Our Stories
Welcoming the RISE Initiative and Celebrating Sector Expertise
The Department for Education has announced the first 20 advisers appointed to its Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence (RISE) teams.
This initiative will provide targeted support to over 600 schools that have faced persistent challenges in Ofsted evaluations, ensuring they receive the expertise needed to drive sustained improvement.
At Inspiring Leaders, we are delighted to see the government drawing on the experience of proven school leaders to support this work. We are particularly proud that Chris Wheatley OBE, CEO of the Flying High Partnership and a founding leader of Inspiring Leaders, has been appointed as a RISE adviser. His selection is a testament to the outstanding track record of his Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) in improving outcomes for children across the East Midlands.
As a partnership of MATs committed to system-wide school improvement, we strongly believe in the power of collaboration to raise standards. The RISE initiative recognises the depth of expertise within the MAT sector and reinforces the importance of experienced leaders working together to support schools in need. Through our own partnership, we see every day how shared learning, professional networks, and a commitment to trust-wide development can lead to meaningful change.
Furthermore, the announcement brings welcome clarity from the Department for Education and Ofsted on the future direction of school improvement policy. This transparency is vital for the sector, enabling MAT and school leaders to plan with confidence and ensure that all children, regardless of background, receive the high-quality education they deserve.
We look forward to seeing the impact of this initiative and remain committed to working alongside our partners to support excellence in education across the region.