We are delighted to announce that The Charter Schools Educational Trust’s CEO, Cassie Buchanan, has been awarded an OBE in the New Year’s Honours for services to education.

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Cassie is also the Executive Headteacher at Charles Dickens Primary School, now part of The Charter Schools Educational Trust. As an inspirational systems leader, Cassie established the London South Teaching School Alliance and remains pivotal in overseeing Charles Dickens School’s role as the lead school for the London South Teaching Schools Alliance. Under Cassie’s leadership, this outstanding school also became an accredited Research School – a rare national accolade. The Research School works collaboratively with schools in South London and the South East to bring education research to life, joining up theory and practice and using research to secure the best outcomes for children, both academically and through their creative, social and emotional development.

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She said: “I work with a very talented team of colleagues at The Charter Schools Educational Trust and beyond. I see this as recognition of our work together in improving outcomes for children, young people and their families. Long-term positive change in schools and the school system also needs effective partnerships and I continue to benefit from the sharing from many networks such as the Education Endowment Fund Research Schools Network, Challenge Partners, and the Teaching Schools Council. I hope this award shines a light on all these brilliant organisations too’”

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John Godfrey, Chair of Trustees said: “Cassie is truly deserving of this award, and it recognises her substantial contribution to improving the education of pupils across Southwark and beyond, through collaborative working and the sharing of best practice.  As Chief Executive of The Charter Schools Educational Trust, Cassie combines extensive system leadership and school improvement experience with a passion for transforming the lives of our young people. She is leading a growing family of schools with a shared vision and who support one another to deliver outstanding education for all our pupils.”

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“This is a well-deserved tribute to Cassie’s work, especially through the Research School and the Teaching School Alliance and reflects her deep commitment to sharing best practice by working with other educationalists to improve the life chances of all children, including the most disadvantaged. We are all delighted at the Trust and its schools, to see Cassie’s work recognised in this way.”

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Cassie is also a Challenge Partners Senior Partner, works as a National Leader of Education, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, and a governor at Haberdashers' Aske's Borough Academy and a member of the Southwark Health and Wellbeing Board.