Professional Development at ACT

At ACT Multi Academy Trust, we recognise that the quality of education pupils receive depends upon the knowledge, expertise and professional confidence of the adults who teach and support them. Investing in our staff is therefore a central part of our commitment to continuous school improvement.

Our professional development programme provides opportunities for colleagues across our academies to develop their practice, deepen their expertise and learn collaboratively. It is designed to be purposeful, evidence informed and responsive to the priorities of our schools.

Trust Professional Development Programme

Our regular programme of professional development brings staff together from across ACT to explore effective teaching, share successful practice and strengthen professional understanding.

The ACT FRAME Teaching and Learning Framework provides a central focus for this work, supporting colleagues to develop their understanding of effective planning, modelling, retrieval, responsive teaching, adaptive practice, challenge and other essential elements of high quality classroom teaching.

Professional development is informed by school improvement priorities, assessment information, evaluation of teaching and the identified needs of staff and pupils.

ACT Leaders of Excellence

Our ACT Leaders of Excellence (ALEs) are exceptional classroom practitioners who support professional learning across the Trust.

Working alongside colleagues in our academies, ALEs provide coaching, modelling, practical classroom support and professional development. Their expertise enables effective teaching approaches to be shared and developed across schools.

Subject and Leadership Networks

ACT provides opportunities for colleagues with shared responsibilities to collaborate across academies.

Through subject, phase and leadership networks, staff can strengthen their professional knowledge, explore curriculum and assessment priorities, share resources and contribute to wider Trust improvement activity.

Curriculum and Assessment Development

Professional development also supports the implementation of Trust curriculum and assessment priorities.

This includes preparations for the introduction of the Primary Knowledge Curriculum (PKC), alongside continued development of staff expertise in using PiXL assessments and other assessment information to support teaching and school improvement.

Leadership Development

We recognise the importance of developing confident, capable leaders at every level.

Through professional dialogue, coaching, mentoring and opportunities to contribute to improvement work across the Trust, ACT supports headteachers, senior leaders, subject leaders and aspiring leaders in developing their expertise and professional confidence.

A Collaborative Approach to Professional Learning

Our approach to professional development recognises the considerable expertise that exists within our own schools. By creating regular opportunities for colleagues to work together, reflect on their practice and learn from one another, we aim to ensure that professional learning contributes directly to better teaching and improved outcomes for pupils.

At ACT, professional development is not an isolated activity. It is an integral part of how we support our staff, strengthen our schools and provide an excellent education for every child.