Great Heights Research School is part of the national Research Schools Network, funded by the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF). The Research Schools Network has one central aim: to support schools to break the link between family income and education attainment through better use of evidence.
As one of the thirty-three Research Schools within the network, we do this by working with schools, colleges, and early years settings to improve teaching and learning. High quality teaching is one of the most powerful levers we have for improving outcomes for all children and young people, but particularly those from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Using research evidence can help to support effective practice. Research Schools help bridge the gap between research and practice.
Within Great Heights Academy Trust, the Head of Research School works directly with each of our Principals to support evidence-informed decision-making, for example in choosing diagnostics and interventions to support struggling readers at the start of secondary school. Every Academy Development Plan is underpinned by robust research on effective teaching supported by the behaviours, contextual factors and processes that enable effective implementation. The central professional development offer ensures that teachers and leaders at every stage of their career have access to the latest evidence so that this is embedded within our approach to school improvement.
The Research School has a close working relationship with the Great Heights English Hub, AA Teamworks SCITT and Great Heights Partner Provision ensuring a strong thread of evidence through the work streams of all designations.
Beyond the Trust, Great Heights Research School contributes to the wider education system by providing a strong professional learning offer for schools and MATs across West Yorkshire alongside more sustained partnerships. We also sit on several strategic boards, helping to shape the future of evidence-informed education across the early years, primary and secondary sectors.
The Head of Research School, Jessica Mellor, is a respected voice in evidence-informed education. She regularly shares insights through professional blogs and podcasts. In 2024 Jessica was awarded a £25,000 Let Teachers SHINE award, to develop her approach to support the reading fluency of primary-aged pupils through her project ‘Fixing Fluency’.
As a result of her expertise, Jessica has been appointed as the Research School Network’s Content Specialist for ‘disadvantage’. This is at the core of the EEF and Research School mission and will enable Jessica to work closely with Research School colleagues from across the country to ensure a comprehensive offer for schools.
Our key areas of focus and expertise include:
Our delivery is supported by a flexible and experienced team of Specialist Leaders of Education (SLEs) and Evidence Leads in Education (ELEs), ensuring we have the capacity to deliver high-impact work at scale while responding to the needs of individual settings.
Head of Research School: Jessica Mellor
Strategic Lead for Designations: Helen Crowther
Find out more: https://researchschool.org.uk/greatheights/
Great Heights Academy Trust – Riverside Mills, Saddleworth Road, Elland, HX5 0RY
01422 761019 | mat@greatheightstrust.org.uk
