Two independent schools in Gloucestershire have been commended in parliament for their contributions to the local community.
The King's School Gloucester and Cheltenham College were both featured in the Independent Schools Council (ISC)’s 2024 Celebrating Partnerships report as successful examples of schools from different sectors collaborating to provide meaningful educational opportunities for pupils.
Copies of the report were distributed to guests at an event hosted by Lord Lucas at the House of Lords this November 2024, which brought together MPs, peers and representatives from the education sector to celebrate successful partnerships between state and independent schools across the country.
The King's School Gloucester was praised for its Gloucester City Holiday, Activity and Food programme, which provides activities and food for families whose children receive benefits-related free school meals.
As well as providing a venue for workshops and activities throughout the summer holidays, King's pupils volunteered their own time to assist with workshops and cook lunch for attendees.
The school also hosted an end of summer celebration which brought local families and community groups including The Music Works and Gloucester Rugby together for a free fun day.
King's has been hosting the Gloucester HAF programme for the last four years, to 'make sure children and young people are entertained, active, educated, safe and fed during the school summer holidays.'
The report noted the importance of these kinds of programmes in filling gaps in childcare provision — providing valuable support to parents, as well as diverse and fulfilling extra-curricular opportunities for children.
While Cheltenham College was featured as a founding member of the Cheltenham Education Partnership (CEP), which brings state and independent schools together with partners including Gloucestershire College, Cheltenham Festivals and the University of Gloucestershire to provide 'exceptional education opportunities for young people in Cheltenham and the surrounding area.'
The report describes Cheltenham College's involvement as 'extensive' and highlights its two-year GCSE Latin course for state school pupils — as well as CEP's Chelt4Change global challenge debate initiative; CEP Literary Society for A Level students; and the CEP Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science Programme, which provides expert advice and guidance for pupils looking to pursue a career in these fields, as well as admission test preparation support.
They were the only two schools in the county to feature in the report, helping to put Gloucestershire on the map as one of the leading lights in education partnerships in the country.
