Introduction
In 2003, Graham Handscomb and John MacBeath proposed that schools could become research-engaged by placing research and enquiry ‘at the heart of the school, its outlook, systems and activity’ (Handscomb and MacBeath, 2003).
A team of researchers at the National Foundation for Educational Research worked with eight primary and seven secondary schools to find out what could be achieved (see Sharp et al., 2005). Our study showed that research engagement helps staff to develop their schools and make them exciting places to work. Since then, I have been privileged to work with many more schools and have seen the positive impact that becoming research-engaged can have on staff, pupils and the wider community (see also Sharp and Handscomb, 2007).
What is a research-engaged school?
A research-engaged school is a dynamic institution. It’s looking, questioning and trying to improve things all the time.