: About us

Pinnacle Learning Research School is part of the Research Schools Network, a collaboration of schools across England supported by the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF). Hosted by Oldham Sixth Form College, we are currently the only post-16 Research School in the network. Our purpose is to help schools and colleges make better use of evidence to improve teaching, learning and outcomes for all pupils and students, particularly those experiencing disadvantage. We are not a research organisation. Our role is to act as an evidence intermediary – taking the best available research, interpreting it in context and helping education professionals translate it into meaningful practice. From evidence to action, we know that awareness of research does not automatically lead to effective implementation. Teachers and leaders are busy, and even when they are familiar with evidence-based guidance, there is a risk that it becomes a surface-level exercise rather than something that genuinely influences practice. That is where we come in. We work with schools, colleges, trusts and education partners to interpret and exemplify evidence, making research accessible and relevant to practitioners. Translate evidence into practice through high-quality professional development. Support implementation, helping organisations move beyond knowing what works to understanding how to make change happen. Model evidence-informed practice within our own schools and across the wider education system. Build trusted relationships with teachers and leaders so that evidence can be applied thoughtfully within different contexts. Share expertise and create opportunities for professionals to learn from one another. 

A post-16 Research School with a through-phase perspective. 

Our position within Oldham Sixth Form College gives us a distinctive perspective on evidence use in post-16 education. We work closely with colleagues across the 16 – 19 sector and contribute to the development of evidence-informed practice for older students. At the same time, we see ourselves as a through-phase Research School. Through our partnerships with primary and secondary schools, Trust colleagues and other education organisations, we share learning and expertise across phases. Our work reaches thousands of teachers and school leaders through training, professional networks, publications, blogs, case studies and wider evidence-mobilisation activity. Our partnerships have included work focused on literacy, reading, professional development, implementation and equity, alongside collaboration with organisations such as the EEF and Right to Succeed. We are proud that our schools and our colleagues are increasingly being recognised for their expertise in evidence-informed education, including opportunities to share practice nationally and internationally. Follow us on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/compa…) for updates on Guidance Reports, new tools and free twilight webinars across the year.