A Word from the Founder, Chairman & Director General of the Federation

Barnfield is an innovative and forward thinking Federation of schools, colleges and academies focussed on delivering outstanding success for all. Our students, local community, employers and staff are at the heart of all thinking and through our results focussed and personalised education provision, we create a dynamic and well-structured environment with exceptional progression opportunities.

Barnfield leads the way, driving up standards and outcomes. We are the first Further Education Federation in the country to be awarded the Investors in People (IIP) Gold Champion standard.

A pioneering and visionary organisation, we were the first FE College Academy Sponsor to take over two underperforming secondary schools - since this point GCSE results have more than quadrupled and in the summer of 2012 Barnfield South and West Academies achieved the highest ever results in their history as schools. CLICK HERE for a full list of the current success rates across the Federation. To see the national and regional performance comparison for the College please CLICK HERE.

Recognised nationally as a ‘first in class’, over the last five years the Federation has grown in size and maturity. Now led by the Barnfield Education Partnership Trust (BEPT) as the sponsor, the Federation includes Barnfield College (16 years upwards), Barnfield South and West Academies (11-18 years), the country’s first FE sponsored Studio School (Barnfield Skills Academy 14-18 years), Barnfield Vale Academy (4-11 years) and Barnfield Moorlands Free School (4-11 years) – the countries first FE sponsored Independent to Free School conversion. There are a further 6 academies in the process of joining the Federation in 2013.

To enable us to provide even greater results, in 2011 we set up our own Group Facilities Management Company (Barnfield Education Services). With an increasing turnover of c£3m BES provides the necessary back office support to drive up standards of teaching and learning and provide first-class learning environments for our students. All savings made and surpluses accrued are reinvested into the Federation. Over the last 5 years we have also successfully improved our buildings and infrastructure as follows:

Increased revenue from £24m in 2007 to £54m in 2012 with a projected increase to £60m in 2013
Built and retained reserve funds to c£20m enabling further investment, developments and acquisitions
Designed and delivered new academy schools and college builds valued at c£80m
Planned c£24m school/college investments in 2013/14

We work closely and strategically with Industry leaders and education partners to maximise local, national and global opportunities.

In 2012 I am delighted to announce the Federation has achieved the best ever results - across all Schools, the Academies and the College - so many congratulations to all.

I am excited about the future and determined to provide all students, staff and partners of Barnfield, with every chance to maximise their success.

Sir Peter Birkett
Director General, Barnfield Federation
Chairman and Founder, Barnfield Education Partnership Trust