: Leerpunt Visit Exchange Research School A knowledge-sharing visit highlighting how evidence-informed practice is supported across the Research Schools Network.

The Exchange Research School team were honoured to welcome a delegation of international visitors last week as part of a learning exchange between the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) and Leerpunt, the newly established evidence centre for Flanders, Belgium. The visit formed part of Leerpunt’s continuing work to strengthen evidence-informed teaching and learning across Flemish education, supported by universities and teacher training providers from the region.

A group of 21 visitors – including colleagues from Leerpunt, Flemish universities, and members of the EEF International Team – spent the day exploring how the Research Schools Network (RSN) supports schools to access, understand and apply educational evidence in practice.

The morning began with a warm welcome from colleagues at Exchange Research School and The Exchange Partnership, followed by an overview of the Research School’s approach and an introduction to Delta Academies Trust from CEO Andy Barnett. Delegates then visited two Delta schools, Simpson’s Lane Academy and De Lacy Academy, gaining insight into how evidence-informed approaches are embedded across both primary and secondary settings. Delegates were inspired by the inviting environments that Simpson’s Lane Academy offered, and how committed the staff were to ensure all children made great progress. At De Lacy Academy, delegates observed excellent teaching practice, with senior leaders at the school narrating the lessons and identifying the evidence-informed strategies that are embedded at the school.

In the afternoon, the group heard from Jo Twiby, Executive Director of The Exchange Partnership (TEP), about TEP’s wider professional development offer and the central role evidence plays in shaping it. This was followed by input from the Exchange Teaching Hub, opportunities to observe a National Professional Qualification (NPQ) session, and discussions on the practical realities of mobilising evidence across the school system.

The day concluded with a reflective session, enabling delegates to share key learning and consider how the English RSN model might inform the development of a Flemish equivalent.

The visit marked a highly successful knowledge exchange and highlighted the value of international collaboration in strengthening evidence-informed education.

Exchange Research School extends sincere thanks to all colleagues involved in the visit, with particular appreciation to Delta Academies Trust and the schools who welcomed the delegation and shared their practice so openly.