Alex Druce

Senior Assistant Headteacher and Trust Primary Curriculum Lead

[Steplab @Steplab_co]

Visiting a Steplab Hub School is one of the best ways to see great PD in action 👏 With 28 Hubs across the UK, schools are opening their doors to share how they’re building powerful coaching cultures.

Find your nearest Hub and book your visit!
🔗 https://t.co/Eri3UdmBji

[Michael Chiles 🌍 @m_chiles]

A fantastic SLT conversation as we explored teacher agency using the work of @SCottinghatt and considering adaptive expertise alongside @HughesHaili and Adam Kohlbeck.

@MissCole279 and I were asking the following question.

How do we balance consistency with teacher autonomy?

On one hand, consistency matters. It creates clarity for students which reduces cognitive load and ensures equity across classrooms. No student should feel their experience depends entirely on which class they’re in.

But on the other hand, teacher agency is not a “nice to have” it’s essential. Teachers are making hundreds of in-the-moment decisions. This is where we discussed the difference between strategic and responsive checking for understanding.

The goal isn’t to choose one over the other. It’s to design our teaching and learning strategy so that it allows for both.

[Siobhan Meredith @SiobhanMered123]

Another great @educationgovuk Attendance & Behaviour Hub Open Event today at @MarineAcademy. It included a video intro from Jayne Lowe and @tombennett71, a learning walk with Ambassadors and input from @George_Brunning and @AlexDruce26 about their approaches. @TedWraggTrust

[Siobhan Meredith @SiobhanMered123]

A great session for our first @educationgovuk Attendance & Behaviour Hub Open Event today at @MarineAcademy. It included a video intro from Jayne Lowe and @tombennett71, a learning walk and input from leaders (and dogs 🐾) about their systems and innovations. @TedWraggTrust

[Siobhan Meredith @SiobhanMered123]

Really thrilled to receive our 2025-2026 @Steplab_co Hub School certificate in the post. We are delighted to be able to share the PD programme at @MarineAcademy Primary. 🙌
Sign up available soon to attend our next @Steplab_co Hub taking place on 30th March.
@TedWraggTrust

[Siobhan Meredith @SiobhanMered123]

It’s #tEdFest tomorrow! 🎉 This evening we kicked things off with pre-event dinners in both cities, bringing together some of our brilliant speakers and @TedWraggTrust colleagues. I had a wonderful evening in Plymouth and can’t wait for tomorrow!

[Elliot Hahn @MrElliotHahn]

“This isn’t about teacher preference. It’s about pupil entitlement. Every child deserves access to high-quality teaching—not by chance, but by design.”

New blog on the debate around teacher autonomy, trust & evidence-informed practice 👇

https://t.co/9N4Hst77bB

[Alex Druce @AlexDruce26]

@MrElliotHahn @MarineAcademy @TedWraggTrust @SiobhanMered123 Thank you Elliot - really looking forward to hosting you! 😊 Excited to put into practice lots of the great work that you shared with such professional generosity during our visit last month!

[Elliot Hahn @MrElliotHahn]

Fantastic case study of the incredible @MarineAcademy & @TedWraggTrust who are so meticulous in their approach and who are doing amazing results, not by chance but through choice! Can’t wait to finally visit
@SiobhanMered123 @AlexDruce26 at their brilliant school in the new year

[Inclusion in Practice @InclusioninPrac]

The case study details how Marine has carefully embedded longterm changes in classroom culture and teacher development that enable every child to access great teaching, every day.

Read it online via this link. Thanks @Steplab_co and @MarineAcademy: https://t.co/KlbzciwiJa

[Andrew Percival @primarypercival]

The Writing Framework has just been published, and I'm pleased to have been part of the sector panel to help produce this important document.

I'm optimistic that the framework will help leaders to further develop the teaching of writing in their schools
https://t.co/RUheo8Waqn

[Alex Druce @AlexDruce26]

Had a blast running this today and I continue to enjoy leading these hubs! 💫Really appreciate the opportunities to open our doors to hungry, inquisitive leaders @TedWraggTrust

[Siobhan Meredith @SiobhanMered123]

Final @Steplab_co Coaching Hub of the year today at @MarineAcademy Primary!
Great to welcome leaders from across the region to explore what great instructional coaching looks like in practice. Thanks to all who joined us! @TedWraggTrust

[Siobhan Meredith @SiobhanMered123]

If you’re in the South West, don’t miss this @Steplab_co Instructional Coaching Intensive hosted by us at the @TedWraggTrust! A super convenient location, brilliant hosts (if I do say so myself!) and most importantly, an exceptional day of Professional Development for coaches. 👊

[Rachel Ball @MrsBallAP]

Super evidence snacks from @PepsMccrea this morning! If you want to know more about group rehearsal, join mine and @alexgingell session at @researchED1 national on 6th September!

[Elliot Hahn @MrElliotHahn]

A fantastic afternoon with @SiobhanMered123 & @AlexDruce26 from @MarineAcademy @TedWraggTrust who flew in to join us! When North and South come together, powerful collaboration happens! Great work today, excited to keep the discussions going tomorrow! @MCPAcademy @gmacademies

[Siobhan Meredith @SiobhanMered123]

We love @Steplab_co at the @TedWraggTrust, watch this to find out more about it and to see some snippets from me, @AlexDruce26 at @MarineAcademy Primary and @AlexEvans3 at @stlukescofe. 🙌

[Siobhan Meredith @SiobhanMered123]

It was a great today welcoming Headteachers and Trust Leaders from @GreenshawTrust to @MarineAcademy and @TedWraggTrust. Highlights of the day included watching the Academy Ambassadors lead the learning walk and a brilliant live coaching session on @Steplab_co from @AlexDruce26.

[Ted Wragg Trust @TedWraggTrust]

Congratulations to everyone receiving their primary school places today🎉

A big welcome to all the children & families who will be joining one of our primary schools. We can’t wait to support each child as they begin their learning journey with us.🌱

See you all in September✨

[Alex @teachingwrens]

Brilliant podcast from @Mr_Raichura & @Doug_Lemov, reflecting on explicit instruction and the importance of student rehearsal. I’m hoping someday Pritesh will collect all his wisdom into a book - I’d be the first to pre-order! https://t.co/2LXfmDrwl6

[Siobhan Meredith @SiobhanMered123]

We were super excited to receive this fancy plaque in the post today to recognise @MarineAcademy Primary as a @Steplab_co Coaching Hub! 💛
Thank you @Steplab_co Team! 👊
You can find out more here about the Hubs: https://t.co/FaRRHAsYZq and you can visit us on 2nd July! 🙌