.

We have a proven track record of outstanding delivery and are delighted that we are able to offer training to schools within our own Hub as well as opening up the opportunity to other hubs and schools within the Challenge Partners network. Our current priorities are to build closer relationships with existing schools in our Hub, making the most of the network by sharing best practice and sending members of our team to visit other schools where we think it would be of benefit.

OLEVI

OLEVI is an internationally recognised company providing professional development and school leadership training programmes to enhance the teaching and learning already in place in our schools. Through the coaching programme, new and emerging leaders across the Trust are being trained to be coaches who will then go on to deliver coaching to our staff. Building this coaching ethos will help to develop a culture of continual, sustained improvement within our schools, leading to improved student outcomes.

ImpactEd

ImpactEd is a not-for-profit organisation working in collaboration with Challenge Partners to support Chrysalis MAT and our schools to understand and evaluate the impact of the programmes and initiatives we run.

The University of Oxford

We believe that our best pupils should be enabled to attend The University of Oxford, regardless of their background, and so we have partnered with Magdalen College who are also committed to supporting disadvantaged pupils in making informed choices about their futures, and offering help and guidance when it comes to applying to Oxford.

Every year, a group of high flying pupils, who meet the College’s selection criteria (such as being eligible for FSM/pupil premium, care experienced pupils, first generation in their family to attend university, living in postcodes of high disadvantage and low progression rate to university), attend for a Taster Day which involves:

• An ‘Introduction to University/Oxford’ session
• A Q&A seminar with undergraduates who share their experiences
• A tour of the College with an undergraduate
• Free lunch in the exquisite Hall
• An academic taster session with a Magdalen academic
• Admissions and interview workshops

This experience is available for pupils in Years 7-12, offering the opportunity to learn about university study and how to make a competitive application. In conjunction with Magdalen College, we aim to raise their aspirations and give them the motivation to achieve more than they thought possible.

Before my visit to The University of Oxford, I never thought of education beyond high school. My potential, my life, my education (which I took for granted) I now cherish the existence of. From never considering university at all, to aspiring to go to one of the best universities in the world is a drastic turn that I have taken. And I cannot thank the teachers who have arranged this enough. We had the honour of meeting students from Magdalen, one of the colleges at The University of Oxford; they told us about their experiences and took us on a tour around campus. And, oh my, it was just stunning! With its old-fashioned, picturesque walls - the buildings look like something out of a classic novel. In the Addison Walk, there was a vast range of fascinating things to see. There was a diminutive lake, an open field- and even some deer! This trip has taught us an extremely valuable lesson - that anyone can aspire to go to Oxford if you continue to work hard!”

Year 8 student, Claremont High School Academy

The University of Cambridge

Year 13 pupils wishing to apply to Oxbridge are invited to attend a residential at Jesus College in Cambridge. They gain an insight into life at the university as an undergraduate through taster sessions and an overnight stay.

Imperial College London

Mental health issues impact people of all ages, backgrounds and class; understanding what the key causes of mental health issues are, means we can look into how we can support and improve mental health in our young people.

Imperial College London’s Study of Cognition, Adolescents and Mobile Phones (SCAMP) is the largest study in the world investigating the impact of mobile phones and social media on young people’s physical and mental health, and brain function. In the past our pupils used to complete a computerised school assessment including cognitive tasks, such as attention, memory, and questions on mobile phone use and lifestyle. This was, and continues to be, an excellent opportunity for pupils to contribute to cutting-edge research.

Eight of our A Level Science pupils were involved in the newly developed SCAMP Research Challenge, working directly with researchers at Imperial College London who supported them to plan and deliver their own data collection at school. This once in a lifetime opportunity provided pupils with hands-on research experience, allowing them to gain new skills in research, data collection, project management, leadership and teamwork which will add significantly to their personal statements and university applications. As a result of participating in this inaugural opportunity, pupils were award with participation certificates and vouchers. They also won the best biozone collection award.

When I heard about the programme, I was intrigued as I hope to study medicine at university, particularly neuroscience and cognitive function. I was hoping to gain a deeper understanding into how a university level research project works and the different sampling methods researchers use. It was great to work alongside my peers with similar interests. Working collaboratively taught me how to compromise and respect each other’s ideas, but also how to calmly discuss our difference in opinions. I also found I developed my public speaking skills and confidence by presenting in assemblies.

Vithoosha, Year 12, Claremont High School Academy

The Sutton Trust

We are proud to have a strong relationship with The Sutton Trust who align with our vision of improving the life chances of every young person, irrespective of their background, culture or gender. We encourage our Year 12 pupils to apply to the Sutton Trust’s Summer Schools which are free, residential programmes running at 10 of the UK’s top universities. It allows pupils the chance to gain an insight into life as an undergraduate by attending academic lectures and seminars taught by leading experts whilst spending 3-5 nights at the university itself. The subjects on offer range from medicine to politics, engineering to history, modern languages to veterinary medicine, and many more.

