Manchester Communication Research School
@mancomrs.bsky.social
Manchester Communication Research School- part of the Research Schools Network and here to share what we know about evidence informed practice.
What works in the early years – and how do we make sure it works in practice?
The EEF has announced new investment to strengthen the evidence base for under-5s, with a focus on disadvantage and implementation at scale.
Read more 👇
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/news/eef-to-...
The EEF has announced new investment to strengthen the evidence base for under-5s, with a focus on disadvantage and implementation at scale.
Read more 👇
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/news/eef-to-...
EEF to accelerate early years evidence work through new Best Start in…
The EEF is an independent charity dedicated to breaking the link between family income and educational achievement.
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk
October 5, 2026 at 7:03 AM
What works in the early years – and how do we make sure it works in practice?
The EEF has announced new investment to strengthen the evidence base for under-5s, with a focus on disadvantage and implementation at scale.
Read more 👇
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/news/eef-to-...
The EEF has announced new investment to strengthen the evidence base for under-5s, with a focus on disadvantage and implementation at scale.
Read more 👇
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/news/eef-to-...
Before we add another intervention, could we strengthen what pupils experience in the classroom every day?
Our Assistant Director, Becky Grimshaw, explores why great teaching has to be at the heart of inclusion.
researchschool.org.uk/manchester/b...
Our Assistant Director, Becky Grimshaw, explores why great teaching has to be at the heart of inclusion.
researchschool.org.uk/manchester/b...
Quality, Not Quantity: Great Teaching for Greater Inclusion
Quality, Not Quantity: Great Teaching for Greater Inclusion
researchschool.org.uk
October 1, 2026 at 9:21 AM
Before we add another intervention, could we strengthen what pupils experience in the classroom every day?
Our Assistant Director, Becky Grimshaw, explores why great teaching has to be at the heart of inclusion.
researchschool.org.uk/manchester/b...
Our Assistant Director, Becky Grimshaw, explores why great teaching has to be at the heart of inclusion.
researchschool.org.uk/manchester/b...
Our new Director of Research School, Rebekah Hawthornthwaite, explores what adaptive teaching really requires: checking understanding, responding to evidence and supporting professional judgement.
A great read from Manchester Communication Research School 👇
researchschool.org.uk/manchester/n...
A great read from Manchester Communication Research School 👇
researchschool.org.uk/manchester/n...
Beyond the toolkit
Beyond the toolkit - Building the professional practice of adaptive teaching
researchschool.org.uk
September 30, 2026 at 5:48 AM
Our new Director of Research School, Rebekah Hawthornthwaite, explores what adaptive teaching really requires: checking understanding, responding to evidence and supporting professional judgement.
A great read from Manchester Communication Research School 👇
researchschool.org.uk/manchester/n...
A great read from Manchester Communication Research School 👇
researchschool.org.uk/manchester/n...
A label doesn’t tell us exactly what a pupil needs.
A useful EEF read on using what pupils show us to make purposeful adaptations while maintaining high expectations.
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/news/seeing-...
A useful EEF read on using what pupils show us to make purposeful adaptations while maintaining high expectations.
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/news/seeing-...
Seeing the learner: the starting point for inclusive teaching
Explore how knowing learners and looking beyond labels can support inclusive teaching for pupils with additional needs..
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk
September 28, 2026 at 6:15 AM
A label doesn’t tell us exactly what a pupil needs.
A useful EEF read on using what pupils show us to make purposeful adaptations while maintaining high expectations.
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/news/seeing-...
A useful EEF read on using what pupils show us to make purposeful adaptations while maintaining high expectations.
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/news/seeing-...
A new EEF blog asks a useful question before introducing a new approach:
Can we actually implement it well in our context?
Think beyond delivery time: training, preparation, staff roles and practical barriers all matter.
Worth a read 👇
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/news/impleme...
Can we actually implement it well in our context?
Think beyond delivery time: training, preparation, staff roles and practical barriers all matter.
Worth a read 👇
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/news/impleme...
Why successful implementation starts before delivery begins
Explore the importance of implementation considerations when choosing and delivering an approach.
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk
September 25, 2026 at 6:06 AM
A new EEF blog asks a useful question before introducing a new approach:
Can we actually implement it well in our context?
Think beyond delivery time: training, preparation, staff roles and practical barriers all matter.
Worth a read 👇
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/news/impleme...
