The A-Z of School Improvement: Principles and Practice

‘… an intelligent, optimistic, wise and well-informed book by two of the most insightful thinkers – and do-ers – of school improvement. Tim Brighouse and David Woods bring to school improvement high ambitions for every child, an understanding of how schools work and an abiding faith in the power of teaching to transform lives. The A-Z format makes their ideas accessible and usable – very thoughtful and very practical.’ —Professor Chris Husbands, Director of the Institute of Education, University of London

‘Brighouse and Woods are the Lennon and McCartney of school improvement individually brilliant, their work together is amongst the most inspiring and ground-breaking in the field. Their particular talent is to create energy, enthusiasm and a belief that improvement is possible, together with a clear sense of how that can be achieved. In this latest work, they again manage to combine the practical with the thought-provoking, providing a wealth of usable ideas and suggestions while opening up new possibilities certain to extend their readers’ thinking.’ —Jon Coles, Chief Executive of United Learning and former Director General of Schools at the DfE

‘This is an excellent and innovative book written and organised in a lively and engaging style with many practical ideas and suggestions to inspire all those who work in and with schools. As a school leader I will be able to use the different entries in this book to inform and stimulate discussions and debate as well as to refine our practice and adopt different solutions to accelerate our journey of school improvement.’ — Dame Sue John, Headteacher of Lampton School Academy and Director of the London Leadership Strategy

‘A brilliant handbook for all Head Teachers and Teachers. It sets high standards for school improvement built on evidence that works. Reading the book encourages reflection on your own practice and creates the enthusiasm to keep reaching for excellence. It is wonderful to have Brighouse and Woods to inspire us once again.’ —Sue Barratt CBE, Primary Head Teacher

‘Brighouse and Woods are the Lennon and McCartney of school improvement individually brilliant, their work together is amongst the most inspiring and ground-breaking in the field. Their particular talent is to create energy, enthusiasm and a belief that improvement is possible, together with a clear sense of how that can be achieved. In this latest work, they again manage to combine the practical with the thought-provoking, providing a wealth of usable ideas and suggestions while opening up new possibilities certain to extend their readers’ thinking.’ —Jon Coles, Chief Executive of United Learning and former Director General of Schools at the DfE

‘This is an excellent and innovative book written and organised in a lively and engaging style with many practical ideas and suggestions to inspire all those who work in and with schools. As a school leader I will be able to use the different entries in this book to inform and stimulate discussions and debate as well as to refine our practice and adopt different solutions to accelerate our journey of school improvement.’ —Dame Sue John, Headteacher of Lampton School Academy and Director of the London Leadership Strategy

David Woods was the Chief Education Adviser for London and Birmingham Schools and the London Challenge until 2011, as well as being the Principal National Challenge Adviser for England. He is currently an Education Consultant working with agencies such as the NCSL and OfSTED and is also a visiting professor of education at universities including the London Institute of Education.