As a leading school in the Department for Education’s (DfE) RISE Attendance and Behaviour Hub, Shireland Collegiate Academy hosted 25 schools from across the country to share best practice in improving attendance and behaviour.
The event offered visitors the opportunity to experience first hand how the Academy’s inclusive culture and robust pastoral systems are driving improvements in attendance, behaviour, and student wellbeing. As one of first 21 schools nationwide chosen to lead the programme, the Academy is sharing best practice and supporting other schools to create calm, purposeful environments where every student can thrive.
Throughout the day, guests toured the Academy, engaged with staff, and participated in focused discussions on the key strategies underpinning the school’s success. These explored how inclusion, consistency, and high expectations combine to build trust, strengthen relationships, and enhance outcomes.
Thomas Daly, Principal at Shireland Collegiate Academy, said: “We were privileged to welcome colleagues from across the country to see how our culture and values are lived every day and translate into positive outcomes for our students.
“At Shireland, we believe that good attendance and positive behaviour are rooted in belonging. When students feel known, supported and challenged, they develop the confidence to engage fully in their learning and grow into happy, confident young people. Sharing what works is an important part of our mission to help every child succeed.”
The open day was part of the DfE’s RISE Attendance and Behaviour Hubs programme, which unites schools with a strong track record of improving attendance and behaviour. Through the initiative, the DfE aims to create a national network of support, enabling schools to share expertise and embed sustainable, evidence-based approaches.
Sir Mark Grundy, CEO of Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust, commented: “It’s fantastic to see Shireland Collegiate Academy leading this work as part of the DfE programme. We’ve always believed that the most effective schools are those that combine high expectations with genuine care for their students. What colleagues saw today was the result of years of refining systems, investing in staff, and putting relationships at the heart of everything we do.
“Across our Trust, we’re committed to sharing what works and helping schools build cultures where every young person can attend, behave well, and achieve their potential.”
Through its role in the RISE programme, Shireland Collegiate Academy will continue to support partner schools across the country, helping them to develop inclusive practices that promote attendance, positive behaviour, and a genuine lifelong love of learning.
