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Land Rover

Land Rover’s relationship with Lyndon School Humanities College, Solihull began in 2007, when Land Rover was approached by the Chairman of Governors to provide a school governor. We have since formalised our relationship as a trust school partner.  

We have strong links with industry and so many of the projects have been about providing expertise in that area. We have refurbished the school’s metal working lathes and performed health and safety checks on them for the design and technology staff and pupils. We have replaced obsolete window fittings and plastered walls in the school buildings, getting many Land Rover staff involved in these activities. We have also been able offer Land Rover’s in-house printing services to the school so they share the same costs as we do.

One major project that we have collaborated with the school on was changing the dynamics of the school canteen. The old system wasn’t working very well; the layout of the canteen area and flow of students caused a back-log of students waiting to be served at break-time. It required a ‘Lean Manufacturing’ approach to best utilise the space, and so our industrial engineers worked closely with the school canteen staff to design and implement a more suitable and functional layout.

In a recent initiative, we have invited students to tour the Land Rover design studios and then carry out a project to design a bolt on accessory for our Discovery product. We are also strengthening our relationship with the school at our learning academy and encouraging students to participate in the Young Apprenticeship Scheme.

There are two main reasons for our involvement in trust schools; one is corporate responsibility. We have a large production facility in Solihull and we are keen to have close links with the community. In the past, we have donated money and renovated playgrounds but we felt this was short term - we wanted to do something that would have long term impact. Our trust school partnership means that we can support the schools long-term objectives to raise aspirations in a direct and measurable way.

The second reason is the professional development opportunities for our staff. We currently have seven managers who are involved with the school on various projects. Getting them in there is great for professional development and encourages them to use their skill set in a different environment. You find that some individuals really shine, and it impacts on their working life.

Our advice to other organisations thinking about becoming a trust school partner is to be as hands on as possible. Have tangible projects to work that will provide some initial easy wins. As the partnership develops think about what your organisation can do to really improve student outcomes. It’s important to have someone within your organisation who is really passionate about the work you’re doing with the school and to act as a driver.

Selina Westwood, Head Teacher, Lyndon School says “Land Rover colleagues have clearly signposted the exciting potential of a collaborative trust. It has been really enjoyable to work with Land Rover and I believe my perspective on leading learning for this community will continue to be enriched and enhanced significantly.”