What is the Research Schools Network?

The Research Schools Network is a network of schools which support the use of evidence to improve teaching practice.

Launched in 2016, the Network currently numbers 37 schools: 27 Research Schools and 10 Associate Research Schools. All have been appointed following a competitive application process. The Research Schools Network aims to lead the way in the use of evidence-based teaching, building affiliations with large numbers of schools in their region, and supporting the use of evidence at scale.

Research Schools work with the other schools in their areas to help them use evidence more effectively to inform their teaching through: encouraging schools to make use of evidence-based programmes and practices through regular communication and events; and providing training and professional development for senior leaders and teachers on how to improve classroom practice based on the best available evidence.

The overall aim of the Research School Network to break the link between family income and educational outcomes, improving outcomes and life chances for disadvantaged pupils.

What does the Research Schools Network do?

There are many evidence-based resources and tools available to help improve teaching practice and raise the attainment of pupils, but it can be difficult to get research into schools in ways that really make a difference in the classroom.

Research Schools aim to lead the way in the use of evidence-based practice. Through the network they will share what they know about putting research into practice, and support schools in their region to make better use of evidence to inform their teaching and learning so that they really make a difference in the classroom.

They will do this by:
 

• Encouraging schools in their network to make use of evidence-based programmes and practices through regular communication and events.
• Providing training and professional development for senior leaders and teachers on how to improve classroom practice based on the bets available evidence.
• Building local capacity to support the use of evidence and evidence informed practises.

St Matthews Research School

Stour Vale Academy Trust have a strong working relationship with St Matthews Research School. Andy Burton is an accredited Evidence Leader of Education (ELE) who helps to generate, synthesise, and mobilise evidence throughout the West Midlands.