Why the school chose the award

Jumeirah English Speaking School has long recognised that parental partnership is not an optional extra, but a cornerstone of successful education. The school chose to undertake the Leading Parent Partnership Award to formalise, celebrate, and further develop its long-standing commitment to working collaboratively with families.

For JESS, the LPPA provided an opportunity to reflect on existing strengths, explore innovative ways to engage parents, and ensure that family partnership continues to shape the strategic direction of both campuses.

The journey

Throughout the verification process, the school demonstrated a deeply embedded culture of collaboration, communication, and community.

A central feature of this success is the Parent Partnership Council, which plays a pivotal role in decision-making and school improvement. The Council ensures parents’ voices are heard and valued, influencing both policy and practice. Regular feedback loops close the communication circle; parents are informed not only about outcomes but also about how their contributions have shaped action.

The school’s communication systems are sophisticated and inclusive, ensuring clarity and accessibility for all. From newsletters and detailed curriculum updates to regular parent workshops and bespoke coffee mornings, the school has built an environment where parents feel informed, supported, and involved at every stage.

The induction process for new families is comprehensive, establishing a strong foundation for engagement. Even when families are unable to attend events, staff make sure no one is left behind through follow-up meetings and alternative sessions.

Parent volunteers are another integral part of the school community. Carefully trained in safeguarding and guided by clear procedures, these volunteers play an active role across school life—supporting learning, events, and enrichment activities.

Key achievements

1. Strategic leadership and shared vision

• The leadership team has shown exemplary commitment to parental partnership as a driver of continuous improvement.
• Parental engagement is woven into school development priorities, not treated as a separate strand.
• Staff at every level are engaged in the process, ensuring that partnership work is meaningful and sustained.

2. Communication and transparency

• Communication is clear, consistent, and responsive, helping parents feel informed and reassured.
• Reports and letters are written in accessible language, free from jargon.
• Parents consistently describe the school as open, approachable, and proactive.

3. Empowering parents

• A wide range of workshops and courses equip parents with practical strategies to support learning at home.
• In the secondary phase, coffee mornings tailored to family needs strengthen community connections.
• Feedback from parents is actively sought and acted upon, reinforcing trust and collaboration.

4. Engaged pupils

• Students speak with pride about their school and the involvement of their parents.
• They recognise that family partnership directly supports their success and contributes to a strong sense of belonging.

Impact

The impact with parents is far-reaching.

• Families feel welcomed, listened to, and valued, with clear evidence that their feedback shapes practice.
• Staff are reflective and motivated, leading to sustained improvements in provision and relationships.
• Pupils benefit directly, feeling supported both academically and emotionally, and developing ambitious aspirations for the future.
• The result is a cohesive, trusting community where home and school work seamlessly together for the benefit of every learner.

In their words

“Parental engagement is a cornerstone of the school’s ethos and practice. We are fortunate to have a parent body who are willing to engage in their child’s learning and are comfortable approaching the school with any questions, concerns or ideas. A high level of trust between school and home is vital, and I am delighted that this has been recognised as a defining feature of our identity. Having parental partnership identified as such motivates us even further to continue developing this key aspect of school life.”
Shane O’Brien, Headteacher, Jumeirah English Speaking School

Next steps

The school is already planning to:

• Continue streamlining communication channels to ensure consistency and clarity across all phases.
• Review the new format for primary phase reports to maximise accessibility and usefulness for parents.
• Introduce exit surveys for families leaving mid-year, enabling the school to learn from their experiences and refine practice further.

Conclusion

The Leading Parent Partnership Award has confirmed what has long been true at the school: parental partnership is not just a strength, it defines the school’s character. Through its proactive, inclusive approach, the school continues to model best practice in family engagement, ensuring that every parent is a valued partner in shaping the future of every child.

Interested in achieving the same impact?

The Leading Parent Partnership Award (LPPA) supports schools in embedding a culture of collaboration, trust, and communication with families. It provides a structured framework to strengthen relationships and ensure parents are active partners in every child’s education.

👉 Find out more about the award and how your school can begin its journey today.