In this third article in our series examining Rushey Mead Academy’s achievement of an ‘exceptional’ judgement in its recent Ofsted inspection, Headteacher Vicky Barwell continues to reflect on the principles and practices that have contributed to the school’s success.

In …

In this second article in the series, we draw on the experience of Vicky Barwell, Headteacher of Rushey Mead Academy, in leading an exceptional school over many years. In answering two key questions, Vicky identifies the ingredients that have contributed …

In this series of articles, we celebrate the achievement of Rushey Mead Academy, Leicester, England, which in 2026 was awarded an ‘exceptional’ rating by Ofsted. We use it as a case study, alongside other articles we have recently published and …

What endures, what evolves and what school are engaging in to improve their pupils outcomes 

In May, we received a copy of Challenge Partners’ latest analysis of trends in education. This is the third in their series of reports analysing …

For school improvement to take effect it is first essential that all those involved acknowledge the problem at hand.

School improvement is a problem-solving exercise and for the process to be successful it requires all those involved to be aligned. …

Case studies underpin a report into leadership in London schools, ‘London Leaders: Beyond the Classroom’.

In the second in our series looking at the leadership of inner London schools, Dr Katherine Vincent continues her summary of her findings. …