Newcastle Research School

In the North East, the disadvantage gap at KS4 stands at 20.9 months. Literacy isn’t just a curriculum goal, it’s a vehicle for social mobility.
Our latest blog explores how to bridge this gap using @theeef.bsky.social evidence on Disciplinary Literacy & PD.
researchschool.org.uk/newcastle/ne...

Interested in how offsite PPA affects teacher retention? 🏫 💻
The @theeef.bsky.social is looking for primary schools to join a national trial testing this approach.
⏰ Deadline: 31 May 2026
📍 Recruiting: Nationally
🔗More info here: educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/projects-and...

How can we better support students with problem-solving in Maths? 🤔
We’re diving into the how and why with
Lindsey Fagan from @greatnorthmathshub.bsky.social on March 25th.
Perfect for teachers across KS1-KS4!
🕒 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM
🎟️ Register here:
forms.gle/orHWxBcotFjt...

Keep your 👀peeled for our newsletter dropping into inboxes today.
✅Read our latest Literacy blog
✅Sign up to a free webinar on Mathematics
✅Explore the funded projects you could be part of
Link also available here:
mailchi.mp/researchscho...

Fantastic start to our ‘Tackling Disadvantage’ programme! 🚀
Huge thanks to all the Primary Leaders who joined us for Workshop 1. We explored assessment not assumption and heard how Tyneview Primary are closing the gap.
A few spots are still available
🔗https://forms.gle/uRjhtuY64goJoMme8

What an incredible start to our "Nurturing Number Knowledge in Northumberland" programme! 🎉
So brilliant to see so many dedicated educators from across the county engaging in our first training day. Here's to improving number knowledge for all our young learners! #NNKN #MathsEd

Weekly Showcase: PALS-UK! 📚Want to improve Year 5 reading fluency and comprehension? Join this @theeef.bsky.social trial for just £75/teacher!
Benefits:
✨ High-quality staff CPD
✨ Contribute to vital education research
✨ Evidence-based literacy support
NE schools apply now!⬇️

Check it makes sense Highlighting why pupils find writing so challenging and how they can become overwhelmed by the writing process

Do your pupils truly understand how to edit their work? 🧐
Chloe Fletcher breaks down the 7 stages of the writing process and shares a practical approach to modelling editing in the classroom.
A must-read for KS2 teachers: researchschool.org.uk/newcastle/ne...

9/9 Join us for a free webinar that looks more closely at the Guidance Report.
🗓️Tuesday 3rd Feb 16.00
🔗https://forms.gle/jrkEsuDjAQv1XCrm9

8/9 Key takeaways for Rec 1:
🔹 Relationships & active engagement are vital.
🔹 Involve all pupils in high-quality teaching.
🔹 Be proactive, not reactive, with behaviour.
See you next week for Recommendation 2! 👋 #Education #SchoolImprovement #SENDguidance

7/9 Finally: Adopt a proactive approach to behaviour. 📈
Understand the "why" behind a behaviour. For example, disruption might mean a pupil is struggling to understand a difficult task. Breaking it into smaller steps can be the solution.

6/9 How can we maximise participation? 🙋‍♀️
Try these simple scaffolds:
✅ Giving warning time before asking for an answer
✅ Allowing non-verbal responses (thumbs up/down)
✅ Letting pupils "share what their partner said" to reduce exposure

5/9 Inclusion is everyone’s responsibility. 🧑‍🏫
The SEND Code of Practice is clear: "Every teacher is a teacher of special educational needs." We must ensure pupils with SEND aren't just in the school, but part of the school.

4/9 A key pillar: Promote positive relationships. 🤝
Research shows that teacher attitudes towards inclusion are directly reflected in the quality of their classroom interactions. Every interaction is an opportunity to drive a pupil’s development.

3/9 The environment isn't just the physical classroom. 🏫
It includes the activities pupils do and the interactions they have with staff and peers. Even small changes, like specific locker placement or seating plans, can reduce anxiety and boost engagement.

