LUKE BURTON the head teacher of Leytonstone Business and Enterprise Specialist School in East London, on what he brought back to school from a secondment to HSBC
I had always been a teacher, always worked in schools. So going to work on the 36th floor of HSBC’s headquarters in Canary Wharf in London was a complete contrast.
I was a deputy head teacher at Stratford School in East London when I found out about the secondment opportunity with HSBC through HTI (see box, right). I felt I wasn’t quite ready for the step to head teacher and thought the secondment would give me experience to help me to make the move. I worked in HSBC’s Education Trust, a team of six that managed a number of national and international programmes for young people. I oversaw the support of an HSBC family of specialist schools.
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Going from a senior management post in a school where I made strategic decisions, to being a small fish in a big corporate pond took some getting used to. But there are similarities between the way a school and the bank work, in that there are clear leadership structures, policies and colleagues were very supportive.
I really felt part of the team, and was often an ambassador for the bank at education events or initiatives. Working there was inspiring. I saw exemplary leadership from, for example, Sir John Bond, the chairman, who promoted a clear culture of ownership of the company by the employees. It reinforced my thoughts on good leadership and I had the opportunity to observe various leadership styles useful as a head teacher.
The experience has had an impact on the way I work and the way my school works. I brought back from HSBC the confidence to apply for a headship at my current school. It increased my networks, as I got to talk to serving head teachers who were making a difference to their schools. I got an insight into how a global corporation works and brands itself, which made me careful to set out what my school stands for. It was interesting to be inducted into a new team, so I understand what new staff are going through. Finally, I could also see what young people needed in order to be employable in big business.
Schools can be so blinkered, but my experience expanded my view. It taught me how important it is to work with partner organisations, but remain competitive.
If you have an example of good practice to share, contact us at: agenda@thetimes.co.uk
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BUSINESS SCHOOLS
HTI is a social enterprise that started as a scheme called Headteachers into Industry in 1986. Its core aim is to give school leaders experience in business, but it also delivers a number of government-funded school leadership qualifications, as well as its own leadership courses. The HTI Trust carries out research and tries to influence thinking on how leadership can be improved through education, government and business working together.
Secondments like Luke Burton’s can be from six weeks to 12 months, and partner companies include IBM, Ernst & Young, the BBC, and the Department for Education and Skills. The idea is for school leaders to stretch their skills in a new environment.
To find out more and to apply for secondments visit www.hti.org.uk.