The Institute has a long history of supporting London’s education. From providing teachers for the capital’s schools and colleges to sharing our expertise on the issues they face, we are promoting the development of London as a world-class city for education and working towards the goals of the London Challenge. For example:

• Our PGCE (postgraduate certificate in education) programmes include special components on teaching in inner city schools and working with children with special educational needs, including English as a second or other language.
  
  
• Our research over the years has shown the importance of breaking the link between poverty and educational underachievement.
  
  
• We are engaged in research in areas that are directly relevant to London’s education system, including
  
  
• reducing expulsions, raising attainment and combating racism
  
  
• improving behaviour and attendance
  
  
• social exclusion of children and young people
  
  
• seeking the views of children and young people on education and other services
  
  
• sexual health, parenting and the care of children

London Centre for Leadership in Learning

The centre, based at the Institute, provides headship training and professional development for school leaders at all levels. It pulls together the services we offer the capital’s education community, including in-service training and continuing professional and leadership development. It also co-ordinates our London Challenge initiatives for local education authorities, colleges and schools.

In May 2005, the centre appointed Professor David Hopkins as the first HSBC iNet chair of international leadership. David will provide leadership for iNet, the international arm of the Specialist Schools Trust; create internationally recognised professional development for leadership in learning; and research and provide advocacy for system leadership, including how we can best build the capacity of schools to sustain their own improvement.

Contact: Adrian Hall
a.hall@ioe.ac.uk