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Cherie Blair opens UEL’s pioneering Sir John Cass School of Education

Friday 9 October 2009

Interview with
Cherie Blair
Duration: 1:54
Date: 08 October 2009

The University of East London's new Sir John Cass School of Education was launched today by Cherie Blair QC, leading barrister and campaigner for equality and human rights at UEL’s Stratford Campus.

Cherie Blair was met by UEL’s Chair of Governors, Mark Stephens and Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Susan Price, who gave her a tour of the impressive facilities. Mrs Blair also made a speech and unveiled a plaque to officially open the school.

Also present at the event were the Mayor of Greenwich Allan Maccarthy, Deputy Mayor of Waltham Forest, Peter Woollcott and Deputy Mayor of Havering, Melvin Wallace. They were among a host of teaching and learning staff, students and partners, head teachers, college principals and education directors and trustees of the Sir John Cass’s Foundation.

The Sir John Cass School of Education is already one of London’s foremost centres for teacher training. Many of its alumni are working in local schools and it is a Category A provider for Secondary teacher training.

Last year it received a major grant from the Sir John Cass Foundation and this has helped it attain its status as a unique hub for teacher training and development as well as a community resource for children and schools around London.

Ann Slater, Dean of the Sir John Cass School of Education said: "I am delighted to be here today to see our new School of Education become a reality. We greatly value the support of the Sir John Cass Foundation in completing the School. I would also like to thank the many people who have worked so hard to make it the wonderful resource it is today."

Accommodating almost 2,500 students, the School’s range of impressive facilities includes research and specially equipped teaching areas, a professional kitchen; a music, dance and drama studio; an ICT lab; an art, design & textiles studio; and science labs.

Cherie Blair said: "I have just been given a tour of the great facilities on offer here and I believe the Sir John Cass School of Education will be a catalyst for major change in the education landscape across London. Education transformed my life, without my education I would not have become a barrister or met Tony, which means I would not be standing before you today. Teachers do make a difference so it’s fantastic to be here where you are training the teachers of tomorrow."

"UEL has deep roots with the community and it’s great to see so many people from different backgrounds here – it’s important to inspire everyone. Let me congratulate you for being a beacon in your communities."

Kevin Everett, Treasurer and Chairman of the Sir John Cass Foundation said: "We are confident that the Sir John Cass School of Education will be a new milestone in our foundation’s work and another lasting legacy of Sir John Cass’s vision."

Financed as part of UEL’s £170 million investment in estates over the last ten years, the Sir John Cass School of Education cost 10 million overall. Nationally, it will play a vital role in filling the UK’s urgent need for maths and English teachers.

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Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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