Over the past few weeks, I have had several reminders of the range of life across the Foundation. Some have been formal occasions, others less so, but all have said something useful about who we are and what matters to us.
The opening of the King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls Centenary Building was one such moment. It was a proud occasion for the school, but also a practical reminder that investment in buildings is really investment in pupils. Good space changes what is possible day to day. In this case, it marks both confidence in the school and a clear commitment to the young people who will use it. It is also a demonstration of the strength of being in a group of schools with the collective strategic investment approach that brings.
The Faith in Birmingham filming Project reflected something slightly different: our place in the wider life of the city. Birmingham is not an abstract backdrop to our work; it shapes our schools, our pupils and the communities we serve. I was pleased to see a project that captured some of that connection and reminded us that education should help young people understand the place they belong to, not just succeed within it.
I was also very pleased to welcome Phillip Rothwell as the Foundation’s first Director of Development and Alumni Relations. This is an important new role for us. If we are serious about widening opportunity for pupils, then strong relationships with alumni and supporters matter. They can open doors, offer insight, provide mentoring and resources and help us strengthen the wider experience we want pupils to have. Phillip joins us to build that work properly and with ambition, and I am delighted he is here.
The New Prefects dinner at King Edward’s School was a pleasure. It is always heartening to meet pupils at this stage: ready to lead, taking the responsibility seriously, but still fully themselves. They spoke well, carried themselves with confidence and represented their school impressively. I look forward to seeing what they do over the remaining year.
These have been very different occasions, but taken together they reflect a Foundation that is rooted, outward-looking and serious about giving pupils the best possible experience. I am grateful to all those who make that work possible.
