First-Ever researchED Yorkshire Brings National Expertise to Doncaster
The Outwood Institute of Education (OIE) hosted the inaugural researchED Yorkshire conference at Outwood Academy Adwick on Saturday, 27 June 2026. The event brought together teachers, school leaders, researchers, and prominent education organisations from across the country for a day dedicated to evidence-informed professional learning, dialogue, and collaboration.
The conference offered a diverse programme designed to challenge traditional thinking, strengthen classroom practice, and connect colleagues from across the teaching profession.
The day opened with an inspiring keynote from Pedro de Bruyckere entitled “The Power of Together.” De Bruyckere explored the evidence behind collective efficacy, examining how schools can create optimal conditions to foster a shared belief in success among both teachers and students.
Following a day of collaborative learning, the conference concluded with a closing keynote from Lee Wilson, CEO at Outwood Grange Academies Trust. His address, “Best Bets and Bold Ideas,” offered vital reflections on how the education sector must strike a balance between the security of established research and the confidence to innovate and test new ideas.
Throughout the day, delegates selected from more than thirty specialised workshops covering a vast array of educational priorities. Sessions focused on curriculum design, cognitive science, literacy, behaviour management, SEND, artificial intelligence, governance, professional development, school improvement, and leadership. Crucially, workshops encouraged attendees not only to engage with the research but to consider how these evidence-informed approaches could be translated into meaningful, everyday classroom practice.
The event featured an outstanding line-up of national speakers, including Kate Jones, Bradley Busch, Claire Badger, Cat Scutt, Martin Robinson, David Goodwin, Stuart Kime, Ben Newmark, and Steve Mastin.
These national experts shared the stage with a wealth of talent from across the Outwood Grange Academies Trust, including Jackie Gray, Paul Taylor, Vic Ashton, Emma Hudson, Scott Morton, and Matthew Hunt, showcasing the immense expertise that exists both within the Trust and the wider profession.
An event of this scale was made possible through the generosity and collaboration of numerous partners. The OIE extended its sincere thanks to headline sponsor, the National Institute of Teaching (NIoT), alongside sponsor Evidence Based Education. Their support, along with that of the event's many exhibitors, created valuable opportunities for delegates to network with organisations committed to educational excellence.
Gratitude was also expressed to the speakers who volunteered their time, the trust-wide staff volunteers, student ambassadors, catering teams, and the colleagues at Outwood Academy Adwick, whose professionalism ensured the day ran smoothly.
Hosting the first researchED Yorkshire represents a major milestone for the Outwood Institute of Education, reflecting its ongoing commitment to creating opportunities for educators to engage critically with research and learn from one another.
Organisers thanked everyone who attended, contributed to, and supported the inaugural event, expressing high hopes that this marks the beginning of a long and successful future for researchED in the Yorkshire region.
Interested in attending the national researchED on 5th September? Use the button below to register:
