Vacations: Manchester Enterprise Academy

Manchester Enterprise Academy
April 24, 2014
Manchester, England, UK

We started our day at Manchester Enterprise Academy. The morning started with a meeting with the Head Teacher and Deputy Head. Three years ago, MEA was on probation and was expecting to be closed within the year, even though they had a brand new building. Over the next 2.5 years, the school and student achievement was turned around. Their first change was to make adjustments to the school culture. Students needed to go to their lessons (students roaming the halls or meeting with adults in the building was a large problem). Some students chose to leave the school, but many of them stayed and adapted to the changes. Their next change was to support teachers in creating dynamic lessons. Teachers were supported through coaching. A light coaching model was used for good teachers and a heavy model was used for those who were struggling, but wanted to get better. Along with that, a focus on hiring looked for teachers who were excited and coachable.

MEA is a free school that has a corporate sponsor (The Manchester Airport) that provides their financial support. In addition to financial support, the school and the airport have a relationship that provides students opportunities for job training and shadowing business leaders. In addition to the airport, the school has a close relationship with the University of Manchester through their mentoring program (Success for Life). Looked after children (those in foster care) meet with former LAC who are currently attending college to plan their futures and participate in life experiences.

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