ELEs are outstanding teachers, who are middle and senior leaders with the skills to support individuals or teams in similar positions in other schools. They understand what outstanding leadership of evidence-informed school improvement looks like and are skilled in helping other leaders to achieve it in their own context.

Ms Herbert and Trust colleagues, Liam Benner from Beanfield Primary School and James Lee from Corby Technical School, underwent individual interviews in which they detailed how they are using research evidence to drive school improvement.

Ms Herbert, who is Head of Year 9 and currently overseeing the Design & Technology faculty, said: ‘I came to Corby Business Academy in September and I am keen to progress my professional development as well as support the academy in achieving their high expectations within behaviour, attendance and the welfare of our students.

'My previous experience is within a pastoral context and I delivered a presentation during my interview, relating to how I could help other schools and colleagues develop their knowledge and understanding of the barriers which our students face on a day to day basis, so that we can work collaboratively to build aspirations and build on the characters of our learners.

‘The lockdown and restrictions have had a massive effect on the lives of our learners and student care will be at the forefront of all schools, to help rebuild routines and the confidence of our young people.

‘I was an achievement leader in my previous school and that allowed me to look after a cohort of 200 children who were vertically tutored. I took on a number of whole school initiatives such as leading on Health & Wellbeing programmes and Relationships & Sex Education, both of which supported the completion of my NPQML.

 ‘It speaks volumes that, in such a short time period with Corby Business Academy and the Brooke Weston Trust, I have been given the opportunity to lead and support colleagues with new initiatives and research. Principal Simon Underwood and the rest of the Senior Leadership Team know that I am keen to move to an SLT role and they have been absolutely fantastic in terms of my helping me build on my professional development.’

Gemma Marks, the Director of the newly designated Brooke Weston Training Hub said: ‘I am delighted that three leading practitioners from schools within our Trust have received this designation. The ELE role is at the cutting edge of system leadership and place Kelly, Liam and James at the forefront of supporting schools in Northamptonshire to engage in evidence-led practice. In partnership with Learn-AT Associate Research School, my ambition is that Kelly, Liam and James will be joined by further staff from within Brooke Weston Trust in the future. ‘