At Hope Academy in St Helens, inclusivity and ambition underpin everything. With 1,350 students, 32% from disadvantaged backgrounds, and 22% with special educational needs, Principal Marie Adams leads a diverse community committed to ensuring every young person thrives. For Marie, joining Challenge Partners, and hosting a Quality Assurance (QA) Review, has been a transformative step in strengthening that mission.
Why Challenge Partners?
Marie first learned about Challenge Partners through her Trust CEO, who had attended a conference. “She came back and spoke with the headteachers about Challenge Partners, about the process, the systems, and the coaching model being developmental for all. We all said yes straight away.”
A Positive First Experience
Hope Academy hosted its first QA Review this year, with a slightly unusual format. “It was just two weeks after Ofsted, so I postponed. Instead of a full review team, we had one lead reviewer, Stuart Busby. But honestly, it felt like we had four people. He was meticulous, methodical, and incredibly knowledgeable, especially around SEND.”
The review focused on enriching experiences for learners with SEND, following Ofsted feedback. “It was a very positive experience, developmental for all staff across every level. We came away with clear, structured areas to work on, and practical resources that we could weave into our development plan.”
Turning Insight into Action
One major change inspired by the QA Review has been the introduction of Learning Ladders to track and celebrate progress for students with high needs. “They allow us to show parents and young people the incremental progress they’re making, even when that might not show up on traditional assessment systems. It’s about celebrating every step forward.”
The impact has been profound: “We’ve 'hopeified' them, as we like to do, and they’re now part of a new assessment system launching in September. It really enriches the learning experience of those young people.”
Professional Growth and Collaboration
For Marie, the benefits extend beyond school improvement. “The QA process develops you as a leader. From the preparation to the professional dialogue, it challenges your thinking in new ways. The coaching from Challenge Partners leads is second to none.”
Her staff, too, have felt the ripple effects: “It’s filtered down across teaching and non-teaching staff. Even our chaplain and support staff have been involved. It’s about seeing the golden nuggets in other schools and bringing them back. That collaboration has enriched our whole community.”
Borrowing Best Practice
One example came from a visit to Feversham High: “Their annotated seating plans went beyond SEND or disadvantage, they mapped how teachers could stretch and support students’ oracy and participation. We brought that back, and it’s had a huge impact on classroom practice and student progress.”
Embedding Challenge Partners in School Culture
The impact has been so significant that Marie has reshaped internal systems: “Our own quality assurance system is now modelled in line with Challenge Partners. It’s just so strong. It ensures what we do is developmental, reflective, and consistent.”
Looking Ahead
Despite uncertainty around Trust membership, Marie is determined to continue. “I think the investment in training, in developing leaders and staff, is worth every penny. Challenge Partners has been superb, and it has helped us raise our game.”
For Marie Adams, Challenge Partners and the QA Review have been catalysts for deeper reflection, stronger leadership, and meaningful change at Hope Academy. “It’s about never standing still. The process has given us confidence, clarity, and collaboration—and it’s making a real difference for our young people.”