Research School Network: Supporting system improvement through the RISE programme Derby Research School joins regional partnership supporting the RISE programme
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Supporting system improvement through the RISE programme
Derby Research School joins regional partnership supporting the RISE programme
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We are pleased to share that Derby Research School will play a role in supporting the delivery of the Department for Education’s new RISE (Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence) programme, following the publication of the RISE Regional Plans on 29 June 2026.
As part of this, Tammy Elward, Director of Derby Research School and Executive Leader within Spencer Academies Trust, has been invited to join the regional RISE Delivery Partnership, working alongside system leaders to support improvement across the region.
A shared focus on what matters most. The RISE programme is part of the government’s Opportunity Mission, with a clear ambition: to break the link between background and future success. The regional plans set out how four key priorities will be delivered locally:
For us as a Research School, this alignment is important. These priorities reflect areas where we know evidence-informed approaches, implemented well, can make a meaningful difference — particularly for disadvantaged pupils.
The plans provide a coherent framework for collaboration, encouraging schools, trusts and partners to focus on the approaches most likely to improve outcomes.
From evidence to action
A central feature of the RISE programme is the establishment of Regional Delivery Partnerships — designed to move from strategy to implementation at pace.
These partnerships will:
Bring together experienced system leaders Focus on a small number of agreed regional priorities Test, refine and scale effective practice Drive practical, measurable improvements
This emphasis on disciplined focus and rapid learning aligns closely with the EEF implementation guidance, particularly the need to prioritise, test approaches in context, and sustain change over time.
The role of Derby Research School
As part of the Research School Network, our role is to support schools to engage with and apply evidence effectively.
Through the RISE programme, this includes:
Supporting evidence-informed approaches to key regional priorities
Contributing to a system that is more connected, responsive and evidence-rich
Our involvement reflects a continued commitment to working beyond individual organisations and contributing to system-wide improvement.
Comment from Tammy Elward, Director of Derby Research School
“I am pleased to contribute to the regional RISE Delivery Partnership at a point where there is a clear and shared focus on the issues that matter most for pupils.
A key part of our role through Derby Research School is to act as a guardian of the evidence base — ensuring that the work of RISE is firmly anchored in what we know makes the greatest difference.
This means not only drawing on the best available evidence, but also applying the principles of effective implementation so that approaches are carefully selected, introduced and sustained in practice.
In line with the EEF mission, we remain committed to supporting schools to use evidence well, particularly in ways that improve outcomes for disadvantaged pupils, and to ensuring that improvement efforts are both robust and sustainable over time.”
A Collective Effort
The success of RISE will depend on active participation across the system. Schools and trusts can engage by:
Working with Research Schools, Teaching School Hubs and other networks
Sharing and reflecting on effective practice
Engaging with regional priorities and contributing to collective improvement efforts
An Expression of Interest process will also open for additional partnership members, enabling a wider group of leaders to contribute to this work.
Looking Ahead
The ambition of RISE is clear: not simply to produce plans, but to deliver tangible improvements:
Better outcomes for pupils Stronger alignment across the system More consistent, high-quality practice
For Derby Research School, this is an opportunity to continue bridging the gap between evidence and implementation, supporting schools to focus on the approaches that have the greatest impact.
