evidence based

Engage with evidence to generate the best possible outcome for schools

collaborate & share

Collaborate and share what really works in our schools and surrounding network


school improvement

Support implementation planning for sustainable impact in our schools

About us

The network is a group of senior and middle leaders working in schools across East Cambs and Fenland, seeking to shine a light on using evidence–informed approaches, to ensure the best possible outcomes for all our students, particularly those who are disadvantaged. 

We understand the many benefits and challenges of working in rural schools and are keen to support each other in ensuring excellence for all our pupils. We know that evidence is crucial to inform leadership decision-making and that clear, focused implementation planning leads to sustainable change for school improvement. 

It’s not just what we do in our schools that matters, but the way we do it. 

Our network of Evidence Advocates can help support leaders and work alongside colleagues to engage with evidence, to support their school development planning

We are currently working in partnership with the DfE and Meridian Trust to support the Priority Area Project, providing Implementation Planning training and coaching. Our ‘Evidence Bites’ series of after-school networking/CPD  events bring high quality educational speakers to teaching colleagues in our rural area. These informal, professionally energising sessions promote evidence-informed practice and foster collaboration between colleagues and schools. 

Our Cambridgeshire EEF Evidence Exploration Partnership with Norfolk Research School begins in early 2024. We are working with the LA, local schools and MATs to identify priorities, co-develop solutions, and engage with the evidence base to meet specific challenges. The partnership draws on best available evidence and local expertise to implement and embed approaches aimed at improving outcomes for all children (especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds).


 Meet the Evidence Network Team

Meet our team working to support East Cambs & Fenland schools: 

Adam Rivett

Evidence Network Director, Headteacher,
Littleport Community Primary

Kate Bonney

Evidence Network Director, Headteacher,
Robert Arkenstall Primary 

Becky Layfield

Evidence Network Coordinator, Curriculum Lead,
Robert Arkenstall Primary 

Suzie Dew

Evidence Network Administrator, Robert Arkenstall Primary

What our partners say

The ECF Evidence Network creates a fantastic opportunity to provide contextualised support to schools in Fenland and East Cambridgeshire with a focus on evidence-informed practice and we are delighted to support its development. Colleagues within the former OA, now known as the Priority Area, remain committed to supporting the development of this Network to ensure that there is support available across the area to enable schools to successfully implement evidence informed practice.

Tiffany Middleton

Fenland and East Cambridgeshire Priority Area (FECPA) Programme Manager

Norwich Research School are delighted to be involved in the establishment of this Evidence Network for Fenland and East Cambridgeshire, which brings together essential local knowledge and expertise with the “best bets” based on extensive research in a variety of different areas of education. The Evidence Advocates have a wide range of knowledge and experience in implementing and sustaining improvement in schools, and a relentless focus and determination to positively impact on outcomes for children in the area.

Rachael Wilson

Deputy Director, Norwich Research School

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