Newcastle entrepreneur launches national organisation which could improve educational advice

An organisation, which has been developed to establish national quality standards for education specialists who support schools, has been officially launched.

The Association of Education Advisers (AoEA), is the idea of Les Walton, a Newcastle-based CBE who has advised many cross-party governments on education policy as well as working at the highest levels in the public sector as a headteacher.

AoEA is a membership and accreditation organisation that intends to provide a gateway for school and college leaders who wish to be education advisers or develop their skills to a higher level.

Les Walton said: “A modern education system requires advice and support that is independent and of a consistent quality, irrespective of changes in government policy. Education advisers also need to be able to demonstrate the impact of their advice.”

The core requirements of AoEA’s assessment programmes have been tested with more than 100 advisers including those who work with DfE, multi academy trusts, teaching school alliances, local authorities and individual schools.

Malcolm Trobe CBE, deputy general secretary of ACSL, added: “As a leader of a school or college, keeping all the plates spinning can be tricky and sometimes requires external support.

“I think the AoEA is an excellent idea and think it has a key role to play in ensuring educational institutions can access the highest quality advice.”

AoEA was established initially with five accreditation and development centres in the North East, Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, London and the South.

A further five will be created during 2018-19 in Northern Ireland, Scotland, East Midlands, Birmingham and Wales and the South West.