Key Voices

This week we talk to Debra Rutley, Executive Headteacher, and Eleanor Bernardes, Head of Development and Opportunities at Aspire Alternative Provision. We learn more about how the work of Aspire began and continues to develop in collaboration with local mainstream schools. We hear about Debra’s “leading with love” philosophy and how Aspire’s model focuses on high quality education first and foremost, with appropriate additional support rather than the other way around.  We also hear Eleanor’s reflections, as someone relatively new to alternative provision, about what working at Aspire is like. We also discuss the impact of funding challenges in education and the pressure this puts on alternative provision. In light of this, Eleanor shares the ways the Aspire Trust is exploring new opportunities to develop and extend its offering.  This interview was recorded on a visit to Aspire Alternative Provision in early March 2020.