Welcome to The Education Exchange West Midlands, an inspiring initiative bringing together leaders from schools and trusts across the region to collaborate, innovate, and make a tangible difference in education.
Led by Vince Green, CEO of Summit Learning Trust, this regional branch builds on the success of the original The Education Exchange in Yorkshire and Humber, expanding its impactful model to benefit children, families, and communities in the West Midlands.
Vince Green
CEO of Summit Learning Trust
and The Education Exchange, West Midlands
“A steering group of CEOs from the West Midlands visited The Education Exchange (Yorkshire) earlier in 2024 and were inspired by the work taking place and what was possible. Following this, a launch event for The Education Exchange West Midlands took place in November 2024 and was attended by CEOs and school leaders from across the region, as well as colleagues from our DfE Regions Group and local authorities. Several Exchange projects have already commenced in the West Midlands, and we look forward to many more.”
Vince Green, reflecting on the West Midlands launch
The Launch Event
The two-day launch event in November 2024 brought together passionate and altruistic leaders from across the West Midlands region.
- Day One Highlights:
- Led by the original Yorkshire and Humber The Education Exchange team, including Paul Tarn, Andy Barnett, and Simon Witham, alongside Delta Academies Trust.
- Insightful discussions with Andrew Warren, Regional Director, and the Department for Education (DfE) Regions Team on integrating this initiative with the RISE program.
- Collaboration with local authorities to foster partnerships that prioritise children’s outcomes.
- Day Two Highlights:
- A moving keynote from Katriona O’Sullivan, award-winning writer and academic, who shared her powerful story of growing up in poverty in the West Midlands and challenged attendees to make a difference for today’s children.
- Presentations showcasing transformative initiatives, including the work of VENN Academy Trust.
- Open discussions on strengths and challenges, fostering trust and a commitment to collective support.
“What an awesome and memorable day it was with leaders who care about only two things: 1) children 2) altruism. It was an honour to be in presence of so many talented leaders.”
Steve Taylor, CEO of Robin Hood Multi Academy Trust
The Education Exchange fosters friendship, mutual support, and a platform for sharing what works for the benefit of children. As one attendee shared, “Conferences are often useful, but occasionally we get to take part in something that feels consequential. The last two days at the launch of The Education Exchange West Midlands have felt just that.”
Looking Ahead
The Education Exchange West Midlands promises exciting times ahead. By prioritising collaboration and innovation, the initiative will continue to grow as a powerful platform for regional leaders to support one another and champion better outcomes for children. Through projects already in motion and new partnerships forming, the Exchange will leave a lasting impact on schools, communities, and future generations.