Bishop Rawstorne Teaching School

In March 2012 the Academy was selected for an important new role aimed at further raising standards both regionally and nationally in recognition of our outstanding performance in teaching and learning over a sustained period of time, our proven track record in teacher training and the support we have already given to a wide range of other educational establishments to drive their own school improvement. At that time, Bishop Rawstorne was one of only about 100 schools in England to be granted Teaching School status in the second cohort of applications and the designation by the National College for School Leadership entitles the Academy to lead the training and professional development for staff throughout the country and to shape the future of the teaching profession. The Teaching Schools initiative began in Autumn 2011, marking a shift towards school-centred training and development. The programme gives outstanding schools the freedom and autonomy to lead a group of schools, working with other partners including at least one university, to deliver high quality support for teachers and leaders at all stages in their career. The National College has responsibility for the designation and quality of the Teaching Schools programme, working closely with the Department for Education (DfE), as the national network grows to 500 Teaching Schools by 2014. Steve Munby, Chief Executive of the National College, said: “Teaching Schools like Bishop Rawstorne need to be at the top of their game to take on this role - outstanding in their own performance and have a track record of raising standards through school-to-school support.