Can we actually implement it well in our context?
Think beyond delivery time: training, preparation, staff roles and practical barriers all matter.
Worth a read 👇
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/news/impleme...
Does 92% attendance mean as much to families as “6 days of school missed”?
An EEF trial suggests communicating absence as days missed may be easier for parents to understand.
A small change worth considering as part of a wider attendance strategy 👇
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/projects-and...
An EEF trial suggests communicating absence as days missed may be easier for parents to understand.
A small change worth considering as part of a wider attendance strategy 👇
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/projects-and...
BITUP: Updating Parents on Number of School Days Missed - trial
A trial to test the impact of sending parents text messages about their child’s attendance on school attendance rates.
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk
September 22, 2026 at 6:03 AM
Does 92% attendance mean as much to families as “6 days of school missed”?
An EEF trial suggests communicating absence as days missed may be easier for parents to understand.
A small change worth considering as part of a wider attendance strategy 👇
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/projects-and...
An EEF trial suggests communicating absence as days missed may be easier for parents to understand.
A small change worth considering as part of a wider attendance strategy 👇
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/projects-and...
Sometimes it’s the small classroom choices that are worth examining.
An EEF trial found pupils scored higher in comprehension when teachers paused during reading aloud for questions and discussion.
Read more 👇
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/projects-and...
An EEF trial found pupils scored higher in comprehension when teachers paused during reading aloud for questions and discussion.
Read more 👇
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/projects-and...
Teacher Choices: The Story Time Trial
‘Teacher Choices’ trial in which two different approaches to structuring whole-class reading in Year 4 and 5 classes were explored.
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk
September 21, 2026 at 6:14 AM
Sometimes it’s the small classroom choices that are worth examining.
An EEF trial found pupils scored higher in comprehension when teachers paused during reading aloud for questions and discussion.
Read more 👇
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/projects-and...
An EEF trial found pupils scored higher in comprehension when teachers paused during reading aloud for questions and discussion.
Read more 👇
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/projects-and...
Can AI genuinely save teachers time?
An EEF trial found KS3 science teachers using ChatGPT for lesson preparation saved around 25 minutes a week (31%), with no apparent reduction in resource quality.
Worth a read 👇
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/projects-and...
An EEF trial found KS3 science teachers using ChatGPT for lesson preparation saved around 25 minutes a week (31%), with no apparent reduction in resource quality.
Worth a read 👇
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/projects-and...
ChatGPT in lesson preparation - Teacher Choices trial
Teacher Choices trial exploring different approaches to lesson and resource preparation in KS3 Science. Specifically, this trial tests the impact of…
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk
September 18, 2026 at 6:25 AM
Can AI genuinely save teachers time?
An EEF trial found KS3 science teachers using ChatGPT for lesson preparation saved around 25 minutes a week (31%), with no apparent reduction in resource quality.
Worth a read 👇
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/projects-and...
An EEF trial found KS3 science teachers using ChatGPT for lesson preparation saved around 25 minutes a week (31%), with no apparent reduction in resource quality.
Worth a read 👇
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/projects-and...
We want pupils to become independent learners- but independence needs to be taught.
New EEF guidance highlights metacognition, feedback and collaborative learning as three promising approaches.
Worth a read 👇
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/16-19/develo...
New EEF guidance highlights metacognition, feedback and collaborative learning as three promising approaches.
Worth a read 👇
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/16-19/develo...
Developing Independent Learners
The EEF is an independent charity dedicated to breaking the link between family income and educational achievement.
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk
September 16, 2026 at 5:59 AM
We want pupils to become independent learners- but independence needs to be taught.
New EEF guidance highlights metacognition, feedback and collaborative learning as three promising approaches.
Worth a read 👇
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/16-19/develo...
New EEF guidance highlights metacognition, feedback and collaborative learning as three promising approaches.
Worth a read 👇
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/16-19/develo...
More adaptations ≠ better learning.
EEF’s Inclusive Teaching guide puts strong everyday teaching first, with carefully chosen adaptations where pupils need them.
A useful resource for thinking about adaptive teaching 👇
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/education-ev...
EEF’s Inclusive Teaching guide puts strong everyday teaching first, with carefully chosen adaptations where pupils need them.
A useful resource for thinking about adaptive teaching 👇
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/education-ev...
Guide to Inclusive Teaching
The EEF is an independent charity dedicated to breaking the link between family income and educational achievement.
