Overcoming the Educational Odds

Home » Events » Overcoming the Educational Odds

High-performing schools make a difference every day in the lives of our younger generation, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. One such school making an impact is the London-based Michaela Community School. CIS research fellow, Glenn Fahey and Katharine Birbalsingh, founder and head of Michaela, discuss what schools can do to overcome the odds.

Education is undoubtedly the best way to enable society to achieve greater economic mobility and pursue equality of opportunity. Yet educational disadvantage continues to limit students. Sadly, many children will not finish school with the tools they need to succeed. This is an unacceptable indictment on our education systems; which are failing to give all students an equal shot.

Carrying the reputation of being ‘Britain’s Strictest School’, Michaela’s team has enjoyed remarkable success, despite its critics. So how has the school delivered excellent outcomes for its mostly disadvantaged students? How can Australian schools improve our results? What is preventing more students from overcoming the educational odds?

Katharine Birbalsingh CBE is principal and founder of Micheala Community School. Katharine and her school are internationally acclaimed for their educational success. She is editor of the books, Battle Hymn of the Tiger Teachers: The Michaela Way and Michaela: The Power of Culture.

Host: Glenn Fahey is a research fellow in education policy at CIS with a particular focus on education finance and accountability.