Watch Lemn Sissay OBE recite his poem to mark 20 years of making education relevant for all.
This year marks the Edge Foundation’s milestone 20th anniversary. I have had the privilege of being a part of this journey, as the organisation’s CEO for the last eight exciting years. As I look back, both at my time with Edge and that of my predecessors, I am struck by the incredible journey that we have been on. Edge has evolved from campaigning on changing perceptions of vocational education to incubating innovative new models to becoming an authoritative voice that is now helping shape the future of education across the UK.
To honour our anniversary, on the 30th and 31st of May, we celebrated at the historic Windsor Castle. The medieval Vicars' Hall, a former library, provided the perfect setting to herald our roots while charting an exciting path forward. We were also fortunate enough to be taken on an after-hours tour, led by the Knights of Windsor, to St. George's Chapel and Queen Elizabeth II’s tomb.
At Thursday's reception dinner in the Vicars’ Hall, we gathered a close-knit group of Trustees, partners, and colleagues, all of whom have been part of Edge’s journey over the past 20 years. Guests included Ellen Thinnesen, CEO of Education Partnership North East, with whom we worked closely on the recently-evaluated Edge Future Learning pilot, and Dame Sally Dicketts, Head of the Oxfordshire college group Activate Learning, a previous recipient of one of Edge’s grant awards.
Before dinner, we heard from Robert Halfon, former Minister of State for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education, and a longstanding friend of Edge. While Robert has kindly given up much of his time to support Edge’s work over the years, he highlighted, in particular, a key 2019 event in the Cabinet War Rooms, where we debated whether GCSEs had run their course and if a broader baccalaureate-style curriculum could better prepare students for the future. Coupled with our ongoing research, this event helped cement the idea of a baccalaureate-style approach in the national conversation. Our hard work paid off when, in 2023, the government announced plans for an Advanced British Standard (ABS) – validating Edge’s longstanding vision and, hopefully, setting a tone for the future whatever the outcome of this year’s general election.
Following Robert's introduction, we watched the video premiere of an inspiring new poem by the poet and former chancellor of the University of Manchester, Lemn Sissay, written specifically to celebrate Edge’s 20th anniversary.
After dinner, Neil Bates, our outgoing Chair, recounted some highlights from Edge’s past, throwing our mission into clear focus. Neil talked us through Edge’s formation in 2004 from the endowment of the former Edexcel awarding body, and our early, unapologetic mission to confront the lack of parity of esteem by uplifting practical and vocational learning pathways. From 2010, Edge then shifted to supporting innovative education models like University Technical Colleges (UTCs), Career Colleges, and the Edge Hotel School, all of which have served as excellent demonstration projects, allowing us to create a solid evidence base for the economic benefits of technical skills. After 2017, Edge pivoted once more to sharpen our purpose, formalising our grants process and developing an authoritative, independent voice in policy, informed by in-house research. We have since expanded our research collaborations, convened expert networks like the Deeper Learning UK Network, and are advocating for broader reforms, like the new T Levels qualification and root and branch reform of the assessment system.
In the best possible way, working at Edge can sometimes feel like spinning plates. But hearing Robert and Neil’s words reminded us to take a pause and appreciate our impact over the years, especially how Edge’s persistent yet constructive push for change is helping make education relevant for the 21st century.
On Friday, we invited some further esteemed friends of Edge to join us at a session where we heard about Edge's wide-ranging contributions to research, politics, policy and practice, celebrating the amazing work of our team. Professor Kevin Orr expressed how Edge’s research work has elevated the field of vocational education. He also noted that by convening a community of academics, Edge has helped build confidence in the importance of this work.
Education leaders, Mel Hewitt of XP School and Liz Robinson of Big Education Trust (via video) highlighted Edge’s work in supporting innovative, employer-linked education models, while representatives from parliamentarians' offices and the civil service had sent their reflections on Edge’s role in shaping thinking on major reforms.
Closing the day, our incoming Chair of the Board of Trustees, Elaine Lilley, outlined her vision for the future. Amid the grandeur of Windsor Castle, she conveyed a real sense of anticipation and excitement for Edge’s upcoming initiatives. Overall, the event was an excellent reminder of how far Edge has come in promoting a diverse landscape that balances the needs of learners with those of the society to which we all contribute. I'm so grateful to all who joined us – both at the anniversary event and over the past two decades. I can't wait to see what the next 20 years will bring as we continue pushing for a truly equitable education system!