The UK government has revolutionized school improvement with its £20 million RISE program, deploying 65 expert advisers to transform 377 underperforming schools serving over 200,000 children. This collaborative, expertise-driven approach represents a fundamental shift from punitive accountability measures to supportive partnership, with each school receiving up to £100,000 for specialist support—a 1,567% increase from previous funding levels.
Revolutionary Investment and Scale
The UK government has launched a revolutionary approach to transforming underperforming schools, with Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence (RISE) teams now reaching 377 schools and over 200,000 children nationwide. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson announced the dramatic expansion of the £20 million initiative in September 2025, marking a fundamental shift from punitive accountability measures to collaborative, expertise-driven school improvement. The RISE program represents one of the most significant education reforms in recent UK history, deploying 65 expert advisers selected as “the best of the best” in driving school standards. These teams specifically target “stuck schools” – institutions that have received consecutive poor Ofsted judgements and have been underperforming for years, with some struggling for more than 11 years.
🇬🇧 Revolutionary: UK launches £20M RISE teams transforming 377 underperforming schools with 65 expert advisers, reaching 200,000+ students. Funding increases 1,567% to £100K per school vs. previous £6K grants. #UKEducation #SchoolImprovement #EducationReform #RISE
Unprecedented Financial Commitment
The financial commitment demonstrates the government’s serious approach to educational equity. Each RISE school receives up to £100,000 for specialist support, representing a 1,567% increase from the previous £6,000 grants available to struggling schools. This substantial investment reflects Labour’s commitment to breaking the link between background and educational success. “No child should be spending precious days, let alone years, in schools that are underperforming,” said Education Secretary Phillipson, whose appointment in July 2024 has been marked by sweeping education accountability reforms. Data reveals the scale of the challenge: schools currently supported by RISE teams have just 43% of pupils meeting expected standards in reading, writing, and mathematics, compared to 62% in state-funded mainstream schools nationally.
This represents a paradigm shift toward evidence-based, collaborative school improvement that aligns with educational research on effective change management.
Laura Lurns · Learning Success expert
Collaborative Expertise and Integration with Ofsted Reform
The RISE approach emphasizes partnership over punishment, with 80% of newly recruited advisers coming from successful academy trusts. This practitioner-led model leverages proven expertise from high-performing schools to support struggling institutions through collaborative improvement plans. “For too long, support for school improvement has been fragmented and complex. I want to change that,” Phillipson explained. The program operates on four national priorities: improving English and mathematics attainment, enhancing reception year quality, increasing attendance, and strengthening inclusion for SEND students and disadvantaged backgrounds. The RISE expansion coincides with the most significant overhaul of school inspection in decades. Ofsted simultaneously eliminated single headline grades in September 2024 and will introduce comprehensive report cards in November 2025, creating a five-point grading scale across multiple areas and providing parents with detailed, nuanced information about school performance.
Key takeaways
- £20 million investment: 377 schools receive up to £100,000 each vs. previous £6,000 grants
- 65 expert advisers: Selected as "best of the best" from successful academy trusts
- 200,000+ students impacted: Nearly double the previous reach of 200 schools
Early Success and Future Implications
The program has already demonstrated success, with 23 schools graduating from RISE support after receiving improved Ofsted ratings. The expansion from 32 pilot schools to 377 institutions represents 1,178% growth, indicating both demand and government commitment to scaling effective interventions. Tom Campbell, CEO of E-Act Multi-Academy Trust, emphasized the collaborative approach: “This represents investment in quality assurance, leadership, and resources, building on existing success while providing expert challenge and support for turnaround.” The RISE model offers significant potential for international replication, particularly in education systems struggling with persistent underperformance and punitive accountability measures. The combination of collaborative expertise-sharing, substantial financial investment, and technology-enhanced benchmarking creates a framework adaptable across different national contexts, positioning the UK as a global leader in progressive education accountability.
The substantial financial investment demonstrates recognition that meaningful school improvement requires significant resources and sustained support, not just external pressure.
Laura Lurns · Learning Success expert
This revolutionary approach positions the UK as a global leader in progressive education accountability, demonstrating that substantial investment combined with collaborative expertise can drive meaningful school transformation. The model’s emphasis on partnership over punishment offers valuable lessons for education systems worldwide struggling to balance accountability with genuine improvement. For more insights on educational innovation and implementation strategies that drive lasting change, explore our All Access Program.
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References
- Primary Government Source - New era of accountability to drive up standards for all children
- RISE Team Expansion Coverage - 45 advisers recruited to join 'best of the best' RISE teams
- Ofsted Reform Integration - Ofsted confirms changes to education inspection and unveils new-look report cards
- Regional Priorities Coverage - RISE teams reveal their regional priorities
- Policy Context Analysis - Government sets out plans to target 'stuck' schools
- Education Secretary Profile - The Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson MP
- UK Department for Education Press Office - 020 7925 6789
- Ofsted Press Office - 0300 013 0415
