Community calendar https://www.nace.co.uk/events/event_list.asp Thu, 21 May 2026 11:27:24 GMT Wed, 1 Jul 2026 19:45:00 GMT Copyright © 2026 NACE Challenge Award Schools Network Group: 25 June 2026 https://www.nace.co.uk/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1981706 https://www.nace.co.uk/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1981706 Challenge Award Schools Network Group:
25 June 2026Free online network group meeting for schools accredited with the NACE Challenge Award
 
The NACE Challenge Award provides external accreditation and recognition of school-wide high-quality provision for more able learners within a context of challenge for all. As such, designation as a Challenge Award school is an impressive and prestigious achievement, celebrating a school’s commitment to this important area of education. 

NACE’s Challenge Award Schools’ Network Group is an opportunity for members from accredited schools to:
  • Meet other Challenge Award-accredited school leaders;
  • Share thinking to further develop high-quality practice for more able and challenge – including policy, approaches, provision and resources;
  • Share a case study to showcase effective practice;
  • Contribute to NACE’s ongoing research initiatives;
  • Identify and address common goals and current priorities to sustain high-quality more able and challenge provision in the light of the ever-evolving education landscape;
  • Share, discuss and provide mutual support for action planning in relation to the ‘next steps’ identified through the Challenge Award assessment process.  
Sessions take place termly and are facilitated by Christabel Shepherd, NACE Challenge and Curriculum Development Director, who has herself been a More Able Lead and led schools through the NACE Challenge Award.

 
Feedback from past participants

“It was really useful to have a professional chat with colleagues from other schools, all with different experiences. A friendly and supportive forum. I came away with lots of ideas as well as reassurance that we were on the right lines for our reaccreditation.”

“The participants shared incredibly useful tips, knowledge and experience. A super session, really collegial and motivating.”

“Interesting discussions – some good ideas from other schools and helpful to share good practice.”

“Very informative and a lovely group of people.”

 
Event details

Time and date: 3.45 - 5.00pm (BST), Thursday 25 June 2026

Venue: Online meeting (via Zoom)

Cost: Free (exclusively for schools holding the NACE Challenge Award)

Who should attend? This event is aimed at leaders within schools holding the NACE Challenge Award. Up to two representatives per school can attend.

 
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]]> Thu, 25 Jun 2026 20:45:00 GMT More Able Leads Network Group: 1st July 2026 https://www.nace.co.uk/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1981579 https://www.nace.co.uk/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1981579 More Able Leads Network Group: 1st July 2026
Exchange ideas, share information, and gain insights to support you in the role of More Able Lead
 
Whether you are new to the role of More Able Lead, or well-established in this position, NACE’s new online Network Group meetings are designed to connect you with others to share ideas, gain valuable peer-to-peer advice and learn more about how NACE can support you.
 
The sessions are facilitated by Christabel Shepherd, NACE Challenge and Curriculum Development Director, who has herself been a More Able Lead and taken schools through the NACE Challenge Award.
 
Please note these sessions are peer-directed and designed to be light and informal. Other than a short feedback survey, they do not include paperwork or recordings. They are simply a great way for you to build connections across the NACE community with others in a similar role, no matter where you are based. So much more than just information sharing!
 

How it works:

  • When registering you will be asked to submit a question for consideration/discussion during the session.
  • Session facilitator Christabel Shepherd will open the session and share initial ideas. Depending on numbers, breakout rooms may be convened for further discussion.
  • Related and new NACE resources and services will be highlighted to further support participants.
  • Between half-termly meetings, participants in the Network Group are encouraged to continue to exchange ideas, questions and experiences through our online community forums. 

Feedback from past participants

“Very informative, especially for someone like myself who is new to the role and at the start of their school’s journey into providing for more able children. I was able to take away lots of ideas and has given me a platform to start building on. [The Network Group] has definitely given me lots of ideas/thoughts to bring into my school as a new more able lead.”

“Informative, collaborative, food for thought, ideas to take away and opportunities to reflect. I came to the session when I really didn't have time as I got so much from the last one and did not want to miss out. Again I've come away reflective, refreshed and full of ideas and enthusiasm and knowing that I'm part of a supportive, collaborative, sharing network.”

“Meeting was planned around participants’ questions which were all discussed and recommendations we put forward. Thank you for enabling an open dialogue in these meetings and following up queries with specific guidance.”

“A great opportunity to share experiences with professional colleagues across different phases and regions and to learn from each other. There is such expertise in the group and so many great practical ideas to use in the classroom. Chris's facilitation of the event was as always excellent.”

“Very good, practical examples of what success looks like within the classroom and within whole school.”

“A fantastic CPD session. Detailed and informative. Left with many ideas and examples that I can take back to my own school and implement.”

“This was the first networking meeting I have attended and I thought it was really valuable. I enjoyed being able to discuss various issues and found the format of all the different questions very engaging to watch/listen to. Christabel was very knowledgeable and approachable. I have some great notes I will be able to take forward at my school.” 

“The More Able Leads network session was really useful. It was good to have the blend of ideas and strategies to try from other schools, but also ideas from the NACE representative in terms of the questions that had been submitted.”

Event details

Date: Wednesday 1st July 2026 (3.45 pm - 5.00 pm)
Cost per delegate: NACE members: £40; non-members: £60 (+VAT) 

More Able Leads Network Group: 2025-26 meeting dates

All meetings will take place via Zoom at 3.45 pm - 5.00 pm.

Autumn

  • Thursday 18th September 2025
  • Tuesday 11th November 2025

Spring

  • Wednesday 21st January 2026
  • Thursday 12th March 2026

Summer

  • Thursday 30th April 2026
  • Wednesday 1st July 2026

 
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