Persona Education invited to become a Knowledge Partner by Global Independent Schools Association

Press Release
Bristol, UK, 28th April 2023

Persona Education has accepted an invitation from the Global Independent Schools Association (GISA) to become a Knowledge Partner. As a subject matter expert on Social-Emotional Learning and related areas, Persona Education will share its expertise, research, insights and recommendations with GISA members and other stakeholders.

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Image: Persona Education / GISA

Persona Education has been invited to become a Knowledge Partner by the Global Independent Schools Association (GISA). Persona Education is a subject matter expert in the area of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and student Personal Development, and as a GISA Knowledge Partner, will be sharing knowledge, research and insights with GISA members and other stakeholders.

As a member of GISA, Persona Education joins a network of educators, executives, public policy experts, faith leaders, philanthropists and others who participate in GISA Advocacy Initiatives, Global Alliances, Working Groups and Events.

Founded by leaders of independent school groups, GISA was launched in Nov-22 and focuses on creating a positive business and regulatory environment and improving educational outcomes. Its mission is to unite the global independent education ecosystem around a common agenda, share its innovations and impact and become a trusted partner to the world’s governments and global institutions.  

Social-Emotional Learning is an aspect of education which was already climbing the agenda for schools and colleges pre-pandemic, and has now become a top priority, especially for secondary schools and colleges.

Research shows that developing social-emotional skills – such as goal-setting, active listening, critical thinking and empathy – can have a significant positive impact on young people’s personal development, in social, learning and work contexts.

A recent Promethean survey of 356 educators in the UK and Ireland found that Social-Emotional Learning is now, for the second year running, the top priority for the largest cohort of educators – 38%. Separately, the OECD’s Sep-21 report ‘Beyond Academic Learning’, based on data from ten countries around the world, found the average 10 year old has 30% better social-emotional skills than the average 15 year old.

GISA's research and insight focus areas follow on from its global calls where school leaders from the independent sector, education experts, and business representatives meet to discuss key issues affecting the education sector. 

Insight reports cover important topics related to education such as Artificial Intelligence, Climate Change, and Leadership. They include policy changes, emerging trends, and best practices in teaching and learning. They also highlight innovative approaches to addressing key challenges and offer recommendations for how stakeholders can work together to create positive change. 

In its role as Knowledge Partner, Persona Education expects to contribute expertise, research, insights and recommendations on subjects including Social-Emotional Learning, future skills, student personal development, wellbeing and employability, as well as blended learning pedagogies. 

Pete Read, CEO of Persona Education, said, “We are very honoured and excited to be invited to join GISA as a Knowledge Partner. The network is truly international and has already gathered together some of the most experienced thinkers and advisors in K12 education, which bodes well for the rapidly growing membership. Operating in the online Social-Emotional Learning space with schools in over 40 countries, we are fortunate to witness many and varied approaches to implementing personal development for students. We look forward to sharing this insight as case studies from different parts of the world, along with data and learning from our continuing research in the area.”

ENDS

About Persona Education Ltd

Persona Education is a UK based edtech company developing life skills solutions for secondary students and educational institutions. Its web and mobile online learning platforms are built around a scientifically proven personality insights framework, that is social, practical and memorable. For further information contact info@persona-life.com or +44 (0)117 313 2897.