University News Last updated 07 March 2014
Sutton Coldfield’s education figurehead Sir Christopher Stone is set to receive an Honorary Doctorate from Birmingham City University in recognition of his outstanding services to education.
Currently the Executive Headteacher of The Arthur Terry Learning Partnership, Sir Christopher is recognised as an outstanding leader, not only regionally but also nationally and internationally, providing support for fellow Headteachers in both secondary and primary schools.
His inclusion in the New Year’s Honours List in 2013 endorsed his outstanding service to education when he was awarded a Knighthood. He has played a significant role in education across the region, having acted as Chair of the School Improvement Board in Birmingham (2010-2012), which was charged with leading the strategic programme, with the Department for Education, for improving vulnerable schools across the City.
Sir Christopher has worked as a Headteacher Adviser for several Authorities. Between 2005 and 2007 he was a member of the first Specialist Schools & Academies Trust (SSAT) cohort to undertake the Executive Headteachers (word missing). 2007 saw him invited to Downing Street to meet the then Prime Minister Tony Blair, in relation to Sir Christopher’s work with Extended Schools.
In 2010 he undertook a visit for the British Council to train Education Leaders in Vietnam and, in 2011, he visited Australia to investigate the innovative University Schools programme in both Melbourne and Adelaide.
Sir Christopher is committed to placing the child at the heart of school improvement and his belief in a relentless focus on leadership, learning and teaching helps schools to improve on their previous best. Upon receiving his award, he said: “I am humbled by this Award and deeply thankful to everyone who has helped and supported me along the way. Education has truly set me free.”
Sir Christopher Stone will receive the award on Friday 7 March at the Awards Congregation ceremony which will celebrate the achievements of students graduating from the Faculty of Education, Law and Social Sciences.