2/9 Recommendation 1 is clear: "Create a positive and supportive environment for all pupils, without exception."
It’s about moving beyond an "add-on" mindset. Inclusion means being inclusive by design, not as an afterthought.

1/9 🚀 Starting our new weekly series! At Newcastle Research School, we’re diving into the @theeef.bsky.social SEND Guidance Report.
Each week we’ll break down one recommendation to help you reflect on and refine your practice.
🧵 Thread: Recommendation 1 👇 #SEND #EvidenceInformed

Exciting news! 🚀
Next week, we launch our partnership with Northumberland County Council, hosting our first PD session for Early Years & Maths Leads.
A huge thank you to Lindsey Fagan @greatnorthmathshub.bsky.social & Claire Williams for their incredible expertise and contribution to this work! 🌟

Why does transcription matter in the classroom? ✍️

It’s more than just writing things down. It is s a vital pillar of literacy that frees up working memory for deeper thinking.

Revisit our blog to explore the research behind this essential skill: researchschool.org.uk/newcastle/ne...

Join 50%+ of schools in an @theeef.bsky.social trial! Build evidence & access high-quality staff CPD at a subsidised rate.
Recruiting now: Learning Together for Mental Health (Y8–11). Uses restorative practice to boost wellbeing & attendance.
Cost: £1,200 Apply now! 🧠✨

Collaboration in action! 🤝
Our Linking Leaders cohort met to plan their peer visits.
By pairing up for mutual support and challenge, as highlighted in the new Ofsted toolkit, we're fostering regional collaboration, refining curriculum and working to close the disadvantage gap.

How does Tyneview Primary outperform national averages for disadvantaged pupils? 📈
Join our DfE-funded workshops to hear from Headteachers like Vashti Sergison & build a high-impact Pupil Premium strategy.
📍 For NE Leaders
🏫 Fully Funded
Sign up now: forms.gle/NVje9KnHmUt2...

7/7 If you want to continue the conversation around Metacognition, join us, @townendresearch.bsky.social and Shotton Hall Research School tomorrow at 3.30 for a free webinar exploring the new Guidance Report. Sign up here: forms.office.com/Pages/Respon...

6/7 Series complete! ✅ From planning and monitoring to independent mastery, metacognition is a powerful tool for closing the attainment gap. Check out the full @theeef.bsky.social report here: bit.ly/3yXzJ9m. What’s been your biggest takeaway? 👇

5/7 Effective implementation requires:
✅ High-quality Professional Development (PD) for staff.
✅ Buy-in and active support from Senior Leaders.
✅ Patience!
It takes time for both teachers and pupils to master these habits. #SchoolLeadership

4/7 Rec 7: Schools should support teachers to develop their knowledge of these strategies.
Implementation is a process, not an event!
To see real impact, metacognition must be woven into the fabric of every subject, not taught as a one-off event. 🛠️

3/7 How do we achieve independence?
1️⃣ Use guided practice to bridge the gap.
2️⃣ Provide high-quality feedback that focuses on the process, not just the result.
3️⃣ Give pupils opportunities to struggle productively before stepping in. #TeachingTips

2/7 Rec 6: Teachers should explicitly teach pupils how to manage their learning independently. Metacognition isn’t just for the classroom, it’s a life skill.
The goal is to move from teacher-led instruction to pupil-led autonomy. 🚀

1/7 Wrapping up our series on the @theeef.bsky.social Metacognition & SRL guidance report!
🎓 Today, we’re covering the final two recommendations: moving pupils toward independence and the secrets to successful school-wide implementation. 🧵 #Metacognition #EvidenceInformed

Fantastic Session 3 of our Linking Subject Leaders project!
Leaders from across Newcastle, N & S Tyneside & Northumberland are now paired for peer reviews.
Using @theeef.bsky.social evidence to tackle disadvantage and strengthen our curriculums. 🚀
#NorthEast #MiddleLeader