What we do
SPP is a sector-led, cluster-based approach to school improvement. There are almost 2,000 schools that have engaged with the model to date. We work directly with schools, including Multi-Academy Trusts, Teaching School Alliances, local governments as well as more informal school partnerships.
The model develops the capacity and culture needed for impactful cluster-working through a continuous cycle of school self-review, peer review and school-to-school support and improvement.
How does it work?
There are 3 key phases (approx. 1 year each) that build the skills of peer review and culture change required to develop a mature cluster or local system: build, embed, sustain.
Unlike other peer review models that use a ‘mocksted’ approach, SPP is based on a framework that aligns with the OFSTED framework but goes beyond it. Our programme provides the tools, coaching and support by which school leaders can identify, analyse and target an area of practice they are keen to develop or review, to bring it in line with their school improvement goals, with the added rigour of the honest and open peer review of trusted colleagues. They work with neighbouring schools in a professional partnership to research and explore the evidence that supports their review focus, derived from their own findings and experience, such as lesson observations, work scrutinies, interviews with staff and pupils, as well as external trusted evidence sources.
Shortly after the review, a trained improvement champion from one of the partnership's schools who was not involved in the review facilitates a workshop for the school in review that is carefully designed to support the school to develop an action plan to respond to review feedback. The reviewed school is then signposted to further support or resources that may help them achieve their goals. After a set time for implementation, the school then reflects on the impact made, any valuable lessons learned and establish best practise principles, which are to be shared across their partnership of schools for the mutual benefit of all colleagues.
For our most mature partnerships, there is also the opportunity to become a strategic partner to Education Development Trust to help lead further development of SPP across their locality and network as an SPP Hub.
Who does SPP work well for?
+ Any group of schools that wants to develop and mature their partnership and collaborative work and understand the impact it has on outcomes for children and young people.
+ School leaders who want to own their improvement journey and empower their colleagues and staff to do the same.
What makes SPP different?
+ A focus on improvement
+ Rigorous and based on a framework that aligns with the OFSTED framework but goes beyond it
+ Invitational – the host school ‘in the driving seat’
+ Underpinned by a coaching approach
+ Done in a culture of enquiry, learning and growth
+ Focused, planned with feedback based on evidence
+ Co-developed and led by schools, for schools
+ Leads to an improvement workshop and follow up school support – ensuring follow up and impact
+ For all members of staff – developed over a period of time and linked to building a culture of ‘trust-based accountability’
+ Part of a culture of improvement – through planned peer reviews and through the more spontaneous and regular reviews of practice and giving and receiving of feedback
+ A focus on 'proving'
+ A ‘mocksted’
+ Imposed and 'done to'
+ Giving advice
+ Judgmental
+ A ‘learning walk’
+ A ‘health check’ on the school
+ For senior leaders only
+ Episodic
SPP strengthens the degree of challenge and support within and between schools, with a relentless focus on change in practice and improvement.
SPP builds the capacity and capability of clusters to lead their own improvement. As our local area partnerships, our most mature partnerships train and support new clusters, ensuring that the model is owned by the system.
This provides a coherent and consistent approach to peer review that helps drive continuous improvement.
Our 3-phased maturity model builds capacity in peer review of all staff in your school and cluster, so that improvement can be led at all levels.
Wherever you are in your improvement journey and whatever your context or phase, SPP can make a difference to outcomes for your pupils.
Are you part of a multi-academy trust?
Find out more about the MAT Partnership Programme.
Who are Education Development Trust?
At Education Development Trust, we transform lives by improving education around the world. Our specialist knowledge means we design and deliver effective, sustainable education solutions tailored to the local context. As a not-for-profit organisation, we invest annually in our programme of educational research because it matters to us that teachers benefit from the latest best practice.