Heads Together: From Classroom to Career - Reimagining Readiness

On 6th November, The Rigby Foundation hosted an impressive gathering of school leaders, educational system thinkers, and regional changemakers at Aston University’s conference centre. The aim of the day was to explore how together we can better prepare young people in Birmingham for the future through leadership, skills, and readiness for a rapidly evolving world.

We were proud to welcome an exceptional line-up of speakers:

• Prof. Colin Diamond (University of Birmingham) on the challenge of recruiting and retaining senior education leaders
• Helene Dearn (West Midlands Combined Authority) on bridging the skills gap between school leavers and local employers
• Alex Zarifeh (Arthur Terry Learning Partnerships) on recalibrating education to meet the demands of the AI revolution
• Dr. Sue M Harrison (Birmingham City Council) offered reflections on the day

Some of the feedback from the event evidenced the importance of enabling senior education leaders to have the space and opportunity to talk to one another.

“What an inspiring morning, thank you.” Frances Child, Executive Director – Titan Partnership

“That was mega! Colin was so inspirational. Alex was fascinating and so full of energy and I wish we had more time with Helene, to talk about what schools can do about the skills gap.” Darren Turner, Executive Principal, Tudor Grange Academy Kingshurst

“Brilliant… what an inspirational and engaging event, thank you.” Martin Fitzwilliam, Interim Director of Schools and Employability, Birmingham City Council

These conversations matter deeply to us. The Rigby Foundation was founded on the belief that giving well means giving with purpose and staying the course. That’s why we invest in long-term partnerships that support young people to thrive in education, unlock opportunity, and secure meaningful employment.

We’re so grateful to everyone who joined us, and we look forward to building on the energy, insight, and collaboration sparked in the room.