Removing barriers to opportunity and achievement: from principles to practice

4.00 – 4.45pm, Thursday 29th January 2026 

Despite repeated calls for excellence and equity in our national education system, the data shows widening gaps in outcomes and opportunities for learners who encounter disadvantage: potential is too often unfulfilled. 

Building on NACE’s ongoing research into how schools can provide cognitively challenging learning opportunities for all, this new publication focuses in on what this means for young people who face a range of barriers to achievement. Calling for a move away from fixed labels, preconceptions and “deficit thinking”, it shows what is possible when schools turn their attention to identifying and removing systemic barriers – changing those national statistics, one life at a time. 

Led by NACE Research & Development Director Dr Ann McCarthy, this project has been conducted in association with researchers at York St John University. It draws together a review of the existing evidence and research relating to ability and disadvantage, alongside the hands-on experience and expertise of schools across NACE’s diverse network.

We are delighted to be joined for this online launch by Professor Haili Hughes, Professor of Teacher Coaching and Mentoring at Academica UoAS, and Director of Professional Development at All Saints Multi Academy Trust. With a passion for social justice and curriculum equity, Professor Hughes is an experienced teacher, leader, author, trainer and mentor; working at the intersection of research, policy, and practice, she is committed to helping teachers thrive, so children can too.

Aimed at all those working in schools, this online launch event will include:

• Short opening address from Professor Haili Hughes
• Key takeaways from the publication for teachers
• Q&A with Dr Ann McCarthy 

This online event is free and open to all. You will have the opportunity to submit questions in advance when registering.

Pre-order your copy of the publication here.