New school improvement team sets ambitious goals for schools

The Isle of Wight Council has introduced its new school improvement team — a group of seasoned education professionals dedicated to enhancing the quality of education across the Island.

The newly formed team boasts more than 40 years of collective experience in education. Their diverse backgrounds include classroom teaching, senior leadership, and strategic development, with a strong focus on raising standards and closing gaps for the most vulnerable learners.

Leading the initiative is Beth Dyer, the former head teacher of Nine Acres Primary School in Newport. Under her leadership, Nine Acres became the first Island primary school in over a decade to be rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted.

Beth, now serving as the service manager, brings her extensive expertise and commitment to the forefront of this ambitious project.
However, it is important to note that improvements will take time.

The team's efforts are part of the council's education strategy, approved by Cabinet last week. This long-term plan aims to make sure the Island's education system improves in a lasting and meaningful way.

Here, Beth discusses the team, their motivations, and plans for the future.

Can you introduce yourselves and share a bit about your background in education and school improvement?

Between us we have worked in education for over 40 years, holding a variety of leadership roles in a range of school settings.

Our backgrounds span classroom teaching, senior leadership, and strategic development, with a strong focus on raising outcomes and closing gaps for our most vulnerable learners.

Between us we have successfully led school improvement initiatives across primary and secondary phases and have a deep commitment to inclusive, high-quality education for all children on the Isle of Wight.

What inspired you to join the school improvement team at the Isle of Wight Council?

The Isle of Wight Council has a strong sense of community and ambition for its schools. There’s a real opportunity here to make a difference — not just through standards, but by developing a sustainable, values-led culture where children thrive.

The chance to work collaboratively across a unique and diverse local context is incredibly motivating. It provides an opportunity to co-construct a school improvement approach that reflects the strengths and needs of our communities.

We are excited to bring our experience to a system that values collaboration, champions inclusivity and is committed to securing better outcomes for every child and young person on the Island.

What is your vision for school improvement on the Island?

Our vision is for every child and young person on the Island to attend a school or setting that offers consistently high-quality education, where they are known, valued, and supported to flourish.

We want to build a culture of continual improvement where staff feel empowered, leadership is strong, and success is shared across all settings.

What are the top priorities you plan to address in the first year?

• Ensuring inclusive practice is embedded in every setting.
• Improving outcomes in key areas such as reading, maths, and attendance.
• Increasing access to high-quality professional development and school-to-school collaboration.
  

What are the key goals you aim to achieve in the next 1–3 years, and how do you plan to sustain improvement over time?

In the next 1–3 years, we aim to:

• reduce the variation in pupil outcomes between schools;
• embed a robust culture of self-evaluation and accountability;
• develop a more connected school system where excellence in education is shared.

Sustaining improvement will depend on strong leadership development, data-informed decision-making, and a commitment to reflective, adaptive practice on every setting.

What do you see as the biggest challenges to school improvement, and how do you plan to overcome them?

The biggest challenges include recruitment and retention and the need for a more joined-up approach to inclusion and SEND.
We’re addressing these by building leadership networks, developing clear improvement pathways, and working closely with partners and stakeholders.

Children deserve professionals who champion their potential, remove barriers to learning, and lead with ambition and compassion.

By investing in strong leadership, inclusive practices, and evidence-informed improvement strategies, we can ensure every child on the Island has access to excellent education-regardless of background or need.

How will you track the progress of your initiatives and measure their impact on student outcomes?

We’ll use a combination of quantitative data (attainment, attendance, exclusions) and qualitative measures (pupil voice, stakeholder feedback, school visits).

Termly progress reviews with school leaders and impact reports will help ensure accountability and responsiveness. It is also central to us to listen to our Island community so that improvement strategies are shaped by the voices of those they affect most- children, families, educators , and local partners.

By grounding our work in local insight and context, we can ensure meaningful sustainable change that reflects the Island’s unique strengths and aspirations.

What benchmarks or indicators will you use to evaluate success?

Success will be reflected in:

• rising outcomes across all key stages to exceed National Averages;
• narrowing of attainment gaps;
• improved attendance and engagement;
• more Island schools nationally recognised for exceptional practice;
• stronger leadership capacity and positive staff feedback.
  

How will you involve teachers, parents, and the community in the improvement process?

We’re committed to co-production wherever possible. That means listening to the voices of those closest to the classroom and involving them in shaping our approach.

We’ll create regular opportunities for dialogue, celebrate good practice publicly, and ensure our communications are clear, open, and supportive.

What motivates you in your work, and what do you find most rewarding about working in school improvement?

We are motivated by the belief that education transforms lives.

The most rewarding moments are seeing schools regain their confidence, seeing leaders grow into their roles, staff inspired by moments of breakthrough, when a new strategy lands, a leamer makes progress, or a classroom feels united by purpose.

Ultimately, it is watching children succeed and have choice over their future pathways. Children who once felt invisible begin to thrive, find their voice and believe in their own potential. That transformation is what drives us every day — it's why we do this work.