NACE

Independent charity supporting schools to improve provision for more able learners, in context of challenge and high aspirations for all.

14/05/2026

Many schools have contributed to the success of our publication, with their case studies adding a wealth of rich insight and practical examples. Today, we are proud to share a featured case study from Childwall Sports & Science Academy, published in Removing Barriers to Opportunity and Achievement. See the images below to explore Childwall’s inspiring work.

“We are thrilled to be included in the publication and extremely proud of all of our students who have engaged, thrived and achieved (in some cases beyond their target grades) in our Academic Society. To see their developing confidence and resilience has been a real honour.” – Jen Patterson, More Able Lead and Teacher of English.

“We were absolutely delighted to see our work with our more able and most motivated students recognised by NACE. A particularly proud moment for Mrs Patterson as she received our official copy of the NACE publication- a testament to hers and Childwall Sports & Science Academy's commitment to stretch, challenge, and inspire every student.” – Ben Rodgers, Assistant Headteacher for Quality of Education

Building on the success of our publication, we are now hosting a one-day CPD course to share practical strategies and key findings that schools can implement in their own settings.

Book your place for our June event here: nace.co.uk/removing-barriers-event

12/05/2026

Building on our recent research publication, Andy and Christabel will be coming together this June to deliver a one-day CPD focused on ‘Removing barriers to opportunity and achievement’ for young people and the communities we serve. ✨

Book your place now: nace.co.uk/removing-barriers-event

11/05/2026

The Highcrest Academy celebrates NACE Challenge Award third accreditation.https://www.highcrestacademy.org.uk/docs/TheHighcrestAc-CA3-PressRelease.pdf

05/05/2026

Is the news out yet? 👀
Because it really should be…

This summer, we’re committed to making your summer supercharged.

Whether you’re:
* Thinking about joining (or rejoining)
* Ready to start working with the Challenge Framework
* Aiming for Challenge Award accreditation
* Or looking to grow through new learning opportunities.

There’s never been a better time to get involved.

🚀 Join (or rejoin) today and get this summer FREE on your annual membership – extending your access right through to September 2027.

Already a member and ready for more?
🔥 Get started with Challenge Framework Package 1 at 30% off

Already using the Framework?
💡 Join our Challenge Clinics for expert support on your journey

Already accredited?
🤝 Be part of our Challenge Award Network Group – connect, share what’s working, and learn from schools just like yours

We’re here to make your summer truly supercharged.

Find out more here: nace.co.uk/supercharge-summer

20/04/2026

We’re delighted to share that Paul K. Ainsworth has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of NACE, taking up the role in September 2026.

Paul joins NACE with a long and respected track record as a sector strategist, author and leadership coach, having supported schools and trusts nationwide on curriculum, challenge and system improvement. His work, including the widely read 'No Silver Bullets' books, focuses on helping leaders look beyond performance data to the individual stories of pupils and teachers, an approach that aligns strongly with NACE’s ethos.

After a thorough and competitive recruitment process, the Board of Trustees felt strongly that Paul is the right person to lead NACE into its next chapter, building on more than 40 years of supporting schools to improve provision for more able learners and raise the level of challenge for all pupils.

We are excited about the future and confident that Paul will continue to strengthen NACE’s national influence, deepen our work with members, and champion challenge for all.

Read the full announcement here: nace.co.uk/page/news

14/04/2026

☀️ April's here, and your inbox is looking very good right now!

We just dropped our April newsletter, and it's packed – events, updates, and all the things you don't want to miss this month. 🌸

Go check your email, we promise it's worth the scroll (sharing just a glimpse here)! 💌

If you are not on our mailing list yet, join us today: nace.co.uk/sign-up

13/04/2026

We have a small announcement to make…👀✨

We’re delighted to share that the NACE Challenge Framework, which sits at the heart of the NACE Challenge Development Programme, will be available in a fully online version from 27 April. Designed to support whole-school improvement with a lens on more able and challenge provision, the Framework is well-established, highly respected, and can lead to NACE Challenge Award accreditation. All of this remains the same – but you can now access the Framework through a user-friendly online platform; be guided through each element with supporting resources at each stage; and easily upload your evidence in a range of formats.

Keep an eye on our socials in the coming days – we will be sharing more information soon.

10/04/2026

As Dr Haili Hughes highlights, teachers and school leaders hold immense power to shape whether the pupils’ potential is actually realised or lost.

But to ensure that every learner’s potential is realised, we must first understand the barriers they might encounter: how they show up, who they impact, and what it truly takes to dismantle them.

That’s exactly what we’ll be exploring at our upcoming one-day event in June, Removing barriers to opportunity and achievement.

Co-led by Andy Griffith and Christabel Shepherd, this event brings together deep expertise and practical strategies to drive meaningful change for young people facing disadvantage.

📅 23 June 2026, 09:00 - 04:00
📍NACE, Horticulture House, Chilton

Learn more and register here: nace.co.uk/removing-barriers-event

Video: A clip from the publication launch event on 29 January 2026.

09/04/2026

Addressing the needs of more able learners can raise achievement for a much wider group of learners in a school by increasing challenge for all. (from NACE's core principles)

Experiencing cognitive challenge in the classroom is the right of every child, supporting the identification and development of ability whilst strengthening learners’ resilience and self-belief. Leading a school-wide approach to challenge goes hand in hand with leadership of the more able agenda. At NACE, we understand that this role may often seem overwhelming.

Whether new to the role or more experienced, this one-day course will guide and support you in understanding your role and leading each aspect of these interwoven areas to develop highly effective policy and provision. Successful practice in leading challenge and/or provision for the more able will be shared, and will demonstrate how to develop whole-school ownership and leadership of these agendas.

Register for the event here: nace.co.uk/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1991488&group=

Please also forward it to anyone you think might benefit from this course. We look forward to welcoming you soon. ✨

03/04/2026

Happy Easter to everyone celebrating! 🥚🐰

Wishing you joy, happiness, and plenty of sweet moments this season. May this time bring you rest, renewal, and a chance to recharge. ✨

Happy Easter Weekend! 😄✨

Address

Horticulture House
Didcot
OX118QP

Telephone

+441235425000

Website

http://www.nace.co.uk/

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