Education leaders collaborate to shape future learning and address educational challenges in Midlands

Headteachers and education leaders from across the Midlands came together to discuss shaping the future of learning and employment in the region.

Funded by The Rigby Foundation, the ‘Heads Together’ event took place at Aston University Conference Centre in Birmingham.

More than 30 headteachers attended the event to share best practice and to discuss a range of topics from recruiting and retaining education leaders to embracing AI and new technology.

The event covered:

• Education Leadership: Tackling recruitment and retention challenges – Prof. Colin Diamond, University of Birmingham
• Skills Gap: Aligning education with employer needs – Helene Dearn OBE, West Midlands Combined Authority
• Futures Readiness: Adapting to the AI revolution – Alex Zarifeh, Arthur Terry Learning Partnership
• Reflections on the day: - Martin Fitzwilliam, Birmingham City Council

Steve Rigby, chair of The Rigby Foundation, said: “My family’s charity – The Rigby Foundation – is committed to supporting our local young people to succeed in education and employment.

“This forum enabled educators from the region to come together to share knowledge and best practice and help shape the future for the next generation.”

Topics discussed included:

• School staffing issues: 90 per cent of teachers considered leaving education in 2023/24, citing workload and pupil behaviour as the main issues

• An overview of the current jobs available in the region and the skills needed, with communication highlighted as the most important for employers
• The importance of ensuring teachers and students are equipped to deal with the challenges and opportunities generated by AI

Frances Child, executive director of Titan Partnership, said: “What an inspiring morning, thank you.”

Darren Turner, executive principal at Tudor Grange Academy Kingshurst, said: “That was mega! Colin was so inspirational.

“Alex was fascinating and so full of energy and I wish we had had more time with Helene, to talk about what schools can do about the skills gap.”

Martin Fitzwilliam, interim director of Schools and Employability, Birmingham City Council, said: “Brilliant… what an inspirational and engaging event, thank you.”