Research School Network: Meet the Team

Tom has been teaching for 24 years and has held various leadership roles in two large secondary schools in the South West. He facilitates a number of Research Schools Network training programmes alongside managing the work of our growing group of ELE & EA’s. Tom also delivers keynote presentations at conferences and events across the region. Tom is passionate about engaging with research evidence to improve teaching and learning and enjoys supporting other professionals to do the same.

Will is part of the team delivering ​‘Making sense of Metacognition’ and ​‘Effective Learning Behaviours’ programmes. Will also contributes to other Somerset Research School CPD programmes sharing invaluable knowledge, expertise and subject-specific recommendations.

Fiona works alongside Tom and Will ensuring that CPD courses, including workshops, conferences and twilights are delivered across the south west. Fiona is responsible for communications and project management.

As Head of Science Faculty at Crispin School and Director of Science for the Wessex Learning Trust, Rachael passionately champions the integral role of science education in understanding the world and fostering social mobility. Dedicated to cultivating lifelong learners, Rachael emphasizes the significance of science, a foundational subject, ensuring its crucial presence in all aspects of learning. Rachael prioritizes instilling self-regulation skills to empower students for success beyond the classroom.

Anne works within the Somerset Literacy network. It was established in 2010 to ensure that Somerset schools have continued access to high quality literacy support and resources.

Ro is Headteacher at St Nicholas’ Chantry Church of England and has been teaching for over 20 years holding various leadership roles. As SEMH leader and Pupil Premium reviewer Ro uses her knowledge and training to ensure best outcomes for disadvantaged pupils and to ensure adults, young people, parents & carers in school communities are better equipped for the pressures of modern life.

Clare is an Executive Headteacher of a Junior School in Bath and a 2‑form entry Primary School with Nursery in Somerset. Both are in areas of high deprivation with much higher-than-average numbers of pupils eligible for pupil premium and those with identified SEND. She has been a head for over 10 years and is passionate about working in schools in challenging circumstances. She is keen to ensure the integration of research evidence alongside practitioner expertise and knowledge of context. As well as recently completing her master’s in educational research with distinction, she is also the Headteacher Champion for teaching excellence across her trust – her main focus is supporting schools with developing and implementing teaching and learning and CPD strategies and training coaches. 

Read Clare’s blog for the DfE here, ​‘A headteacher’s top tips to effectively manage Pupil Premium funding’.

SEND/​Inclusion Improvement Lead, TiLA (Trust in Learning Academy)

Emma is the TiLA Trust Lead for SEND Improvement. She has worked in mainstream and special schools as well as previously being Head of Service for Inclusive City in Bristol. Emma was a RIL in the Delta Project with Somerset Research School, EEF and Bristol City Council.

NPQH, Interventions Lead at the Blue School – Team Leader for Art

Shilen has held a number of leadership positions in schools both in the UK and internationally. As an advocate for research and evidence-based education, Shilen has led a number of initiatives that improve student outcomes at all levels. More recently these include the use of Technology in Education, and leading Strategic Academic Intervention across all age ranges. Shilen is passionate about supporting other educational practitioners through his experiences and expertise, and helping to equip young people for the modern day.

Lauren leads Reading and Science at a two-form entry school in Bristol. Passionate about evidence-informed education, she strives to bridge the gap between research and practice to ensure high-quality teaching for all children. Lauren has implemented research-driven practices and professional development in Science and Reading to improve outcomes and raise the profile of these subjects. She is keen to support practitioners to connect with research and implement it within their schools.