SurreyFE’s Communities of Practice give staff across curriculum and support areas a structured space to share expertise, solve problems together, and build confidence. They strengthen consistency across the four colleges, reduce isolation, and create a culture where good practice spreads quickly. By connecting teachers, professional services teams, and leaders, these communities drive collective improvement, enhance service quality, and support a more resilient, future‑ready workforce — demonstrating SurreyFE’s commitment to collaboration and continuous growth.
Four senior leadership groups ran for CEOs, Chief Operating Officers, Governors and Deputy Principals/Vice Principals, responsible for setting the strategic intention of SurreyFE, driving through impactful activity and ensuring governance and accountability.
Four professional services groups ran supporting staff across Marketing, Safeguarding, Exams and Human Resources.
Four curriculum focused groups delivered:
- The Teaching and Learning Conference in July for 200 teachers
- Four skills competitions in Construction, Hair & Beauty, creative/digital and SEND
- English and Maths collaborative CPD event in June for 60 teachers
- A Surrey-wide collaborative Construction Development and Delivery Plan
Of staff surveyed:
88% felt their involvement in their Community of Practice Group had supported their professional development, and
94% felt their involvement had supported them personally
Staff said:
“Surrey FE provides enhanced support, commitment and inclusion to the students of Surrey through training, collaboration and development of FE teams across the county.”
“Being part of SurreyFE has shown how much more we can achieve when we move from seeing each other as competitors to working together as collaborators.”
“I am delighted to see SurreyFE gaining such strong momentum. Not only is it now a well-known brand within Surrey, but its reputation is extending beyond the county, with our collective work being recognised by the AoC. SurreyFE’s collaborative efforts are truly starting to make a meaningful difference.”
This year’s Conference brought the sector’s “inclusive” mission to life, showcasing the collective strength of our colleges and the transformative power of FE.
The College Leader Q&A Panel included Surrey County Council’s Director of Education and Lifelong Learning and set a bold tone — inclusion isn’t an initiative here, it’s our identity — and every part of the day reinforced that message, from early‑identification and transition insights to powerful reflections on trauma, belonging and participation.
With keynote speakers Fatima Whitbread MBE and Leah Boxell grounding the day in lived experience, the conference demonstrated what happens when leadership, expertise and purpose align. And with our own expert teachers delivering workshops on ACEs, youth justice, NEET re‑engagement, SEND transitions, young carers, Maths and English and AI for accessibility, staff saw the depth of practice that makes SurreyFE exceptional.
It was a confident, energising reminder that when we work together, we create the conditions for every learner to thrive.
100% of staff felt the conference achieved its aim of supporting inclusive learner groups with 96% of teachers feeling more confident in supporting learners because of the conference. Workshops on ‘building a stronger sense of belonging for vulnerable and disadvantaged learners’ and ‘creating a more inclusive classroom and workshop environment’ were particularly well received.
And are teachers interested in future SurreyFE cross-college collaboration opportunities? It’s a unanimous yes! – see chart
