Learn-AT recognised with the prestigious Research Mark Plus accreditation

The National Institute of Teaching (NIoT) is proud to celebrate the recent accolade awarded to one of its valued Associate Colleges, Learn Academies Trust (Learn-AT). Learn-AT has achieved the prestigious Research Mark Plus from the Chartered College of Teaching, an honour recognising their outstanding commitment to evidence-informed practice and sustained engagement with educational research.

The Research Mark Plus is the highest level of recognition from the Chartered College, highlighting organisations that have deeply embedded a culture of research and evidence use across their settings. Learn-AT, a multi-academy trust of 19 schools based in the East Midlands, has demonstrated exemplary efforts in integrating research to enhance teaching practices and improve student outcomes.

Jane Jones, CEO of Learn-AT, expressed her delight:

“On behalf of the Learn-AT team, we are delighted to have earned the prestigious Research Mark accreditation from the Chartered College of Teaching. Research evidence of the highest quality provides the most reliable guidance on which practices are most likely to support outstanding teaching and learning, now and in the future. Using research evidence well can therefore support teachers and leaders to refine their practice or make strategic decisions which make best use of time, effort, and funding. As an Associate College for the National Institute of Teaching we also use research to inform the programmes we deliver within this partnership, ensuring colleagues are receiving the best possible professional development.

We are thrilled to have gained this significant accreditation, and we remain committed to our embedded practice of identifying, examining, understanding, and applying research evidence on our exciting and rigorous school improvement journey.”

The Research Mark Plus award is a testament to Learn-AT’s exemplary dedication to embedding research into practice, demonstrating the broader value of collaborative, evidence-driven approaches in transforming education on a larger scale. This recognition reflects the shared vision of advancing evidence-informed education that unites Learn-AT with the National Institute of Teaching. Through its Research and Best Practice function, NIoT actively supports Associate Colleges like Learn-AT by promoting the exchange of insights, data, and strategies that contribute to effective teaching and learning.

Reuben Moore, Executive Director of Programmes at the National Institute of Teaching said, "Huge congratulations to the team at Learn-AT. Like ourselves, they act upon the insight of research to support teachers and pupils to thrive in schools. Bridging between research and practice is so vital for our schools and our pupils, and the award represents Learn-AT's commitment and skill in doing just that."

For more information about the National Institute of Teaching’s commitment to research and best practice, please visit our website.