System Leadership and Regional Improvement
Exceed Academies Trust contributes to regional and system-wide school improvement, working in partnership with the Department for Education, schools, trusts and other organisations.
As an outward-facing Trust, we support schools and trusts across a range of contexts, sharing expertise and contributing to programmes designed to strengthen education and improve outcomes for pupils. This includes work aligned with the Department for Education’s Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence (RISE) framework.
If you would like further information about any of this work, please contact the Trust.
School-to-school and trust-to-trust support
We have experience of contributing to large-scale school improvement programmes commissioned by the Department for Education in Bradford and beyond.
Our work has included:
- Priority Education Investment Area (PEIA): Between March 2023 and April 2025, Exceed Academies Trust led the School Support and Attendance Offer for 24 Bradford schools, which involved brokering support, commissioning provision and quality assuring delivery to support improvements in English and mathematics.
- Trust and School Improvement Offer (TSIO): Providing strategic support to Multi-Academy Trusts, Single Academy Trusts and maintained schools across a range of contexts.
- Opportunity Area (OA): Leading and quality assuring multi-school and trust-wide programmes, including school-to-school support, parental engagement initiatives and research activity.
Through this work, we contribute to the coordination, brokerage and quality assurance of support across multiple settings.
Teaching School Hub
Exceed Teaching School Hub is designated by the Department for Education and supports schools across Bradford and beyond.
The Hub facilitates the delivery of national programmes, including the Early Career Teacher entitlement, National Professional Qualifications and Appropriate Body services, working in partnership with accredited providers.
Through this work, the Hub supports teacher and leadership development at scale, contributing to recruitment, development and retention across the system.
Initial Teacher Training (SCITT)
Exceed Academies Trust is an accredited Initial Teacher Training provider through Exceed SCITT, which was graded Outstanding by Ofsted.
The Trust contributes to the development of the teaching workforce across the region through school-led training programmes delivered in partnership with a wide range of schools.
Training hubs are based in Bradford, Leeds and Craven, with partner schools across a wider regional footprint.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
The Trust is exploring the use of artificial intelligence to support teaching, learning and workload reduction.
This work includes collaboration, training and the development of resources to support schools in understanding and applying AI in education.
Through this work, we contribute to the development of new approaches while maintaining a clear focus on improving outcomes for pupils.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Exceed Academies Trust is an accredited centre of expertise for English as an Additional Language (EAL) through The Bell Foundation.
The Trust supports schools through evaluation, training and professional development, contributing to improved outcomes for pupils with EAL.
Apple Regional Training Centre (RTC)
Through the Exceed Apple Regional Training Centre, led by Holybrook Primary School, the Trust supports educators to develop their use of digital technology in teaching and learning.
This work is delivered in partnership with Apple and contributes to the development of effective and purposeful use of technology in education.
Alternative Provision
Exceed Academies Trust includes alternative provision academies and contributes to work supporting schools with work to prevent exclusion and supporting pupils who have been excluded.
This includes involvement in Bradford’s Alternative Provision Taskforce, working collaboratively with education, health and care services to support vulnerable learners.
West Yorkshire Music Hub
Oastlers School, part of Exceed Academies Trust, is a lead school for the West Yorkshire Music Hub, with a particular focus on music education in specialist settings.
Through this work, the Trust contributes to the development of high-quality music provision and supports schools to strengthen curriculum and enrichment opportunities.
This includes collaboration with schools and partners to share expertise and enhance music education across a range of contexts.
Research and evidence in leadership and the classroom
The Trust supports schools to engage with educational research and apply evidence-informed approaches to leadership and classroom practice.
This includes collaboration with research organisations and participation in regional and national research programmes.
This work informs our approach to teaching, leadership and school improvement.
Trauma Informed Schools and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE)
Oastlers School, part of Exceed Academies Trust, is a registered Trauma Informed School, supporting learners who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).
The school applies a structured approach to supporting pupils’ social, emotional and mental health needs, including the use of therapeutic practice and strong partnership working with families and external agencies.
This work includes sharing expertise with other schools and organisations, contributing to the development of trauma-informed practice across the system.
Governance, HR and operational expertise
Exceed Academies Trust has experience across a wide range of governance, operational and organisational areas.
This includes governance development, human resources, finance, estates, compliance and organisational systems.
This experience supports effective leadership and contributes to sustainable school and trust improvement.
