An innovative education programme and partnership between Linklaters and Clapton Girls’ Academy was commended by the Minister for Children and Families, Tim Loughton MP, at an event held at the school yesterday.
The event, a celebration of business support for education in Hackney, took place at Clapton Girls’ Academy (formerly Clapton Girls’ Technology College), one of 78 schools globally participating in Linklaters’ Learn for Work initiative. The award-winning scheme was launched in 2007 and currently inspires over 10,000 young people each year. In London, the scheme offers support from Linklaters to schools across the borough of Hackney and is designed to develop employability skills and raise the aspirations of students of all ages.
With a keynote speech by Tim Loughton MP, yesterday’s event showcased Linklaters’ partnership with Clapton Girls’ Academy. Guests, who included representatives from KPMG, Freshfields, the Corporation of London, Clare College Cambridge and the Social Mobility Foundation, heard about other corporate involvement in the borough and students’ own experiences.
Robert Elliott, Linklaters’ senior partner said:
“We’re very proud of Linklaters’ Learn for Work initiative. We know that it benefits the communities in which we work; last year, the level of education provision in Hackney was commended as the most improved in the country. It’s an added bonus that our people gain so much from taking part in this scheme too, and there is no better way to develop their awareness of diversity whilst building skills like communication and coaching.”
Recognising the contribution of businesses in education, Tim Loughton MP, the Minister for Children and Families, added:
“Business involvement in education is growing and I welcome and encourage this. For many young people in Hackney, the City is so near, yet so far and I congratulate Linklaters and their Learn for Work programme for putting it within their sights.”
Richard Hardie, Chair of The Learning Trust and of UBS Ltd, said:
“Apart from its topical importance, I really admire the way that Learn for Work has been thought through. It offers a real partnership between business and schools, and Linklaters' support for Clapton Girls’ Academy takes that notion to an even higher level."
For further information, please contact Katie Taylor on +44 20 7456 2287 or Rupert Winlaw on +44 20 7456 3219.
- Linklaters LLP is a leading global law firm, supporting clients in achieving their strategies wherever they do business. We use our expertise and resources to help clients pursue opportunities and manage risk across emerging and developed markets around the world
- Corporate responsibility is central to Linklaters’ thinking. The firm is determined to achieve its strategic business goals by leading in a way that is consistent with its values. These values should be integral to the relationships the firm builds with its clients, people and the wider global community. To access Linklaters’ most recent report on corporate responsibility, click here
- Learn for Work aims to inspire young people through activities include debating, interview experience and advocacy training as well as work experience, careers events and enterprise projects. All aim to raise the skills, aspirations and experience of those nearest to our offices but who are, in many ways, also the furthest away.