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk
September 15, 2026 at 6:02 AM
More adaptations ≠ better learning.
EEF’s Inclusive Teaching guide puts strong everyday teaching first, with carefully chosen adaptations where pupils need them.
A useful resource for thinking about adaptive teaching 👇
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/education-ev...
EEF’s Inclusive Teaching guide puts strong everyday teaching first, with carefully chosen adaptations where pupils need them.
A useful resource for thinking about adaptive teaching 👇
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/education-ev...
New EEF research shows literacy and attendance are among the biggest challenges schools identify for disadvantaged pupils.
A useful reminder: start with the barrier, then choose the response.
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/news/schools...
A useful reminder: start with the barrier, then choose the response.
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/news/schools...
Nine in 10 schools identify literacy as a key challenge for…
New EEF research on Pupil Premium strategy statements
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk
September 14, 2026 at 6:05 AM
New EEF research shows literacy and attendance are among the biggest challenges schools identify for disadvantaged pupils.
A useful reminder: start with the barrier, then choose the response.
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/news/schools...
A useful reminder: start with the barrier, then choose the response.
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/news/schools...
Is your Pupil Premium strategy a live part of school improvement?
New EEF resources focus on monitoring what’s working, what needs adapting and the difference it’s making.
Take a look 👇
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/using-pupil-...
New EEF resources focus on monitoring what’s working, what needs adapting and the difference it’s making.
Take a look 👇
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/using-pupil-...
The EEF Guide to the Pupil Premium
The EEF is an independent charity dedicated to breaking the link between family income and educational achievement.
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk
September 11, 2026 at 6:14 AM
Is your Pupil Premium strategy a live part of school improvement?
New EEF resources focus on monitoring what’s working, what needs adapting and the difference it’s making.
Take a look 👇
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/using-pupil-...
New EEF resources focus on monitoring what’s working, what needs adapting and the difference it’s making.
Take a look 👇
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/using-pupil-...
9 in 10 schools identify literacy as a key challenge for disadvantaged pupils, while 8 in 10 cite attendance.
New EEF research analyses 1,000+ Pupil Premium strategies.
🔗https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/news/schools-identify-key-challenge-for-disadvantaged-pupils
New EEF research analyses 1,000+ Pupil Premium strategies.
🔗https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/news/schools-identify-key-challenge-for-disadvantaged-pupils
Nine in 10 schools identify literacy as a key challenge for…
New EEF research on Pupil Premium strategy statements
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk
September 10, 2026 at 5:48 AM
9 in 10 schools identify literacy as a key challenge for disadvantaged pupils, while 8 in 10 cite attendance.
New EEF research analyses 1,000+ Pupil Premium strategies.
🔗https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/news/schools-identify-key-challenge-for-disadvantaged-pupils
New EEF research analyses 1,000+ Pupil Premium strategies.
🔗https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/news/schools-identify-key-challenge-for-disadvantaged-pupils
Confidence matters as much as content. 💡
See how one college used the Can-Do Maths pilot to build resilience, engagement and confidence in GCSE maths resit learners.
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/news/taking-...
See how one college used the Can-Do Maths pilot to build resilience, engagement and confidence in GCSE maths resit learners.
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/news/taking-...
How taking part in the Can-Do-Maths pilot helped build our resit…
Practitioner reflection on involvement with 16-19 pilot programme
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk
July 14, 2026 at 5:38 AM
Confidence matters as much as content. 💡
See how one college used the Can-Do Maths pilot to build resilience, engagement and confidence in GCSE maths resit learners.
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/news/taking-...
See how one college used the Can-Do Maths pilot to build resilience, engagement and confidence in GCSE maths resit learners.
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/news/taking-...
Inclusive teaching starts with strong universal practice.
The latest EEF guidance highlights five approaches that benefit all pupils:
✅ Explicit instruction
✅ Feedback
✅ Scaffolding
✅ Positive relationships
✅ Calm classrooms
Read more: educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/education-ev...
The latest EEF guidance highlights five approaches that benefit all pupils:
✅ Explicit instruction
✅ Feedback
✅ Scaffolding
✅ Positive relationships
✅ Calm classrooms
Read more: educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/education-ev...
Guide to Inclusive Teaching
The EEF is an independent charity dedicated to breaking the link between family income and educational achievement.
