News & Events

Essex Research School update - 14 May 2026

Latest updates from the Essex Research School – including Metacognition and Self-Regulated Learning: A School Journey and Leadership and Disadvantage: Keeping the Focus Where it Matters.

Metacognition and Self-Regulated Learning: A School Journey

What does it take to move metacognition from theory into everyday classroom practice? In this thoughtful reflection, our ELE Lacey Davies shares her school’s journey from having no shared language around metacognition to embedding it across the curriculum. Drawing on guidance from the Education Endowment Foundation, this piece explores how a sustained focus on professional development, modelling and pupil independence can transform both learning behaviours and outcomes.

👉 Read the full article here.

FREE Online CPD Opportunity – Leadership and Disadvantage: Keeping the Focus Where it Matters

1 June 2026, 16:00–17:00 Online

Improving outcomes for disadvantaged pupils is a priority for most schools. The challenge for leaders is ensuring it remains central to strategy rather than becoming one of many competing initiatives. In this webinar, our newly appointed ELE Don Wry, CEO of Hearts Academy Trust, will explore how trust and school leaders can keep disadvantage at the heart of their work. Drawing on the approach taken across HEARTS Academy Trust, Don will share how culture, strategic planning and leadership structures can support sustained improvement for disadvantaged pupils. The session will explore:

  • How leaders can ensure disadvantage remains a core strategic priority
  • The role of culture, belonging and pupil identity in improving outcomes
  • How to avoid unintentionally lowering expectations
  • Approaches to evaluating whether strategies are actually making a difference

This session will be particularly valuable for senior leaders, pupil premium leads, and trust leaders interested in strengthening their strategic approach to disadvantage.

👉 Register for this event here.

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