ASK Programme

The Apprenticeship Support & Knowledge for Schools (ASK) is a programme funded by the Department for Education, with the aim of supporting schools to increase pupils’ awareness of apprenticeships, traineeships and T Levels. Through the programme, pupils have access to a suite of engaging assemblies, workshops and activities to understand more about these different pathways and how to enter them successfully.

Inspiring the Future

Inspiring the Future is a Department for Education platform, and flagship service of the Education and Employers charity, that share the Chrysalis MAT vision where we believe that every young person, wherever they live, whatever their parents’ or carers’ circumstances, should have the opportunity to explore the world of work. Together, through live, online Q&A sessions, we are able to connect pupils to a diverse range of employers to help them link what they learn in the classroom to their futures and discover new jobs, such as in the green or digital economy, that they may not know about. We hope to broaden their horizons, raise their aspirations, increase their motivation to achieve their full potential, and be empowered to make informed decisions through this partnership.

Social enterprise

Afro Caribbean Leukaemia Trust (ACLT)

ACLT is a leading, award winning charity dedicated to raising awareness of the severe shortage of stem cell, blood and organ donors in the UK. ACLT was founded in 1996 by Beverley De-Gale, OBE, and Orin Lewis, OBE, 3 years after receiving the devastating news that their 6 year old son, Daniel De-Gale needed a stem cell transplant in order to win his 6-year battle against acute leukaemia.

Every year representatives from the organisation visit Claremont High School Academy to talk to pupils about the background of the charity and raise awareness about stem cell, blood and organ donation. There is then the opportunity for Sixth Form pupils and staff to sign up to be donors. This partnership is a great reflection of how, together, we strive to be fully involved and supportive of our community.

WizeUp Financial Education

WizeUp Financial Education is a charity that aims to make pupils more financially aware so that they are prepared for life beyond school. In partnership with The Jack Petchey Foundation, they have delivered sessions to our Year 12 pupils on topics such as how to budget your money, student finance, how to work out your tax and pension, and what does a pay cheque look like.

National Citizen Service

National Citizen Service (NCS) offers 16 and 17 year olds from different backgrounds a valuable life experience away from home, developing new skills, exploring and tackling solutions to local problems, all whilst making new friends and memories that can last a lifetime. Every year, pupils have to apply to gain a heavily subsidised space on the programme of which there are approximately 30-50 across the London Borough of Brent.

Moorfields Eye Hospital

Our pupils have high aspirations and many want to pursue a career in Medicine. Our partnership with  Moorfields Eye Hospital offers pupils the chance to volunteer and gain work experience from leading professionals. They attend once to twice per week to undertake a variety of roles and develop a wide range of skills that will enhance their CVs, personal statements and university applications.

STEMettes

STEMettes is an award-winning social enterprise working to inspire and support young women and young non-binary people into Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths (STEAM) careers. The organisation was set up by co-founder, Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE, to help combat the lack of women and non-binary people in STEM by taking a new form of action centred on being free, having fun and enjoying food.

Through this partnership our pupils have enjoyed a range of events and programmes to enhance their learning and introduce them to the variety of careers within the STEAM industry; and have had opportunities to travel into London to visit prestigious companies such as UBS, Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan.

Outside of this partnership, Claremont High School Academy’s STEMillions Club for girls offers a plethora of additional experiences, including regularly visiting the University of Oxford to hear from inspirational women in STEM and participate in activities such as decoding; and partaking in competitions locally and nationally. A UK challenge was won by Claremont High School Academy pupils when they created their own energy app.

Brent Mental Health and WEST (Wellbeing and Emotional Support Team)

Claremont High School Academy was one of the first schools to work in partnership with Brent Mental Health Services which is an initiative in its third year and looking to continue expanding both locally and nationally. Together with the school’s specialist Head of Pastoral and Designated Safeguarding Lead, who is on the Governing Board, we are working to lower levels of work anxiety and stress, not just in Chrysalis MAT schools but other local schools too through the sharing of best practice.

The Wellbeing and Emotional Support Team (WEST) is a targeted mental health service for vulnerable children and young people. Claremont High School Academy’s specialist Head of Pastoral and Designated Safeguarding Lead has been working closely with the organisation to develop and produce resources and materials, as well as provide training, to support schools and prepare them for traumatic events children may encounter such as a sudden bereavement.

