Leadership Development Programme to Reduce Lost Learning

Children in the North East face significantly poorer educational outcomes simply because of where they grow up. In summer 2025, the North East had a 4% drop in the proportion of young people achieve A and A* grades which significantly impacts their future opportunities. It is the only region in England where these top grades have not surpassed pre-pandemic levels. Pupils are also less likely to achieve top GCSE grades: 17.8%, compared to 28.4% achieved in London.

These grades are crucial to young people applying to competitive universities or apprenticeship places.

Schools in our region are severely impacted by absence, exclusions and SEND. Last year, schools in the North East had the highest absence rate in England, with almost one in five pupils in the region severely absent (missing over 10% of classes). The region also has nearly a third of pupils eligible for free school meals (compared to a quarter nationally) and the highest rate of pupils with SEND in the country. Child poverty underlies many of these issues, with an excellent education the best hope for our young people to break the cycle.

This proposal aims to provide a means for schools to take a more relational approach to children experiencing challenges in attending school, resulting in a reduction of unnecessary exclusions and fixed-term suspensions. Thus, helping the EiE Programme to meet its desired outcome of improving attendance levels in North East schools.

The appointed provider will design and deliver a model for school leaders which develops practice and expertise to implement a whole-school approach to inclusion. The approach may include, but is not limited to:

• School leader workshops
• Provision of strategic tools to support implementation
• Share national best practice
• Use technology where appropriate