Bedford Schools in the UK launch Peer Review Network for school improvement
A network of nine primary schools in Bedford, UK, has been launched to facilitate peer reviews and the exchange of best practices.
The Bedford Accelerator Peer Review Network, funded by The Harpur Trust’s Accelerator Programme, is a partnership between The Harpur Trust, The Pioneer Learning Trust, and Bedford Borough Council.
The participating schools—Carlton, Hazeldene, Kings Oak, Lakeview, Livingstone, Priory, Turvey, Westfield, and Wilstead—will engage in a three-year peer review program. Additional schools are expected to join in future years as part of efforts to establish a self-sustaining network of peer-reviewed schools in the borough.
Peer review process and objectives
The initiative provides senior school leaders with structured opportunities to review each other’s schools, assess areas for improvement, and share strategies.
Caroline Downing, Head of Education Partnerships at The Harpur Trust, said:
“We are delighted to launch the new network, following a successful peer review pilot carried out by Bedford Borough Council. Having a clearly defined and purposeful peer review platform, where local school leaders visit each setting with a fresh set of challenging, yet supportive eyes, is really powerful. It can give senior leaders an opportunity to try new approaches, as well as offer school-to-school support.”
At the launch event, school leaders discussed the structure, format, and expectations of the peer review process.
Collaboration and leadership development
The initiative is designed to provide a structured approach to school improvement, allowing leaders to reflect on their schools’ performance and learn from peer feedback.
Cori Bateman, CEO of the Pioneer Learning Trust, said:
“Peer reviewing is really powerful. Having the opportunity to hold up a mirror to your school and reflect is so valuable, but it has to be challenging, curious in nature, and non-judgmental.
“At the launch, the network of leaders appeared ready to open up the real issues within their schools with their peers, not just to showcase what is working well, but being honest and open to challenges, and forthcoming with suggestions and ideas.”
Local Authority support
Bedford Borough Council previously piloted peer review initiatives and supports the expansion of this model through The Harpur Trust and The Pioneer Learning Trust.
Judith Lovely, Head of School Improvement for Bedford Borough Council, said:
“It’s fantastic to see the leadership development pilot we carried out with a group of primary schools where peer reviewing worked really well, being developed into a three-year program by The Harpur Trust and Pioneer Learning Trust, which will benefit pupils across the borough. We want to foster an environment with local schools where there is a collaborative feeling of collective responsibility to improve outcomes across Bedford.”
