Research School Network: About Us

About Us


Share on:

Our research school is based in Unity School Partnership, a growing family of schools in Suffolk, Norfolk, North Essex and beyond. Unity Research School is proud to be part of the Research Schools Network, aiming to support schools to bridge the gap between research and practice. We work with classroom practitioners, school leaders and system leaders to engage, unite and reflect around the use of research evidence to address educational disadvantage. 

We disseminate evidence-informed practice through communications, articles, video, exemplification, training and publications. We work with experts within our research school network and beyond, as part of a mission to help all pupils, irrespective or background and starting points, to thrive.


Core Team


Andy Samways1

Andy Samways

Director

Read more aboutAndy Samways
M Rowland2

Marc Rowland

Assistant Director

Marc has worked across England, and overseas, to support schools and education systems to improve academic and social outcomes for educationally disadvantaged pupils.

Marc has written extensively on the subject. He has published numerous resources to support efforts to address disadvantage.

Read more aboutMarc Rowland
Vanessa Bally profile photo

Vanessa Bally

Research School Coordinator

With extensive experience across education and support networks, Vanessa Bally provides essential administrative support for Unity Research School, serving as the first point of contact for all enquiries.

Read more aboutVanessa Bally

Research School Associates


Cathy Potter profile pic

Cathy Potter

Cathy is a teacher, middle leader and adviser. She advises schools on teaching, learning and approaches to tackling educational disadvantage. She draws on 18 years of teaching, NPQLT and MA from the Tavistock and Portman in emotional factors in learning and teaching.

Read more aboutCathy Potter

Our Articles and Video Library

Latest News/​Newsletters

GET INVOLVED

To find out more about the support, training and events we offer, get in touch or sign up to receive news and updates from our newsletter

Email: vbally@​unitysp.​co.​uk

Bridging the gap research classroom practice 190724 092849

This website collects a number of cookies from its users for improving your overall experience of the site.Read more