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk
July 9, 2026 at 6:10 AM
Inclusive teaching starts with strong universal practice.
The latest EEF guidance highlights five approaches that benefit all pupils:
✅ Explicit instruction
✅ Feedback
✅ Scaffolding
✅ Positive relationships
✅ Calm classrooms
Read more: educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/education-ev...
The latest EEF guidance highlights five approaches that benefit all pupils:
✅ Explicit instruction
✅ Feedback
✅ Scaffolding
✅ Positive relationships
✅ Calm classrooms
Read more: educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/education-ev...
Great teaching starts with great inclusion. 📚
The EEF's new guidance shows how strong classroom practice and carefully chosen adaptations can better support pupils with additional needs—while strengthening teaching for everyone.
Read more: educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/news/classro...
The EEF's new guidance shows how strong classroom practice and carefully chosen adaptations can better support pupils with additional needs—while strengthening teaching for everyone.
Read more: educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/news/classro...
Strong classroom practice with carefully chosen adaptations key to…
New guide to help schools develop evidence-led inclusion strategies
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk
July 7, 2026 at 5:53 AM
Great teaching starts with great inclusion. 📚
The EEF's new guidance shows how strong classroom practice and carefully chosen adaptations can better support pupils with additional needs—while strengthening teaching for everyone.
Read more: educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/news/classro...
The EEF's new guidance shows how strong classroom practice and carefully chosen adaptations can better support pupils with additional needs—while strengthening teaching for everyone.
Read more: educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/news/classro...
Applications are open to become an Early Years Pupil Premium Champion – a funded opportunity to develop your leadership and support better outcomes for children.
📅 Apply by 16 July: educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/news/become-...
📅 Apply by 16 July: educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/news/become-...
Become an Early Years Pupil Premium Champion
Apply for a unique funded opportunity to make a difference and grow your network.
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk
June 30, 2026 at 5:46 AM
Applications are open to become an Early Years Pupil Premium Champion – a funded opportunity to develop your leadership and support better outcomes for children.
📅 Apply by 16 July: educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/news/become-...
📅 Apply by 16 July: educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/news/become-...
🎥 New Clips from the Classroom are here! Real classroom practice, evidence-informed teaching, and practical ideas for professional development. The key message? The video isn't the hero–it's how we scaffold the watch. Explore the latest collection: educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/news/more-cl...
MORE Clips from the Classroom videos from the Research Schools…
New Clips from the Classroom videos to support professional development in schools
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk
June 29, 2026 at 5:53 AM
🎥 New Clips from the Classroom are here! Real classroom practice, evidence-informed teaching, and practical ideas for professional development. The key message? The video isn't the hero–it's how we scaffold the watch. Explore the latest collection: educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/news/more-cl...
🧮💬 How can high-quality discussion improve mathematical thinking?
Read Becky Wanjohi's latest blog and watch the accompanying webinar for practical strategies to boost reasoning, vocabulary and participation in maths.
📖 researchschool.org.uk/manchester/b...
🎥 www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJT_...
Read Becky Wanjohi's latest blog and watch the accompanying webinar for practical strategies to boost reasoning, vocabulary and participation in maths.
📖 researchschool.org.uk/manchester/b...
🎥 www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJT_...
What Does Learning Sound Like in Your Maths Classroom?
What Does Learning Sound Like in Your Maths Classroom
researchschool.org.uk
June 23, 2026 at 5:43 AM
🧮💬 How can high-quality discussion improve mathematical thinking?
Read Becky Wanjohi's latest blog and watch the accompanying webinar for practical strategies to boost reasoning, vocabulary and participation in maths.
📖 researchschool.org.uk/manchester/b...
🎥 www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJT_...
Read Becky Wanjohi's latest blog and watch the accompanying webinar for practical strategies to boost reasoning, vocabulary and participation in maths.
📖 researchschool.org.uk/manchester/b...
🎥 www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJT_...
How can we support pupils to write at length with confidence? ✍️
This #ClipsFromTheClassroom video explores practical approaches to developing structured extended writing.
Watch here: researchschool.org.uk/clips-from-t...
This #ClipsFromTheClassroom video explores practical approaches to developing structured extended writing.
Watch here: researchschool.org.uk/clips-from-t...
Developing structured extended writing
Extended writing in practical subjects.
researchschool.org.uk
June 19, 2026 at 5:55 AM
How can we support pupils to write at length with confidence? ✍️
This #ClipsFromTheClassroom video explores practical approaches to developing structured extended writing.
