Essex Research School update - 20 April 2026
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Latest updates from the Essex Research School - including Keeping Disadvantage at the Heart of the Strategy and More Than a Score: Rethinking Assessment in Primary Maths.
Keeping Disadvantage at the Heart of the Strategy
How do we keep disadvantage at the heart of school strategy beyond rhetoric and into real action? In this latest piece, we hear from Don Wry, our newly appointed ELE, who explores how leaders can take a sharper, more coherent approach to supporting disadvantaged pupils. Expect practical insights grounded in evidence and implementation.
Read the article here: Keeping Disdvantage at the Heart of the Strategy
We are also hosting a FREE PD event on 1 June 2026 (4-5pm) to support this article. Find out more and register here:
More Than a Score: Rethinking Assessment in Primary Maths
On 6 July 2026 (4 – 5pm), Elizabeth Millane will lead a free PD session for Essex Research School exploring how an observing and listening approach to KS1 mathematics assessment can transform teaching and learning.
Building on previous work shared via our recent Clips from the Classroom work, this session will move beyond the idea of assessment as simply producing a score. Instead, it will examine how carefully observing pupils, listening to their mathematical thinking, and analysing their responses has helped teachers better understand what pupils know, what they don’t yet know, and why.
Liz will share how this approach has influenced curriculum planning, teacher modelling, task design, and in-the-moment assessment within lessons. The session will also explore how purposeful assessment points across the year enable teachers to address misconceptions early, adapt teaching, and provide targeted support through whole-class teaching, small group work, and personalised practice.
This session is ideal for primary leaders and teachers working in Key Stage 1 and 2 Maths.
Here's a teaser for what this session will cover: Beyond right and wrong | Research Schools Network
Sign up here: RS Network | Free PD session | More Than a Score: Rethinking Assessment in Primary Maths
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