Redbridge’s Beal High School gains new teacher training role

Jessica Earnshaw, Reporter Saturday, March 16, 2013
3:30 PM

A Redbridge secondary school, set be one of the largest in London once building work is complete, has been picked for an important new role aimed at further raising standards.

Beal High School, Woodford Bridge Road, Redbridge, will be one of only 150 schools to have teaching school status, which will entitle it to lead the training and professional development of staff.

The new North East London Teaching Alliance will give the school the freedom to lead a group of schools, working alongside King’s College London and the University of East London, in providing support for teachers and leaders at all stages of their careers.

Partnership school improvement associate Kathryn Burns said: “We want to use our expertise to develop our own school through teaching staff and working with and supporting other schools and education establishments.”

The designation by the National College for School Leadership is part of a government scheme for more teacher training to be given “on the job” instead of in university-based courses.

Beal executive headteacher Sue Snowdon said: “We are already successfully supporting The Forest Academy [in Hainault]. In collaboration with Ilford County High, we have interviewed and accepted our first cohort of trainee teachers.”

The school, which is heavily oversubscribed, is planning a new three-storey building, sixth form centre and sports halls.

The works will commence this month and will increase each year group by 120 pupils from the beginning of the next school year.