UCL and IOE to enter strategic partnership

The Institute of Education (IOE) and UCL (University College London) have today agreed to enter into a formal strategic partnership to assess the potential for a step-change in the institutions' contributions to education and social science, in London, nationally and globally. A joint steering group, which will be co-chaired by a senior member of staff from both institutions, has been established to oversee development of the relationship. It will report regularly to each Council on progress, with a view to making recommendations on options for the long-term development of effective relationships by March 2013. The relationship will initially focus on five areas: Research Development: extending collaboration between already established research activities and centres in order to develop secure synergies and extend quality, impact and reach; - Research Innovation: developing new work in areas where each organisation already has strengths in order to develop innovative and significant programmes of research; Teaching innovation and development: consolidating teaching quality, developing pedagogy and opening new areas of work nationally and internationally; Developing a highly distinctive model for education in a world city by establishing a formal framework for school improvement and teacher development. This could include the creation of a London Education Trust, operating across Central London as a vehicle for broadening the scope, range and quality of educational provision across the capital Developing coherent and unified administrative and professional services in order to enhance effectiveness and efficiency.