In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Jeffery Quaye OBE, national director of education, standards, and quality at Aspirations Academy Trust. Dr Quaye brings a wealth of experience from his decades-long career in education, which began as a classroom teacher and has taken him to a national leadership role. He talks candidly about the challenges and opportunities he encountered along the way, and how his commitment to being a lifelong learner has shaped his approach to education.
We delve into some of the most pressing issues facing schools today, starting with the critical role education plays in breaking down barriers to social mobility. Dr Quaye explains how high expectations and strong leadership can help students from disadvantaged backgrounds overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential, while also discussing the specific strategies schools and trusts can implement to close the attainment gap.
The conversation also focuses on student behaviour and the rise in exclusions in England. With permanent exclusions at a record high, Dr Quaye shares his perspective on why exclusion should not be the default disciplinary measure and how schools can approach challenging behaviour in a more constructive way. He explains the importance of understanding the underlying causes of behaviour issues and emphasises that improving the quality of teaching and learning can have a profound impact on how students engage and behave in the classroom. We explore alternatives to exclusion and how schools can create environments that promote positive behaviour while maintaining high standards.
Parental engagement also emerges as a key theme in our discussion. Dr. Quaye reflects on how schools can better involve parents in their children’s education, particularly when dealing with behavioural issues or supporting students who may be struggling. He highlights practical approaches that schools can take to build stronger partnerships with families, which can be a crucial factor in both academic success and pupil wellbeing.
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To find out more about Dr Jeffery, visit his LinkedIn profile.
All views expressed in this episode are the guest's own. Any mention of commercial providers, resources or products is on the guest’s recommendation and should not be considered an endorsement by The Key.
