In This Session
SchooliP was delighted to host a webinar in collaboration with the School Partnerships Alliance (SPA) exploring the role that maintained–independent school partnerships can play in supporting the wider education sector.
We were joined by Dr Joe Spence, CEO of the School Partnerships Alliance, and Dr Margaret Hunnaball, SPA’s Director of Programmes and Research, who shared insights from their extensive experience in both state and independent schools.
The discussion considered the opportunities, challenges and potential of cross-sector collaboration, highlighting how partnerships can foster innovation, broaden opportunities for students, and help address some of the key issues facing education nationally.
This session provided valuable perspectives for school leaders, governors and educators across all sectors, offering a deeper understanding of the impact of meaningful partnerships and the role they can play in shaping the future of education.
Dr Joseph Spence
Dr Spence FRSA joined the School Partnerships Alliance as CEO in January 2025. Joe was Master of Dulwich College from 2009 to 2024 and Headmaster of Oakham School from 2002, having previously taught history and politics at Eton College, where he was also Master in College (housemaster to the King’s Scholars).
Joe has been a governor of more than a dozen state and independent schools. A trustee of the Mark Evison Foundation, Art History Link Up and the Keats-Shelley Memorial Association, he is also a playwright and librettist
Dr Margaret Hunnaball FCCT
Margaret is S.P.A.’s Director of Programmes and Research. She has over 30 years’ experience as a physics teacher, with senior leadership experience in both state-maintained and independent secondary schools. Her final post was Principal Deputy at King’s College School, Wimbledon, which is part of the Wimbledon Partnership.
Margaret completed a PhD at King’s College London, conducting ESRC-funded research into cross-sector educational partnerships.
Next Events
At Derventio Education, we're incredibly passionate about the power of collaboration and shared knowledge in education. Many of us here have deep roots in schools - we're teachers, former leaders, and even school governors ourselves! See our other webinars & resources below to get a look into how Derventio is making an impact in the education sector.
Thursday 25 June
Derventio Education is proud to be attending the Inclusion Conference 2026, hosted by The Inclusion Partnership. Bringing together school leaders, SENCOs, inclusion professionals and education partners from across the region, the conference provides an opportunity to share best practice, explore innovative approaches to inclusion, and strengthen support for children and young people with additional needs. We look forward to connecting with delegates and discussing how our programmes help create positive pathways for learners who need alternative approaches to education.
Read More
Wednesday 17 June
NurseryiP is a new platform designed specifically for nursery settings, bringing together self-evaluation, improvement planning and professional development in one connected system. Developed by Derventio Education in partnership with Kara Kiernan Consultancy, NurseryiP helps nursery leaders turn reflection into meaningful action, creating a continuous cycle of improvement that supports settings, practitioners and children alike.
Launching initially across the UAE and GCC, the platform is built around the realities of early years leadership and can be adapted to local frameworks, including the KHDA ECCE framework.
Read More
For multi-academy trusts
Complete trust-wide school improvement software to plan, monitor and evaluate performance with confidence.
Explore SchooliP →
For further education
Powering quality, compliance and curriculum excellence in colleges.
Explore CollegeiP →