Tender

Tender is an arts and education charity committed to preventing domestic abuse and sexual violence amongst young people by promoting healthy relationships. Claremont High School Academy are leading Ashiana and Tender Teacher Training across three local schools to improve awareness of gendered violence towards young women and girls. The training programme has been specially designed to build staff capacity to help identify and deal with the early signs of vulnerability and risk for young women and girls, which in turn has a positive effect on their engagement at school and wellbeing.

The Arts

Brent Music Service

Brent Music Service is based onsite at Claremont High School Academy, offering therapeutic music lessons to inspire and develop a lifelong love of music in pupils. The organisation also provides instrumental and vocal tuition for those pupils wishing to further their musical skills. Throughout our schools there is an abundance of opportunities for pupils to show off their creative flair during ensembles after school, whole school productions, concerts; as well as trips to see musicals, operas and professional performances.

Synergy Theatre Project

Founded over 20 years ago, the Synergy Theatre Project is an inspiring organisation that believes theatre can be transformative, challenging and change perceptions, and creating new possibilities for a more positive future. Their ground-breaking work allows participants to develop their skills, capabilities, and resilience; provides vital support to rehabilitation; and seeks to prevent young people from entering the criminal justice system. Under the supervision of industry experts and professional actors, pupils work with Synergy to write a play for their national production; participate in workshops to hone their acting skills; as well as watch a range of Synergy’s performances.

The Jack Petchey Foundation

“If you think you can, you can!” Sir Jack Petchey CBE

The Jack Petchey Foundation was set up by Sir Jack Petchey CBE to inspire and celebrate young people across London and Essex through a range of programmes and workshops, including the world’s largest public speaking competition – the Speak Out Challenge. Year 10 pupils have been participating in the programme for several years. Those involved each receive a full day of public speaking training, led by one of the Foundation’s expert trainers, learning how to construct a speech, speak confidently and overcome nerves, and work together with their peer to give positive and constructive feedback. Selected pupils are encouraged to enter a competition which involves sharing their speeches in front of a panel of judges, and a large audience, for a chance to win a significant cash prize for themselves and their school.

Sports

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

The Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award is the world’s leading youth achievement award. It is not only a prestigious award much desired by universities and employers alike, but also a chance for pupils to be recognised for trying something new, helping their community, testing their limits and enhancing their skills. The scheme is split into different levels (Bronze, Silver and Gold), with each requiring regular commitment towards four sections:

1. Volunteering: undertaking service to individuals or the community
2. Physical: improving in an area of sport, dance or fitness activities
3. Skills: developing practical and social skills and personal interests
4. Expedition: planning, training for and completing an adventurous expedition

At Gold level there is also an additional residential requirement. The Bronze Award is started by our pupils in Year 9, the Silver Award in Year 10 and the Gold Award in Year 12. Each award is an excellent way for pupils to set personal challenges and push boundaries, building their confidence, resilience and independence as well as a range of other key skills that will serve them for many years.

To prepare our younger children for the award, Sudbury Primary School have created their very own Sudbury Life Skills Awards, developing their pupils’ resilience, problem-solving, team-working, communication and drive through activities and challenges similar to the DofE award.

QPR

With the aim of raising the profile, and increasing the provision, of football amongst girls, QPR have delivered coaching sessions to girls in Years 7-10 which has proved extremely popular. Girls have also been given the opportunity to take part in annual community tournaments run by QPR.

Saracens Rugby Club

Pupils were granted an extraordinary opportunity to play rugby on a professional field, accompanied by their teammates and coaching staff. Throughout this experience, pupils demonstrated the fundamental rugby values of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline, and sportsmanship, which greatly contributed to their remarkable progress in the game. Additionally, exceptional pupils were given the chance to participate in pathway nights, where they received specialised coaching from the Saracens team.

 

Interested in working in partnership?

We are motivated to continue building mutually beneficial and meaningful partnerships with organisations to boost opportunities for our young people as well as for our staff and local community.

Examples of how partners can support the development of our member schools and their staff and pupils include:

• Careers advice and insights
• Motivational talks and lectures
• Work experience placements
• CV support and interview practice
• Mentoring
• Enhancement of the curriculum through workshops, trips and visits etc.
• Improving employment opportunities
• Raising awareness of our Trust and member schools.

The ways in which we can give back include:

• Increased brand recognition through advertising opportunities
• Reach a targeted audience, with access to our school community
• Networking opportunities
• Use of school facilities e.g. conference room, halls and IT suites, with free parking
• Adult Learning Provision in English
• High quality pupils for work experience and potential employment opportunities
• High quality pupils applying to our partner universities
• Inspirational volunteering opportunities for your employees
• Direct input into what young children are learning, shaping your future pipeline of talent
• Satisfy your organisation’s needs to meet social and ethical responsibilities.

 

If you would like to get involved and work with us, please contact us at admin@claremont-high.org.uk