The UK government has announced the next phase of its national school improvement strategy, significantly expanding targeted support to nearly 100,000 additional pupils in underperforming schools. The initiative illustrates how data-driven intervention, expert-led transformation, and accountability reform can be coordinated at scale offering a valuable case study in public-sector change management.

From this term, specialist RISE improvement teams 65 senior advisers recognised for their expertise in school turnaroundwill work with 377 schools, reaching more than 200,000 pupils. These teams focus on schools that have received consecutive poor Ofsted judgements, delivering leadership support, curriculum redesign, assessment strategy, and inclusive teaching development.

The Department for Education also plans to consult on extending support to schools with the lowest attainment levels, signalling a shift toward more proactive, early intervention.

Modernising Accountability Through Better Data

In parallel, Ofsted has confirmed it will replace traditional headline grades with multi-dimensional school report cards, offering parents a clearer understanding of a school’s performance across attendance, behaviour, inclusion, and academic outcomes.

School leaders will also gain access to a new online benchmarking platform that enables them to compare their performance with similar institutions, identify areas for improvement, and collaborate to share best practice. This tool builds on successful AI-powered attendance analytics, already helping schools understand behavioural patterns and mobilise targeted action.

These reforms highlight a critical leadership competency: the integration of digital tools and transparent data into organisational decision-making.

Early Signals of Impact

Recent data underscores the scale of the challenge. Among primary schools targeted by RISE teams, only 43% of pupils met expected standards in reading, writing, and maths in 2024, compared with a national average of 62%. Suspension rates in supported schools are more than double those in non-targeted schools, and persistent absence in secondary settings remains significantly higher.

Yet early results demonstrate the value of expert-led collaboration. Astor Secondary School in Dover, an early adopter of RISE, reports strengthened assessment practices, more coherent curriculum planning, and improved inclusive teaching delivered through a structured partnership with the Mulberry Schools Trust.

Towards a More Transparent and Inclusive System

To further empower parents, the government will introduce new school profiles a one-stop online resource detailing each school’s outcomes and characteristics. This has strong public backing, with 77% of respondents supporting clearer, more accessible performance information.

Alongside strengthened accountability  including an ongoing commitment to convert the lowest-performing schools to academies the government anticipates that interventions will double compared with the previous two years.

These reforms form part of a wider agenda to improve life chances for young people, including enhanced local family services, expanded free school meal provision, and new measures under the Children’s Wellbeing & Schools Bill.

Source:Gov.UK