Creating a Learning School

'It is full of good sense, a treasure chest of helpful ideas which have the credibility of being grounded in case-study material, and in the experience of the authors, two of whom are practising headteachers. The book sets out the principles underpinning the learning school, but offers also a strong pragmatic focus and is organized so that it can be dipped into and something worthwhile easily found…It will support change and improvement in the professional practices involved in making a school a stimulating learning environment for adults as well as students' - Dr Martin J Coles, Assistant Director, National College for School Leadership

The 'learning school' described in this book suggests an alternative to the preoccupation with tests, targets, and leadership from above, and focuses instead on independence of learning and structural flexibility within schools.

The authors give a complete overview of how schools can adapt to meet changing needs. They look at the teacher as learner, learning outside the classroom, and the nature of leadership in the learning school. Practical suggestions to the problems of staffing, resourcing and assessment are all covered, enabling those in schools to make their own choices.

This book is an invaluable resource for all mid-to-upper level managers in schools, anyone aspiring to these positions, or anyone who takes a long-term view of the future with learning at the heart of educational practice.

David Middlewood is a research associate of the University of Lincoln.
Richard Parker is Principal of Beauchamp College, Leicestershire.
Jackie Beere OBE is Headteacher at Campion School.