Research school to improve local learning outcomes

Keele University is working to establish a ‘research school’ in Stoke-on-Trent, which aims to pilot innovative ideas for improving young people's learning and achievements.

The research school, which is set to receive £200,000 over the next three years from the Government, the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF), and the Institute for Effective Education, will involve a network of schools across Stoke-on-Trent, including teachers from more than 70 primary, secondary and special schools.

Led by the Keele and North Staffordshire Alliance, the research school will start to deliver a range of projects from September this year.

Diane Swift, Director of the Alliance, commented:

“We know the biggest factor in a child's achievement is the quality of teaching. That's where we can make the impact.

“There is already some very effective practice in Stoke-on-Trent that needs to be shared nationally and this will give us an opportunity to do that."

Diance is also Director of Keele and North Staffordshire Primary School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT), which is a teacher training centre operated between Keele University and many school partners in the area.

The research school is one of 11 announced last week by Education Secretary Justine Greening, as Stoke-on-Trent has been identified as an 'opportunity area' for closing the social mobility gap.

Staffordshire University is also joining the new research network, along with schools across the Potteries, Staffordshire Moorlands and several other parts of the county.

Sir Kevan Collins, Chief Executive of the EEF, said: “Research schools are breaking down barriers so that research doesn't stay in the pages of academic journals, but has a real impact on classroom practice."