Fair Education Alliance, supported by Bloomberg, enlists Metro Mayors as part of £6 million programme to tackle educational inequity
The Fair Education Alliance (FEA), England’s largest cross-sector coalition working to end educational inequity, today announced the Mayoral Combined Authorities selected for three Collaboration Partnerships, as part of its ‘Neighbourhood to National’ strategy.
The Liverpool City Region, South Yorkshire and the West Midlands will be the first Mayoral Combined Authorities to participate in the programme, designed to drive systemic change by tackling local drivers of educational inequity. Each of the three selected regions will receive over £500,000 in grant funding and support to harness the power of Metro Mayors, local businesses, charities, schools and young people to transform outcomes for children and young people.
Announced today at the Fair Education Summit, the selection of these Collaboration Partners marks the critical next step in the FEA’s ‘Neighbourhood to National Strategy’ launched in September. The partnerships will bring together Alliance members and local communities to identify the root causes of educational inequity, map out activity and test and scale solutions tailored to regional needs.
Educational inequity remains a profound challenge: one in three children is growing up in poverty, and children from low-income households are almost two years behind their peers by the end of secondary school. The FEA’s new approach aims to tackle these challenges by driving innovation and collaboration at local, regional and national levels, bridging the gap between grassroots action and national policy.
With a strong track record of partnering with cities across the UK and globally, Bloomberg brings unique expertise in convening leaders and stakeholders to accelerate systemic change. Bloomberg is joined by founding funder UBS, whose support for place-based change has been pivotal in progress for children and young people. Long-term FEA supporters A&O Shearman, Barclays LifeSkills, IG Group, Mission 44, and Paul Hamlyn Foundation are joined by The Dulverton Trust and Stratton Chase to ensure the success of this ambitious strategy.
“Bloomberg is committed to expanding opportunities for young people, and the Neighbourhood to National Strategy reflects the kind of place-based leadership needed to drive lasting change. We’re proud to support the Fair Education Alliance and work alongside Mayors who are championing better outcomes for children and young people in the communities that need it most.”
Jemma Read, Global Head of Corporate Philanthropy, Bloomberg
“The challenges facing young people today demand urgent, collective action. No single organisation or policy can end educational inequity alone. That’s why this strategy places collaboration and innovation at its heart – working with FEA members, Metro Mayors and communities across England to create long-term change. Thanks to the support given by Bloomberg, we can connect neighbourhood to national and build a fairer future for every child.”
Gina Cicerone, Co-CEO, The Fair Education Alliance
The launch also marks the beginning of the Combined Authority Network, creating a forum for all Metro Mayors and Combined Authority teams to share learning, align strategies, and act collectively with and for young people.
This is a decisive moment for education in the UK: a recognition that collaboration and innovation matter now more than ever. With the commitment of 300 member organisations and the support of Bloomberg and other funding partners, the Fair Education Alliance is determined to ensure that no child’s success is limited by their socioeconomic background.
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said, “I want young people to have the best start in life, no matter their background, and the backing of the Fair Education Alliance is a vote of confidence in our region that supports my mission to deliver just that. Investing in our young people in this way gives them the chance to achieve their full potential and help build our region's future prosperity."
South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said: “Our young people are at the heart of South Yorkshire’s future - because when they thrive, our whole region thrives. I’ve heard from young people about the challenges they face getting into education, jobs and training. Their message was loud and clear that, far too often, the support they need is patchy and hard to find. That’s why I’m proud we’re teaming up with the Fair Education Alliance, bringing their expertise into our communities to make a real difference – working together with young people and our partners, to create new support networks. There’s talent everywhere in South Yorkshire. If we connect that talent with the right opportunities, we’ll unlock the potential of every young person, so everyone can stay near and go far.”
Cllr Marion Atkinson, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, Liverpool City Region, said: “Every child deserves the best start in life, no matter where they grow up or how much their parents earn. By working with the Fair Education Alliance, we’re taking another step towards creating a fairer, more inclusive education system that gives every young person the chance to reach their potential. This funding and support will help us build on the work we’re already doing to give every child the best start in life, helping us to scale up our Early Years initiatives and do even more to close the gap for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.”