Our Vision and Values
are our Foundation

Our vision at the Institute of Education is to create an educational ecosystem where professionals are empowered, pupils’ lives are enriched, and every learner is equipped to thrive in a world in which the only constant is change. We firmly believe that education is our greatest liberator.

Many years ago, as a teacher new to the profession, I was asked by a senior leader how I knew if my teaching was impactful. How did I know that children were learning? After thirty awkward seconds of silence during the lesson feedback, the answer was announced. With great aplomb, it was declared that ‘learning takes place, when pupils are thinking’. The leader in question smiled wryly and moved on. Only now, many years later do I truly understand what this means. This brief interaction was enough to make me pause and reflect on the catalyst of effective learning and my role within this.

Socrates stated that ‘Wisdom begins with wonder’. Now, as director of the Institute of Education, my team and I make it our business to do all we can to promote this philosophy and vision in our schools. Engendering a sense of awe and wonder in young minds is, without doubt, the greatest gift we can bestow on the pupils we teach. To achieve this, we must also have inquiring minds that are open to challenge.

It gives me the greatest privilege to share our vision and the opportunities available with you. I hope what you find within these pages resonates with your own rationale for entering the teaching profession. If it does, perhaps we can work together.

We are committed to providing dynamic, inspirational teaching that is accessible to all. We believe passionately that a first-class education should be an entitlement rather than a choice for parents and pupils. We realise this ambition through our ongoing commitment to providing children with a sense of Wonder in all that we do.

The Institute of Education exists to ensure learning goes beyond the mere acquisition of knowledge. We believe in Wonder as the founding stone and catalyst of wisdom. We believe that learning is a transformative process that encompasses the development of skills, values, morals, beliefs, habits, and personal growth. Through our engaging curriculum, aspirational teaching and leadership we prioritise the highest educational outcomes while ensuring the holistic development of each and every individual pupil retains its importance.

The Institute of Education exists to serve the needs of our colleague practitioners, parents and pupils. We recognise that our key values of; educate, empower, engage and enrich are not mutually exclusive. By interweaving these into our school improvement strategies we create a rich tapestry and offer an environment where practitioners and pupils can thrive and succeed.

Empowerment is at the core of our mission. We strive to empower our teachers and pupils to become research informed and more confident, stronger professionals. We work collaboratively to enable all teachers to take risks and become active participants in their own learning journey. We firmly believe that empowered, enquiring minds can shape a better future for themselves and society. The Institute of Education views engagement as essential to meaningful learning experiences. We are committed to creating a trust wide arena of safety that promotes emotional commitment, enthusiasm, and involvement. Through our close collaboration, shared priorities and leadership we strive to cultivate a positive culture with shared values in which staff can take measured risks. By engaging our pupils, professionals and parents alike, we aim to create a vibrant learning community where everyone is invested in the pursuit of excellence.

We believe in facilitating a breadth of educational experiences that transcend the boundaries of the classroom. Our curriculum and professional development opportunities provide a wealth of cultural, experiential, and interdisciplinary learning opportunities. We aim to broaden our pupils’ understanding, build their confidence and social skills, promote tolerance, and foster self-reflection.

Through enrichment, we ensure that our pupils are equipped with the knowledge and skill needed to thrive in a diverse and interconnected world. Together, we can create a transformative educational experience that prepares our pupils to navigate a rapidly evolving world with confidence, compassion, and resilience.

Work with us at the Institute of Education as we embark on a journey of growth, collaboration, and knowledge. With our shared commitment to excellence, we can inspire individuals to surpass their expectations, nurture their passions, and make a positive impact on the world in which they live. We look forward to working with you and learning from you, soon.