Dr Herminder K Channa OBE JP
Harnessing human capacity and resilience to support every child to thrive
A new government, a fresh mandate, and a renewed sense of ambition, education is once again at the forefront of national discourse. Policymakers, educators, and families are all invested in shaping the future of our children. Yet, amid the strategies and policy debates, one truth remains: while more funding and legislation are vital, true success is built on human capacity, resilience, and collective will. There is no material more resilient than the human spirit. Only by working together can we provide the support and opportunities that every child deserves.
Elevating the status of teachers is crucial in ensuring that education is seen as a profession that underpins national progress and social mobility. When we invest in our teachers, we invest in the very foundation of our nation's future.
All schools, regardless of structure, play a crucial role in shaping a strong and inclusive education system. School trusts provide structural capacity to implement best practices at scale, while maintained schools, federations, and other partnerships bring deep-rooted expertise and innovation. Faith schools contribute a values-driven approach that enriches communities, while rural and coastal schools offer unique insights into the challenges and strengths of education in diverse localities. Together, these schools serve as the engine behind system-wide improvement, ensuring that excellence is not confined to isolated settings but shared across regions and communities. By harnessing the collective expertise of all schools, we can build a more resilient and future-proof education system.
The power of high expectations and investment
Every child carries untapped potential. But potential alone is not enough, it must be nurtured, believed in, and given the right environment to flourish. Setting high expectations is an act of faith in our young people, but these expectations must be matched with unwavering support and strategic investment.
For many families, supporting a child’s education is a daily challenge in the face of economic hardship, housing instability, and systemic inequities. It is unjust to expect parents to be equal partners in education without equipping them with the means to do so. Investing in early intervention, SEND provision, and holistic family support is not just a policy choice, it is a moral imperative. When we empower families, we empower children to seize their futures with confidence.
Stronger partnerships with local businesses and communities
Beyond schools and homes, businesses and community organisations have an untapped power to transform lives. We often hear concerns that young people are unprepared for the workforce, but are we truly providing them with meaningful opportunities to succeed?
We must reimagine how businesses engage with education, not as charitable donors but as active partners in shaping ambition and resilience. This means:
- Mentorship programmes where professionals commit to guiding and inspiring students.
- Work experience placements that provide meaningful exposure to careers and connections.
- Business-school partnerships that co-develop pathways into industries, ensuring that students leave school with practical and relevant skills.
These partnerships should not be an afterthought they should be the expectation. Schools should not have to seek support; it should be built into the fabric of how we develop the next generation.
Faith groups, sports clubs, and cultural institutions all have vital roles to play in fostering aspiration and resilience. Schools should not have to seek support; it should be an expectation that communities stand alongside them in shaping the futures of their young people.
Raising resilient learners
Resilience is not an inherited trait; it is cultivated through experience, encouragement, and belief. Every day, teachers shape this resilience, demonstrating that setbacks are not failures but stepping stones toward growth.
But resilience cannot be built in isolation. We cannot ask young people to be ambitious while surrounding them with uncertainty. We cannot demand excellence from teachers while failing to provide them with the professional status and resources they need. And we cannot expect schools to be bastions of resilience while families and communities struggle without the support they deserve.
To truly nurture resilience, we must:
- Elevate the profession of teaching—recognising that educators are the architects of the future and deserve respect, support, and investment.
- Prioritise character and leadership development—ensuring that young people are equipped not only with knowledge but with the values, ethical leadership, and personal responsibility to contribute meaningfully to society.
- Embed high expectations in every sphere of a child's life—not just in schools, but in homes, workplaces, and communities.
- Strengthen the school-family partnership—ensuring that collaboration, not isolation, is the foundation of student success. Expand business and community involvement—creating structured, long-term support networks that provide real opportunities for young people.
A call to action: the future of education
True transformation occurs when society unites behind a shared conviction: no child should be left behind. Education is not the responsibility of schools alone; it is a collective moral duty.
This is not merely about policy shifts; it is about a fundamental rethinking of our priorities. Teachers shape minds and nurture ambition, but they cannot do it alone. Families instil values and aspirations, but they need support. Communities and businesses can unlock doors to opportunity, but they must step forward with intent.
So, what must we do?
- Trust and empower teachers, recognising them as professionals whose expertise drives national progress.
- Support families holistically, acknowledging that strong homes create strong learners.
- Leverage school trusts to drive system-wide improvement and ensure best practices are scaled effectively.
- Engage businesses and communities, fostering an expectation that they play an active role in shaping future generations.
The human spirit is the most powerful force for change. When we uplift educators, champion children, and stand together as a society, we create something far greater than an education system—we build a legacy. It truly does take a whole community to raise a child. The question is: will we rise to meet this responsibility?
The CST Blog welcomes perspectives from a diverse range of guest contributors. The opinions expressed in blogs are the views of the author(s), and should not be read as CST guidance or CST’s position.
