Summary - This section is largely devoted to identifying various the ways in which the DfES can support those looking to create an EIP or develop an existing partnership to become an EIP.    

Education Improvement Partnerships are expected to evolve: some well-established partnerships can become them very quickly. There is no application process – it is for groups of schools and their local authorities to make this happen in a manner that suits local circumstances.

However, it is encouraging to see the widespread enthusiasm and support among schools, keen to work together on a broader range of issues and among local authorities as they re-shape their role. The DfES wants to support the emergence of Education Improvement Partnerships and are happy to discuss any queries or concerns you may have about where they can best be utilised in your area. Case studies and model protocols/service level agreements on this site are regularly updated as more material becomes available.

The Department would particularly like to hear about:

• Whether you are planning to start work on forming an Education Improvement Partnerships?
• Whether there are core or minimum functions that a Education Improvement Partnership should provide?
• What further guidance or support is needed to enable schools to work together to deliver the functions described?
• Whether there are other functions or responsibilities that you would like to see Education Improvement Partnerships take on?
• Whether you think you might benefit from a visit from a member of the DfES?     

We hope you will be motivated to act on the basis of the information on this site. Please let us know how you get on, where the opportunities are greatest, as well as anything that is getting in the way. 

To find out more, or to send us models of partnership working that you have developed, you can email us at:  educationimprovement.partnerships@dfes.gsi.gov.uk

Publication Date: May 2005

Last Updated: July 2006