The Education Board met on Friday 2 October 2026 to discuss a range of educational initiatives and updates. Key discussions included updates on governor appointments, the City Educational Trust Fund grant management, and recommendations for the London Careers Festival.

Governor Appointments Update

The Board received updates on governor appointments across the City of London Academies Trust (CoLAT) local governing bodies. This included noting the appointment of Christopher Cook as the new Chair of Galleywall Primary's local board, Nicola Davison's nomination as Chair for City of London Academy Highbury Grove, and the renewal of terms for Steven Berryman at City of London Academy Southwark and Peter Green at Newham Collegiate Sixth Form Centre. The resignation of Thomas Kibling from City of London Academy Shoreditch Park was also noted. Keith Bottomley's continued role at City of London School for Boys was also mentioned. The Board was reminded that governance arrangements at The Aldgate School are the sole responsibility of the London Diocesan Board for Schools, with the City of London Corporation having nomination rights for one governor, currently held by Tim McNally.

The City Educational Trust Fund Grant Management Update

An update was received on the Primary Arts programme, funded by the City Educational Trust Fund and delivered by A New Direction. The report detailed the programme's second year of delivery, highlighting a significant increase in school registrations and pupil engagement. The programme has expanded to include special schools working with older pupils, and has seen a notable rise in participation from secondary special schools. The evaluation findings indicated positive outcomes for pupils, teachers, and schools, demonstrating progression in pupil engagement, curiosity, and confidence. The report also outlined plans for the programme's final year of delivery and its shift towards sharing learning with the education and cultural sectors. Questions were raised regarding the value for money of the programme, its sustainability, and its connection to the upcoming opening of the new London Museum. The Board was informed that financial information could be provided in more detail at a future meeting.

Combined Education Charity - Goldsmiths University - Equity Awards - End of Grant Evaluation

An end-of-grant evaluation was presented for the Equity Awards programme at Goldsmiths University, funded by the Combined Education Charity. The programme aims to address the awarding gap for Black, Asian, and minority ethnic students in higher education by providing financial support and tailored educational and pastoral assistance. The evaluation highlighted that 80% of Equity Award graduates have achieved a good degree (a first or a 2:1), with Goldsmiths University also being recognised for academic progression and social inclusion. Graduates shared their personal experiences of how the awards had unlocked opportunities and transformed their lives. Questions were raised about the scheme's impact on improving outcomes for Global Ethnic Majority (GEM) students generally, and about the structural support available for graduates in securing employment. The Board was informed that data on the broader impact on GEM students would be furnished in due course, and that efforts are underway to explore further support for work experience and job placements.

Education Board Budget Monitoring Report - 2026-27 Period 3

The Board received the Period 3 budget monitoring report for 2026-27. Overall, the forecast for the full year indicated an underspend of approximately £106,000, primarily due to expected staff salary savings related to a vacant Policy and Research Officer post. The Central Risk budget was forecast to remain on budget. Questions were raised about the specific staff vacancy, which was confirmed to be for a Policy and Research Officer, and that this post would remain vacant pending a decision by the Policy and Resources Committee in December.

Revenue Outturn 2025/26

The Board received the revenue outturn report for the financial year 2025/26. This showed an underspend of £77,000 relating to the mentoring programme. It was noted that this underspend has been agreed to be carried forward to the current year to support continued delivery. The overall net expenditure for the Education Board was £75,000 below the final agreed budget.

Report of Action Taken - CPG Grants

The Board noted the action taken via urgency procedures in July 2026 concerning City Premium Grant (CPG) awards. This related to unavoidable delays in the approval of funding releases due to staff changes within the family of schools and the trust, which necessitated an extension to the deadline for applications. The decision to release the funding was made under delegated authority.

London Careers Festival 2026 Evaluation Report and Recommendations

The Board considered the evaluation report and recommendations for the 2026 London Careers Festival. The festival achieved record-breaking attendance, with a significant increase in in-person participation. The report highlighted the success of the Lady Mayor's City Insights Days, which expanded workplace experiences and employer engagement. The Board was asked to decide on the set of six recommendations, which included refocusing resources on in-person experiences, particularly for learners with additional needs, strengthening high-impact initiatives, targeting new schools in specific boroughs with higher Pupil Premium levels, expanding near-peer interactions, making early matches between schools and regular festival partners, and renaming the festival to City Careers Festival in time for its 10th anniversary in 2028 to better reflect its City focus.

City Youth Guarantee: Online Offer

An update was provided on the development of the City Youth Guarantee webpage. This webpage consolidates information on education, employment, skills, mentoring, youth services, participation opportunities, wellbeing support, and SEND provision into a single online access point. The webpage aims to improve the visibility and accessibility of existing City services for young people, families, schools, and practitioners. Questions were raised about the definition of youth in terms of age range, the number of NEETs living in the City, and the extent of involvement of the lead member for youth services. Concerns were also expressed about the webpage not constituting a guarantee and the need for clearer metrics and a more ambitious offer. The Board was informed that the current webpage is a coordinating platform for existing offers and that a more bespoke guarantee would require additional resources and a shift in focus. The promotion of the webpage and plans for monitoring its usage were also discussed.

Resolution of Policy & Resources Committee

The Board was asked to receive a resolution from the Policy & Resources Committee recommending that Grand Committees consider empowering their sub-committees to make decisions without unnecessary recourse to the Grand Committee, in order to balance due diligence with efficiency.

Use of AI in Education

An update was provided on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education across the City of London's family of schools. Across the schools, AI is increasingly being adopted as a strategic tool to support teaching, learning, and operational effectiveness, with a strong emphasis on safety, ethics, and human oversight. Specific approaches were outlined for City of London Freemen's School (CLS), City of London School for Girls (CLSG), and City of London School (CLSJ), and the City of London Academies Trust (CoLAT). CLS has a structured approach focusing on AI literacy curriculum, staff training, and guidance on academic integrity. CoLAT is developing a trust-wide AI policy and taking a cautious, risk-aware approach focusing on data protection, safeguarding, and teaching implications. A common theme across all schools is a balanced approach, embracing AI's opportunities while ensuring strong governance and human judgment remain paramount. Questions were raised about the fundamental role of AI in education and the need to rethink the education system to face future challenges, with an emphasis on developing critical thinking skills.

Questions on Matters Relating to the Work of the Board

No questions were raised on matters relating to the work of the Board.

Any Other Business That the Chair Considers Urgent

Two items of other business were raised. Firstly, James Adeleke informed the Board about an in-person impact day being run by Generation Success on Friday 9 October. Secondly, the Chief Financial and Operating Officer for the City of London Academies Trust requested assistance in finding suitable temporary accommodation for London Nautical School during its two-year rebuild project, seeking approximately 80,000 square feet or an acre of empty land.

The meeting was then adjourned for the exclusion of the public for non-public agenda items.