In the following article, Rachael Gacs speaks to Phillipa Sherlock-Lewis, CEO of The Prince Albert Community Trust (PACT), and her executive team about their strategies for closing the disadvantage gap. For trust leaders navigating the complexities of education in disadvantaged communities, this case study provides valuable insights into strategies that have worked at scale. It highlights the importance of fostering a culture of high expectations, leveraging data to drive decision-making, and engaging deeply with families and the community. By understanding PACT’s approach, trust leaders can reflect on how these strategies may be applied in their own contexts to improve outcomes for all pupils, especially those most in need.
The Prince Albert Community Trust (PACT) comprises seven schools—six primary and one secondary—serving some of the most disadvantaged communities in inner-city Birmingham. Many of these schools started from a place of significant challenge, with most being in special measures or requiring improvement when joining the trust. Under the leadership of CEO Phillipa Sherlock-Lewis and her team, PACT has made remarkable progress in closing the disadvantage gap. In the 2022/23 academic year, the trust ranked in the top 5% nationally for disadvantaged pupil attainment at primary level and in the top 20% for overall pupil attainment. In this case study, I speak with Phillipa and her executive team—Ashley Knibbs (Primary Executive Head), Mel Davies (Primary Executive Head), and Anand Patel (Secondary Executive Head)—to explore the strategies that led to these impressive outcomes and how disadvantaged pupils within the trust now generally match, or even surpass, the progress and attainment of their peers.
“PACT has made remarkable progress in closing the disadvantage gap. In the 2022/23 academic year, the trust ranked in the top 5% nationally for disadvantaged pupil attainment at primary level and in the top 20% for overall pupil attainment.”
For Phillipa, the driving force behind their success in closing the disadvantage gap is passion and a deep connection to the communities they serve. “Anyone looking to make an impact must have a deep passion for it,” she says. Having dedicated her career to working with disadvantaged children, Phillipa has always been motivated to make a difference for those who don’t have the same opportunities as others. “It’s so important that we offer these children the opportunities they need to change social mobility and make a real difference from an equity perspective. This vision comes from an emotional connection and a true understanding of the communities we serve. For me, it’s not just a job—it’s a real vocation and passion to want to change and support these communities.”
