Connecting Higher Education and Schools: Building Partnerships for Capacity Building and School Improvement in England

Abstract

This chapter focuses on a new form of University-School partnership which is established as a positive response to the UK government-led deep structural and cultural changes in ``relaunching'' underachieving schools in disadvantaged urban areas. Drawing upon case study evidence from a Higher Education Funding Council for England funded research project, the chapter shows that there are many cultural, structural, and logistical barriers to schools and universities working together. However, when organisational trust is established and organisational priorities are aligned, such partnerships can offer significant benefits and/or opportunities for teacher development and capacity building for school improvement.