Life after levels isn’t rhetoric – it’s happening

Tom Middlehurst, Head of Research SSAT, writes… In the past few weeks I’ve observed a greater volume of discussion around the reality of ‘life after levels’, which will kick in this September: there is excitement, confusion, optimism and anxiety in
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The importance of arts in educating young people

Matthew Smitheman, SSAT, writes… Recently there have been a number of voices adding weight to the argument of the absolute importance of arts in educating young people. Deda Say Mitchell, author and journalist, wrote in her recent article ‘It’s clear
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Putting students at the centre

Sue Williamson, Chief Executive SSAT, writes… I am very fortunate to visit many schools and to see some of the amazing work that is going on. There are so many outstanding, dedicated teachers, who are providing challenge, rigour and enjoyment
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Implementing the revised SEND code of practice – easy as 1 2 3?

No, that’s the number of days until it becomes statutory guidance! (As of 1 May 2014) Jessica Nash, Head of Special Schools Network and Special Education Needs SSAT, writes… Although we don’t yet have the final version of the revised SEND
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Pupil Premium: evidence-based decisions & planning for impact

Fiona Aubrey-Smith, Head of Primary SSAT, writes… Given Ofsted’s recent recommendation that schools should ‘prove it or lose it’, headteachers and governors are under pressure to provide hard evidence of the impact that pupil premium has had on standards. Here
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What really makes ‘outstanding’ schools outstanding?

Fiona Aubrey-Smith, Head of Primary SSAT, writes… With just 17% of primary schools currently rated as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, many schools ask how attainable this status is for the majority. Looking at what some of these schools actually do may
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The impact of research at Bay House

Saturday 5th April saw the first of researchED’s regional conferences, researchED Midlands, take place in Birmingham. A fantastic group of speakers were present, imparting their wisdom to the brave souls who gave up their Saturday to listen and learn. As
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A review of the European Jobs and Skills Summit 2014

Chris Smith, Student impact coordinator SSAT, writes… On Tuesday we were fortunate enough to attend the European Jobs and Skills Summit, hosted by IPPR and J. P. Morgan. The event formed part of J. P. Morgan’s ‘New Skills at Work’
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Inspection reform and Watching the Watchmen

Sir Michael Wilshaw is not long off stage at the ASCL annual conference. In his speech, he reinforced the message that Ofsted does not have a preferred teaching style – indeed he said he would personally take issue with inspectors
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Principled principals and a lack of principals

Dan Belcher, Head of Leadership SSAT, writes… Our schools have many principled principals and headteachers, but we still need more. Our schools need more leaders who will inspire more teachers, and students, to aspire to headship. More headteachers who have
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