Shireland Collegiate Academy has been named one of the first 21 lead schools in the Department for Education’s (DfE) new RISE Attendance and Behaviour Hubs programme. The initiative, launched in September, forms part of the government’s Plan for Change campaign to raise standards and support schools across England.
This recognition reflects the Academy’s strong track record in building a positive behaviour culture and supporting students to attend, engage, and thrive in their learning. As a lead school, the Academy will offer guidance and training to other schools. This will involve sharing best practice and proven approaches that have helped raise attendance and foster calmer, more focused classrooms.
The RISE programme brings together the government’s previous attendance and behaviour schemes into a single initiative. It will begin by supporting 800 schools, reaching approximately 600,000 learners. It is then expected to expand its outreach to 5,000 schools nationwide, with 500 receiving intensive, targeted support.
Government data highlights the importance of this work. Although school attendance in England saw its biggest year-on-year improvement in a decade during 2024-2025, 148,000 students were still classified as severely absent last autumn. Research also shows the start of term as being a critical point in preventing long-term absence.
Meanwhile, a survey of teachers in 2023/24 revealed that 78% felt poor behaviour negatively impacted their health and wellbeing.
The programme is backed by the DfE’s newly appointed Attendance and Behaviour Ambassadors, who will help ensure the expertise of lead schools such as Shireland Collegiate Academy reaches the schools that need it most.
Thomas Daly, Principal at Shireland Collegiate Academy, commented: “We are incredibly proud that Shireland Collegiate Academy, part of Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust, has been selected by the Department for Education as a Lead School for the RISE Attendance and Behaviour Hubs programme. This recognition reflects the sustained commitment of our staff, students, and wider community in building a strong, positive behaviour culture where every pupil is supported to thrive.
“As a Lead School, we are excited to share our experience and practice to help other schools strengthen their own approaches to behaviour and attendance. We believe in the power of collaboration and are committed to working alongside partner schools to develop tailored, practical solutions that make a real difference to students’ lives.
“Being part of the RISE programme is both an honour and a responsibility, and one we embrace wholeheartedly. Through open days, leadership support, and targeted guidance, we look forward to contributing to a network of schools focused on long-term, sustainable improvement.”
At Shireland Collegiate Academy, leaders have consistently prioritised creating a safe and supportive learning environment where students can flourish. By joining the first wave of lead schools, Shireland Collegiate Academy will play a pivotal role in building a national network of expertise and ensuring all learners have the opportunity to succeed.
