Explore the Project

Our Approach 

The project focuses on four interconnected areas that research and experience suggest are essential for improving writing outcomes. 

  • Leadership 

Developing confident English leaders who can monitor practice, support colleagues and drive improvement across a school. 

  • Assessment 

Helping teachers make accurate judgements about age-related expectations and use assessment to improve teaching. 

  • Teaching 

Supporting teachers to develop professional expertise in planning, modelling and responding to pupils' writing. 

  • Curriculum 

Strengthening the curriculum so that pupils experience meaningful, ambitious and diverse writing opportunities. 

The project is built upon the principle that improving writing is ultimately achieved through developing professional knowledge rather than adopting a particular scheme or resource.  

What Makes the Project Different? 

Practical and Evidence-Informed 

We focus on professional learning that can be implemented immediately in classrooms and leadership practice.  

Our approach draws on: 

  • Effective Professional Development research 
  • Writing assessment expertise 
  • Curriculum thinking 
  • School improvement practice 
  • Assessment Expertise 

We support teachers in understanding what age-related expectations look like across the primary phase, particularly in years where statutory exemplification is limited.  

Leadership Development 

We help English leaders develop expertise in: 

  • Monitoring 
  • Accountability 
  • Coaching 
  • Professional development 
  • Curriculum review 

Networks That Last 

Improvement is more sustainable when schools learn together. Our network connects English leaders and teachers so that expertise can be shared across settings.