How We’re Supporting the RISE Programme Across the East Midlands
Supporting the RISE Programme
Connecting evidence, workforce development and system leadership
We are pleased to share that Spencer Academies Trust, through the work of Derby Research School and Spencer Teaching School Hub, will play a role in supporting the delivery of the Department for Education’s new RISE programme, following the publication of the RISE Regional Plans on 29 June 2026.
As part of this, Tammy Elward, Director of Derby Research School and Spencer Teaching School Hub, and Executive Leader within Spencer Academies Trust, has been invited to join the regional RISE Delivery Partnership, working alongside system leaders to support improvement across the region.
Key messages
- Derby Research School and Spencer Teaching School Hub will support delivery of the RISE programme.
- Tammy Elward has joined the regional RISE Delivery Partnership.
- The work will connect evidence, implementation and professional development.
- The partnership aims to strengthen outcomes through evidence-informed system leadership.
A shared focus on what matters most
The RISE programme is part of the government’s Opportunity Mission, with a clear ambition: to break the link between background and future success.
The regional plans focus on four key priorities:
- Raising attainment
- Improving attendance
- Strengthening reception year quality
- Embedding effective mainstream inclusion
These priorities strongly align with our work across both the Research School and Teaching School Hub. They reflect areas where evidence-informed practice, high-quality professional development and effective implementation can make a sustained difference, particularly for disadvantaged pupils.
The plans provide a coherent framework for collaboration, encouraging schools, trusts and partners to focus effort on what is most likely to improve outcomes.
From evidence to action
A central feature of the RISE programme is the establishment of Regional Delivery Partnerships, designed to move from strategy to implementation at pace.
System leadership
Bringing together experienced leaders across the region.
Clear priorities
Focusing on a small number of agreed regional priorities.
Implementation
Testing, refining and scaling effective practice.
Impact
Driving practical, measurable improvements.
This focus on disciplined prioritisation, collaboration and sustained change closely reflects both the EEF’s implementation guidance and the core principles underpinning high-quality professional development.
Our role across Research School and Teaching School Hub
Through our combined roles, we bring a complementary contribution to the RISE programme:
- Derby Research School: supporting schools to engage with and apply evidence effectively.
- Spencer Teaching School Hub: strengthening professional development and leadership capacity across the system.
- Trust system leadership: connecting practice, networks and partnerships across schools and organisations.
- Anchor improvement work in robust evidence
- Support effective implementation at scale
- Build capability and consistency through professional development
- Strengthen collaboration across schools, trusts and partners
Our involvement reflects a commitment to working across and beyond organisational boundaries to support system-wide improvement.
Comment from Tammy Elward
Director of Derby Research School and Spencer Teaching School Hub
“I am pleased to contribute to the regional RISE Delivery Partnership at a point where there is a clear and shared focus on the issues that matter most for pupils.
Across both the Research School and Teaching School Hub, our role is to ensure that improvement work is firmly anchored in the evidence base and supported by high-quality professional development. We see this as bringing together evidence, implementation and workforce development to enable change that is both practical and sustainable.
Acting as a guardian of the evidence base, we will support the partnership to draw on what we know works, while applying the principles of effective implementation so that approaches are not only adopted, but embedded over time.
In line with the EEF mission, we remain focused on supporting schools to use evidence well, particularly in ways that improve outcomes for disadvantaged pupils, and on strengthening a system that is both connected and evidence-informed.”
A collective effort
The success of RISE will depend on active participation across the system.
Schools and trusts can engage by:
- Working with Research Schools, Teaching School Hubs and other networks
- Sharing and reflecting on effective practice
- Engaging with regional priorities and contributing to collective improvement efforts
An Expression of Interest process will also open for additional partnership members, enabling a wider group of leaders to contribute to this work.
Looking ahead
The ambition of RISE is clear: not simply to produce plans, but to deliver tangible improvements.
- Better outcomes for pupils
- Stronger alignment across the system
- More consistent, high-quality practice
For Derby Research School and Spencer Teaching School Hub, this is an opportunity to further connect evidence, professional development and system leadership, supporting schools to focus on the approaches that have the greatest impact.
Flying High English Hub: March 2026 Newsletter
Welcome to the March edition of our newsletter!✨
Click here to download the newsletter.
In this edition, you will find:
- Our next Virtual Author Event
- Details of our Summer Conference around Reading for Pleasure
- Recruitment Opportunities for English Hub Literacy Specialists
-
CPL information for the Literacy Excellence Centre
If you don’t already, keep up to date with us on social media. We’re on LinkedIn, Instagram and X – just search Flying High English Hub.
With Regards
Flying High English Hub
We are flying high | Connect with us here
Read MoreFlying High English Hub: December 2025 Newsletter
CLICK HERE to view December 2025 newsletter.
In this month’s edition, you’ll find:
- exciting news about our brand-new podcast episodes
- details of our latest Showcase event for schools to get involved in accessing funding and support
- our FREE CPL for Spring term
On behalf of the whole team here at Flying High English Hub, we would like to wish you a Merry Christmas! We hope you have a relaxing break and look forward to working with you in 2026.
With Regards
Flying High English Hub
Flying High English Hub: November 2025 Newsletter
CLICK HERE to view November 2025 newsletter.
Inside you’ll find tips to get your children blending as well as FREE CPL opportunities:
- Join us for the Reading Ambition for All programme – 5 sessions to support you in enabling all children, even those with more complex needs, to learn how to read
- Bring an author into your classroom with our Virtual Author event with Swappna Haddow
- Develop your knowledge of Reading for Pleasure with our OU/UKLA Teacher Reader Group
With Regards
Flying High English Hub
Early Years Hub Autumn Newsletter
CLICK HERE to view the DNEY Hub Newsletter Autumn 1, 2025
We are so excited to share with you our Autumn Newsletter 🍁 – packed with fully funded CPD offers 📚 for you and your staff.
These include online 💻 and in-person 👩🏫 sessions, available for School-based Nurseries, PVIs, and Childminders.
📖 What’s inside:
- Page 2 – New Conference in Derby City: “Working with Under 3s” 👶 – Places are limited, so book online today!
- Page 3 – Ask the Expert: Early Years Nutrition Sessions 🥦 – For Schools, PVIs, and Childminders
- Page 4 – Our very popular Room Leader Networks & New PD Programme: Maths Champions 🔢 – Register your interest (very limited places!)
- Page 5 – EEF Webinar Series 💻 – Join us online
- Page 6 – Childminder Networks 🤝 – Our very popular networks – get involved today
- Page 7 – DfE Webinars 📺 – Browse upcoming opportunities
If you have any questions, please get in touch at enquiries@dneyhub.org.uk.
Best wishes,
DNEY Hub Newsletter Autumn 1, 2025
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The Maternity / Paternity Teacher Project – An MTPT Update
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Computing Hubs: Remote Conference – Enriching your Curriculum
Date: 11th November 2024, 1:15 – 4:00pm
Primary Teachers, CLICK HERE
Secondary Teachers, CLICK HERE
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The Maternity / Paternity Teacher Project – An MTPT Update
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