Staff from across the Frank Field Education Trust (FFET) recently travelled to Sweden to partner with two schools within the Internationella Engelska Skolan (IES) Trust — in Kista (Stockholm) and Eskilstuna.
The partnership aimed to explore how schools in socially vulnerable areas have achieved remarkable success. The visit centred on the theme:
From Special Measures to Success in a Socially Vulnerable Area – The Swedish Free School Context.
Over three days, staff from the Trust, Ellesmere Port C of E College, Birches Head Academy and Handforth Grange Primary School took part in a packed programme that included:
A community walk in Kista, Stockholm
Guided tours of both IES schools
Lesson observations across a range of subjects
Meetings with school leaders, teachers, and pupils
In-depth discussions about Trust’s structure, ehtos and history.
Staff were particularly struck by the calm, purposeful atmosphere in classrooms and the high levels of pride pupils showed in their learning. “It was inspiring to see how a strong ethos, clear routines, and a consistent approach to behaviour and teaching have helped transform schools serving challenging communities,” said Katie Dixon, Director of Education.
Both IES Kista and IES Eskilstuna have successfully addressed many of the same challenges faced by schools in the UK — including developing an inclusive positive culture.
