London Mayoral Appointment For Derby Professor
23 February 2012
Professor Dennis Hayes
I look forward to working with the other members of the panel and the Mayor on this inquiry, and generating some tangible solutions to some of the barriers facing London's school children.
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A Derby Professor has been chosen by the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, to be part of a team to improve the standards of education of London's children and young people.
Professor Dennis Hayes, Head of the Centre for Educational Research at the University of Derby, is one of eight members of an Education Inquiry which will explore the critical challenges facing London's primary and secondary schools. It is hoped that outcomes of the inquiry will drive up standards, the availability of good school places, and future investment.
The appointment was based on Professor Hayes' respected position as a National Teaching Fellow, Honorary Secretary of the Standing Committee for the Education and Training of Teachers (SCETT), and his place on the editorial board of the Times Higher Education magazine.
Professor Hayes, who lectures on Derby's Education Studies degree, said: "In 2004 I founded the education forum of the think tank 'The Institute of Ideas' which comprises a network of teachers and educationalists who have held seminars, debates and conferences in London.
"My part in these events has given me a unique understanding of education in the capital city and what is needed to give every child and young person the knowledge and skills that would constitute a world class education."
Professor Hayes will chair a session at its first stakeholder symposium to be held at London's City Hall on Friday (February 25). The seminar for London educational stakeholders will coincide with the launch of the inquiry's first 'Report and Call for Evidence'. Invited guests will hear from the chair and panel members about the progress so far and will be able to gauge views and seek evidence on specific areas of focus for the inquiry.
Professor Hayes added: "I look forward to working with the other members of the panel and the Mayor on this inquiry, and generating some tangible solutions to some of the barriers facing London's school children."
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, hopes the inquiry will raise important questions for the Government to consider when allocating education funding to the capital. He said: "Academic excellence and social confidence should belong to all children, regardless of their background.
"Some schools have cracked the magic formula that brings out the best in every child, regardless of their ability and helps them reach their full potential. We've got amazing schools that push some of the most disadvantaged kids into excellent universities and professions, whilst others harvest an intake of enthusiastic kids who steadily lose momentum and ambition. I want our inquiry to ask some tough questions and help cultivate in all our schools the positive energy, discipline and ambition our children deserve."
The University of Derby's Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Coyne, said: "We are delighted that Dennis has been chosen by the Mayor of London to join this inquiry. Dennis is a very highly regarded colleague and an original thinker when it comes to addressing educational issues. The Mayor will benefit from the passion, intellect and insight that Dennis will bring - just as our students and colleagues do in his role."
The Panel is chaired by Dr Tony Sewell CEO of Generating Genius and working alongside Professor Hayes will be: Mr Anthony Morrell Little, the Head Master of Eton College; Ms Erica Pienaar, Executive Head Teacher of Leathersellers' Federation of Schools; Mr Greg Martin, Executive Head of Durand Academy, Ms Joan Deslandes Head Teacher of Kingsford Community School; Ms Laraine Smith OBE Principal and Chief Executive at Uxbridge College; Frankie Sulke, Director of Children's Services at London Borough of Lewisham ALDCS; Mr Robert McCulloch-Graham, Director of Children's Services, London Borough of Barnet, ALDCS; Ms Barbara Harrison, International Education Consultant.
For more information on the Enquiry visit website www.london.gov.uk/priorities/young-people
For more information on studying Education Studies at Derby visit www.derby.ac.uk/education
