History

From the Leading Schools Fund to Leading Practice and Design

The Leading Schools Fund (LSF) initiative and associated research findings have informed the direction of work of the Innovation & Next Practice Division in the field of Leading Practice and Design.

History of the Leading Schools Fund

The Leading Schools Fund was a school transformation and renewal initiative launched in 2003. It was a key driver for the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development's vision of excellent outcomes for all students in government secondary schools.

The LSF had three core objectives:

• To drive school and system transformation that will deliver continuous improvement in student outcomes.
• To drive system improvement through the sharing and transference of good practice, knowledge and programs.
• To develop and implement new models of education provision that will deliver enhanced curriculum options and improved student outcomes.

The initiative was a model for whole school improvement and school system development. It was focused on:

• Improved student outcomes
• Changed teacher practice
• Connectivity between pedagogy and space
• Flexibility of teachers’ working relationships and access to resources
• Professional learning and the development of innovative solutions at the local level
• A highly skilled workforce; and
• Collaboration and cooperation between schools.

Funding was provided over 3 key phases of the Leading Schools Fund to 162 schools with a secondary component, representing approximately 50% of secondary schools within Victoria. Resources gave schools significant flexibility to innovate with the combined resources of time, space and ICT.

The Leading Schools Fund initiative ceased at the end of 2008 although the research findings, improved student outcomes and changed teacher practice as a result of the initiative will continue to influence ongoing school transformation.