Research School Network: Beyond the Gap: boys, belonging and achievement Funded by the DfE RISE Programme

Beyond the gap: boys, belonging and achievement

Funded by the Department for Education’s RISE programme, this professional development and implementation programme aims to build understanding of the impact of compounded socio-economic disadvantage and support schools to tackle the pervasive gaps for boys eligible for Free School Meals. Work alongside experts and other school leaders to identify priorities and turn evidence into sustainable action.

Running from November to Spring 2027, the programme includes:

Face-to-face conference:
Monday 2^nd November, 9.00- 3.30pm (Leeds)

Four online twilight sessions 3.45 – 5.15pm:
Wednesday 2^nd December
Tuesday 12^th January
Thursday 11^th February
Tuesday 16^th March

James Rew (Chair of the West Yorkshire Boys’ Impact Hub, and Luminate Education Group’s Research and Evaluation Manager) and Helen Sykes (Head of Go Higher West Yorkshire) can also offer participating schools a dedicated review of a relevant area of policy or practice, using both Ulster University’s ​‘Taking Boys Seriously Principles’ and recent locally-developed ​‘Lads at the Back’ Charter.

Deadline to register: Friday 9^th October