About Us

Unity Research School Core Team

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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

Lauren Meadows

Research School Co-Director

Lauren is Chief Learning Officer for Unity Schools Partnership and CUSP, with extensive experience in curriculum development, assessment design and school improvement. She works closely with national education organisations, advising on policy, research and practice.

Marc Rowland

Research School Co-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.

Anna Tapper

Research School Assistant Director

Anna is Director of Implementation and Associate Director of Unity Research School. Working across schools, trusts and phases, Anna helps leaders translate national policy and evidence into effective practice. Her work focuses on ensuring that implementation is purposeful, sustainable and has a meaningful impact on pupils.

Vanessa Bally

Research School Coordinator

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

Research School Associates

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.