Watch here: researchschool.org.uk/clips-from-t...
This #ClipsFromTheClassroom video explores practical approaches to developing structured extended writing.
Watch here: researchschool.org.uk/clips-from-t...
New research from EPI & EEF shows that 44% of the GCSE attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers is already established by age 11. A powerful reminder of the crucial role of EYs and primary education in tackling inequality. 👇
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/news/disadva...
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/news/disadva...
44% of the GCSE disadvantage gap is locked in by age 11,…
New research on the disadvantage gap
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk
June 17, 2026 at 5:43 AM
New research from EPI & EEF shows that 44% of the GCSE attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers is already established by age 11. A powerful reminder of the crucial role of EYs and primary education in tackling inequality. 👇
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/news/disadva...
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/news/disadva...
What does effective extended writing instruction look like in practical subjects?
🎥 In our new ClipsFromTheClassroom, see how a structured approach to extended writing can help pupils organise ideas, build independence, and improve writing outcomes.
Watch here 👇
researchschool.org.uk/clips-from-t...
🎥 In our new ClipsFromTheClassroom, see how a structured approach to extended writing can help pupils organise ideas, build independence, and improve writing outcomes.
Watch here 👇
researchschool.org.uk/clips-from-t...
Developing structured extended writing
Extended writing in practical subjects.
researchschool.org.uk
June 16, 2026 at 5:57 AM
What does effective extended writing instruction look like in practical subjects?
🎥 In our new ClipsFromTheClassroom, see how a structured approach to extended writing can help pupils organise ideas, build independence, and improve writing outcomes.
Watch here 👇
researchschool.org.uk/clips-from-t...
🎥 In our new ClipsFromTheClassroom, see how a structured approach to extended writing can help pupils organise ideas, build independence, and improve writing outcomes.
Watch here 👇
researchschool.org.uk/clips-from-t...
New landmark research programme launched! The EEF is investing up to £2.5m to explore how Generative AI impacts learning and cognition in children and young people, helping build the evidence base for education. 📚🤖
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/news/new-res...
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/news/new-res...
New landmark programme of research to investigate the impact of…
EEF commits up to £2.5m to build evidence base
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk
June 9, 2026 at 5:41 AM
New landmark research programme launched! The EEF is investing up to £2.5m to explore how Generative AI impacts learning and cognition in children and young people, helping build the evidence base for education. 📚🤖
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/news/new-res...
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/news/new-res...
📚 Early years settings: join the TWiTCH trial to support children’s language development.
✅ Free to take part
💷 Up to £1,000 available
Find out more: educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/projects-and...
✅ Free to take part
💷 Up to £1,000 available
Find out more: educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/projects-and...
Take part in an EEF project
Want to know more about the different types of EEF projects, as well as what taking part means for your setting?
educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk
June 5, 2026 at 5:43 AM
📚 Early years settings: join the TWiTCH trial to support children’s language development.
✅ Free to take part
💷 Up to £1,000 available
Find out more: educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/projects-and...
✅ Free to take part
💷 Up to £1,000 available
Find out more: educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/projects-and...
📚 Help GCSE English resit learners with the EEF Vocabulary Mastery trial.
✅ Free for FE & sixth form colleges
✅ 12-week intervention for 16–19s
✅ Staff training & resources
✅ £1,480 funding available
Check eligibility: ow.ly/UoXT50Z1GT7
✅ Free for FE & sixth form colleges
✅ 12-week intervention for 16–19s
✅ Staff training & resources
✅ £1,480 funding available
Check eligibility: ow.ly/UoXT50Z1GT7
Take part in an EEF project
Want to know more about the different types of EEF projects, as well as what taking part means for your setting?
ow.ly
June 4, 2026 at 5:56 AM
📚 Help GCSE English resit learners with the EEF Vocabulary Mastery trial.
✅ Free for FE & sixth form colleges
✅ 12-week intervention for 16–19s
✅ Staff training & resources
✅ £1,480 funding available
Check eligibility: ow.ly/UoXT50Z1GT7
✅ Free for FE & sixth form colleges
✅ 12-week intervention for 16–19s
✅ Staff training & resources
✅ £1,480 funding available
Check eligibility: ow.ly/UoXT50Z1GT7