The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) is today announcing the appointment of Dr Kevan Collins as its new Chief Executive. Kevan is currently Chief Executive of the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, after leading a distinguished career in education – starting off as a primary school teacher, leading the national literacy strategy, and then serving as director of children’s services at Tower Hamlets.
The announcement comes a week after the Foundation, dedicated to improving the attainment of some of the country’s most disadvantaged children, was officially launched.
Sir Peter Lampl, Chairman of the EEF and the Sutton Trust, said: We are absolutely delighted to have appointed someone of the calibre of Kevan, whose knowledge and experience of education spans all levels – from teaching at primary school to senior leadership roles at both national and local levels. But what shines through with Kevan is his passion and drive to improve the educational opportunities of children from less privileged backgrounds.
Dr Kevan Collins said: This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for me to focus on my abiding passion and pursue what I believe is a critical issue for the country: the wasted talent of too many young people failing to achieve their potential. I’m honoured that the Education Endowment Foundation has asked me to become its first Chief Executive and I am looking forward to working with schools, local authorities and other providers to improve the education outcomes for children from disadvantaged communities.
The Education Endowment Foundation has been set up by the Sutton Trust as lead charity in partnership with Impetus Trust to support projects to raise the attainment of pupils eligible for free school meals in schools underneath government floor standards. It is open to applications from charities, schools, local authorities and other not-for-profit organisations. The EEF is initially funded by a £125 million endowment from the Department for Education and, together with income from the endowment and fundraising, intends to spend over £200 million.