Enabling collaboration between schools
and trusts to combine our wisdom and
improve the life chances of children
Who are we?
Challenge Partners is a national partnership of schools and trusts who believe the best way to reduce educational inequality and enhance the life chances of children is through collaboration, challenge and leadership development. We work to ensure every school community can benefit from the combined wisdom of the education system
Our networks and programmes provide a safe, fun and enriching space for professional reflection, dialogue and collaboration, for school and trust leaders to test and co-create practical strategies for sustained improvement
400,000 +
Students are reached through our partnerships annually
480 +
Schools are involved in Challenge Partners
130 +
Trusts are involved in Challenge Partners
6000 +
Senior leaders have been trained
Our Values
Excellence
We are always looking for ways to improve because we are determined to achieve the best for every child, teacher and leader
Collaboration
We listen to, share with and learn from each other, developing our practice together so that every child benefits from our combined wisdom and creativity
Innovation
We use and generate research, we innovate with discipline and evaluate intelligently in pursuit of better outcomes for all children, especially the disadvantaged
Equity
We treat each other fairly, with trust, care and respect. We seek the best for every child and know that those who have the least need our combined expertise the most
Challenge
We expect the best of ourselves and each other, and value challenge which helps us improve
Courageous leadership
We speak up and take responsibility for all children, making sure that we do not harm others in doing our best for our own schools
Our Partners
Our Programmes
Quality Assurance Review
Our flagship programme. A three-day, rigorous peer evaluation of teaching and learning, curriculum and outcomes, and leadership at all levels. It has a sharp focus on the experience of pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds or with additional needs
Growing the Top
Bringing together small groups of top performing schools for individual and shared school improvement journeys
SEND Developmental Peer Review
For schools who would like to focus on enhancing provision and outcomes for pupils with SEND
Trust Peer Review
Advance your trust with actionable insights on the areas you want to develop
Our events
Our workshops, webinars, and conferences, are opportunities to learn, collaborate and challenge.
2026/27 subscriptions open now
Call or email the Challenge Partners team to discuss your needs and how joining Challenge Partners can help. We’ll work closely with you to select the best options for your school or trust