Education is one of the most powerful investments we can make in Surrey’s future. But despite the county’s strengths, too many children and young people – particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds – are being left behind. The Sutton Trust’s recently published Opportunity Index has laid bare these persistent inequalities, with several areas of Surrey ranking poorly. It’s a stark reminder that urgent, coordinated action is needed.

Read The Sutton Trust Opportunity Index report here

The Surrey Education Partnership (SEP) is stepping up to meet this challenge. Through our Lifetime of Learning Strategy, we are working collaboratively to ensure every learner in Surrey, regardless of background or need, has access to high-quality education and the opportunity to thrive.

Focused on fostering education equity, the strategy ensures no learner is left behind by embracing opportunities for lifelong learning. We believe the phases of learning are connected and we know that the transition points in learning can impact on a learner emotionally, socially and economically. The aim is to work together to make sure learners thrive at every stage of learning, and that transitions are as smooth as possible for all learners.

We know we achieve more when we work together. That’s why our approach is rooted in openness, trust, partnership and professional collaboration, all aimed at improving outcomes and sharing best practice across the education system. Our principles are at the heart of everything we do.

Our priority is to improve educational outcomes for underserved groups. We will do this by:

1. 1. Improving communication, language and literacy across all ages and phases for all groups.
   2. Understanding and addressing issues that result in low and non-attendance and engagement in education settings.
   3. Ensuring education settings have the skills, confidence and understanding to support children, young people and adult emotional wellbeing to enable them to thrive and learn.
   4. Recruiting, retaining and growing the best teachers, practitioners and leaders. Providing them with high quality continuing professional development opportunities through their careers.

We’re calling on all education and skills providers to put equity and inclusion at the heart of their work, shaping a future where no learner is left behind.

Find out more about the Surrey Education Partnership’s work and access inspiring examples of good practice by visiting the Surrey Education Services SEP page.