I visit lots of schools campaigning to help staff understand how to look after looked-after children, and have discovered that those doing the best job are invariably led by an inspirational headteacher.
One visit is firmly fixed in my memory. When I visited Greenacre Academy in Medway, Kent – part of the multi-academy Skills for Life Trust – I was blown away by how the school was driven by a clear sense of purpose. It was geared to make sure that every leaver has a job. The trust’s founder and inspiration, Nikki King, believes that schools are pivotal to developing entrepreneurs from all social backgrounds. She should know, having built her reputation as owner and chief executive of Isuzu in the UK.
What a breath of fresh air: a school that realises business is about looking for determination and personality ahead of exam results!
Nikki believes that students should hear stories from current entrepreneurs, told during fortnightly assemblies at the trust’s primary and secondary schools. What’s more, every Greenacre student is supported by a business mentor who explains why they’re learning and how the corporate world works. This is backed up by a series of competitive business-based projects.
Greenacre encourages pupils to believe they can do anything if they want to do it badly enough. It strives to create a strong sense of self-worth among students. On my visit, I saw woodwork, metalwork and design workshops where NVQs could be earned alongside GCSEs and A-Levels. They also learn about today’s critical topic, IT (it’s time web design and spreadsheets become part of the national curriculum). But even more than that, I experienced the culture; leadership at Greenacre gives a great example for pupils to follow.
For most of the past two years, Education Secretaries Gavin Williamson and Nadhim Zahawi have been distracted by masks, home learning and lateral flow tests. It’s time for the department to realise that it doesn’t run education; it’s role is to help and support those who do.
The number one objective should be to ensure every school has an inspirational headteacher. Ofsted and governance guidelines might keep schools safe, but giving teachers the freedom to use their talent does much more to equip pupils for life and create the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Nikki King demonstrates how schools can properly prepare pupils for the world of work and sow seeds for future entrepreneurs. Greenacre achieves amazing results, with nearly 100pc of pupils going straight to a job or university. She has begged ministers to visit her academy – but so far, none have not found the time.
Sir John Timpson is chairman of the high-street services provider, Timpson.
Send him a question at askjohn@telegraph.co.uk and read more answers from his Ask John column here
